Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080198245 | SAMPLE AND HOLD CIRCUIT AND ACTIVE PIXEL SENSOR ARRAY SAMPLING SYSTEM UTILIZING SAME - An active pixel sensor array sampling system includes a plurality of video circuits and reset circuits. A video circuit generates a video voltage from each one of the pixels of a column of pixels. An associated reset circuit generates a reset voltage for each of the pixels of a column of pixels. The video circuits and the reset circuits are closed loop sample and hold circuits. The active pixel sensor array is integrated on an integrated circuit. | 08-21-2008 |
20080204578 | Image sensor dark correction method, apparatus, and system - A method of performing dark correction for signals generated by an image sensor is disclosed. Dark state signals are received from an image sensor and a dark correction ratio is determined for each pixel based on the dark state signals. Operational state signals are received from the image sensor and a pseudo dark signal is determined for each pixel based on the dark correction ratio and further based on the operational state signals. A corrected signal value based on the pseudo dark signal is determined. The method is capable of compensating for dark signals from the image sensor over a course of a series of measurements notwithstanding changes in temperature and exposure time. | 08-28-2008 |
20080218608 | Apparatus and method for reducing edge effect in an image sensor - A method and apparatus for forming dummy pixels exhibiting electrical characteristics virtually identical to the clear pixels of the imaging array. Arrays of such dummy pixels are used to form regions that isolate the main imaging array and sub-arrays of optical black pixels while preventing edge effects. The dummy pixels are preferably clear but can also be covered with optical black. By setting quiescent operation in soft reset, the dummy pixels exhibit the diode ideality and R | 09-11-2008 |
20080218609 | Cross-coupled differential Dac-based black clamp circuit - A black clamp circuit for an image sensor utilizes a differential programmable gain amplifier and a feed-back loop to adjust a black level based on comparison to a reference black level. The gain (and therefore step size and range) of the feed-back loop constant for all programmable gain amplifier gain settings. The gain of the fee-back loop is kept constant by adjusting the values of programmable capacitors in the circuit. | 09-11-2008 |
20080225140 | IMAGE SENSORS - A pixel structure includes two different photosensitive portions. One portion is shielded from incident light and the signals from both are fed into an op amp so that the differential signal is output as the pixel output, thereby cancelling dark current. | 09-18-2008 |
20080239111 | Method and appratus for dark current compensation of imaging sensors - Disclosed embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for dark current compensation of imager pixels signals. A row-wise dark offset is calculated and then subtracted from the imaging pixel signals, a row-wise dark offset for at least one row being different from a row-wise dark offset for at least another row. | 10-02-2008 |
20080273101 | IMAGE CAPTURING SYSTEM, SIGNAL PROCESSING CIRCUIT, AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD - An image capturing system includes a signal correction unit which corrects a signal output from a defective pixel in an optical black region based on a signal output from a normal pixel. The optical black region has a plurality of pixel blocks. Each of the plurality of pixel blocks has a plurality of pixels each including one or more elements which have the same functions as in the remaining pixels and which have relative positions different from the remaining pixels. The signal correction unit corrects the signal output from the defective pixel in the optical black region based on a signal output from a normal pixel which is included in another pixel block different from the pixel block of the defective pixel in the optical black region and includes one or more elements having the same functions and same relative positions as in the defective pixel. | 11-06-2008 |
20080297627 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS - A solid-state imaging apparatus including: a pixel section having pixels two-dimensionally arranged into row direction and column direction, each pixel containing a photoelectric conversion section, an accumulation section for accumulating output of the photoelectric conversion section, an amplification section for amplifying output of the photoelectric conversion section accumulated at the accumulation section and outputting it as pixel signal, and a reset section for effecting reset of the accumulation section; a vertical scanning section for selecting row to be read out of the pixel section; vertical signal lines provided correspondingly to columns of the pixel section, onto which pixel signals of pixels arranged in column direction are outputted; a column amplifier section for effecting suppression of dark current component of the pixels contained in pixel signals inputted through the vertical signal line and for amplifying the pixel signals after the suppression; a horizontal scanning section for selecting the pixel signal amplified by the column amplifier section and outputting it onto a horizontal signal line; and a dark current correction signal generation section for generating and applying on the column amplifier section a signal for suppressing the dark current component based on the pixel signal from the horizontal signal line. | 12-04-2008 |
20080309802 | Sensor Apparatus and Method for Noise Reduction - A sensor including an array of sensor elements generates an image responsive to electromagnetic radiation exposure. The sensor reads coordinates for predetermined hot sensor elements and calculates a dark count for each hot sensor element. The sensor determines a temperature indicator based on the dark count for the hot sensor elements and calculates the dark count for all sensor elements based on the temperature indicator. Based on the dark count the sensor is able to compensate for dark current. | 12-18-2008 |
20090002527 | SOLID-STATE IMAGE SENSOR AND METHOD OF REMOVING DARK CURRENT COMPONENT - A solid-state image sensor where dark current components fluctuating due to temperature changes are removed from pixel signals without reducing resolution during AD conversion. The sensor has a DA converter for generating a reference signal that increases at a constant slope from a predetermined initial signal level, a comparator for comparing the reference signal with a pixel signal, a counter for performing a counting operation in synchronization with increase in the reference signal, a latch circuit for holding as a quantized value of the pixel signal a discrete value at the time when the reference signal and the pixel signal coincide with each other, an average calculator for calculating an average of the quantized values of pixel signals read out from plural light-shielded pixels, and a reference signal adjuster for setting based on the average the initial signal level of the reference signal compared with the pixel signal read out from a light-receiving pixel. | 01-01-2009 |
20090046180 | Fixed-Pattern Noise Elimination Apparatus, Solid-State Image Sensing Apparatus, Electronic Appliance, and Fixed-Pattern Noise Elimination Program - A fixed-pattern noise elimination apparatus | 02-19-2009 |
20090073289 | Method and apparatus for providing a rolling double reset timing for global storage in image sensors - An apparatus for and a method of operating an array of pixels of an image sensor, where each pixel includes at least a photosensor, an associated storage device and a floating diffusion region and the array of pixels is configured in a plurality of rows and columns. The photosensors associated with the pixels are reset and charges are accumulated in the photosensor. The accumulated charges are then globally transferred to storage devices associated with the pixels. A rolling double reset is used to reduce the deleterious effects on the accumulated charges stored in the storage devices. The accumulated charges stored in the storage devices are transferred to floating diffusion regions associated with the pixels and the charges residing in the floating diffusion region are read out. In a second embodiment the storage device is eliminated and the rolling double reset is used to reduce the deleterious effects on the accumulated charges stored in the floating diffusion region. | 03-19-2009 |
20090102952 | BLACK LEVEL CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A black level control apparatus and method, particularly for a high-speed video camera ( | 04-23-2009 |
20090122167 | Method And Apparatus For Removing Noise By Dark Current Of Image Sensor - The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for removing noise in an image sensor, more specifically to a method and an apparatus for removing noise caused by a dark current. Through the method for removing noise caused by a dark current that comprises initializing a frame and receiving a digital image signal and converting a value of a clamp bit among bits of the pixel data, included in the digital image signal, to a predetermined value, wherein the clamp bit is a bit stream of sequential digits having a predetermined size comprising a least significant bit among the bits of the pixel data, clearer and shaper images can be displayed through the image sensor. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122168 | METHOD FOR RESETTING IMAGE SENSING AND IMAGE SENSING DEVICE USING THE SAME - A method for resetting image sensing and an image sensing device using the same are provided. The method for resetting image sensing includes generating a plurality of reset signals and a plurality of control signals, and using the reset signals and the control signals to control a pixel array to reset and expose. The pixel array has a plurality of pixel blocks, each of the pixel blocks has a plurality of pixel sensing units. When the plurality of pixel sensing units of one of the pixel blocks expose to acquire a plurality of sensing signals sequentially, the plurality of pixel sensing units of another one of the pixel blocks are reset. | 05-14-2009 |
20090160979 | Methods and apparatuses for double sided dark reference pixel row-wise dark level non-uniformity compensation in image signals - Methods and apparatuses for row-wise dark level non-uniformity compensation of imaging sensor pixel signals. A column dependent dark reference value is determined as one of a linear and parabolic function of signal values from two areas of dark reference pixels and a column location and then used for dark level non-uniformity compensation of signal values from imaging pixels. | 06-25-2009 |
20090201393 | Black reference pixel for backside illuminated image sensor - An imaging sensor pixel array includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of active pixels and at least one black reference pixel. The plurality of active pixels are disposed in the semiconductor substrate for capturing an image. Each of the active pixels includes a first region for receiving light including a p-n junction for accumulating an image charge and active pixel circuitry coupled to the first region to readout the image charge. The black reference pixel is also disposed within the semiconductor substrate for generating a black level reference value. The black reference pixel includes a second region for receiving light without a p-n junction and black pixel circuitry coupled to the photodiode region without the p-n junction to readout a black level reference signal. | 08-13-2009 |
20090213250 | Internal Storage of Camera Characteristics During Production - The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for storing camera module characteristics of a camera module (or camera) of an electronic device provided during production (e.g., a factory testing) of the electronic device in a non-volatile memory of the camera module, such that the camera module characteristics are used by the electronic device for taking and processing images and/or identifying the camera module. The electronic device can be a wireless communication device, a portable electronic device, a camera, a camera-phone mobile device, etc. | 08-27-2009 |
20090219418 | IMAGE SENSOR AND METHOD TO REDUCE DARK CURRENT OF CMOS IMAGE SENSOR - An image sensor includes one or more photodetectors for collecting charge in response to incident light and a storage region adjacent each photodetector. A transfer mechanism transfers charge from each photodetector to a respective storage region. A conductive layer or a polysilicon layer is situated over each storage region. A bias voltage terminal is connected to each conductive layer or polysilicon layer for receiving a bias voltage to bias the conductive layer or polysilicon layer to a predetermined voltage level. | 09-03-2009 |
20090244331 | NOISE ELIMINATOR - A noise eliminator is provided which can highly compress and store dark current noise components while maintaining characteristics, including many high frequency components. A noise distribution analysis section | 10-01-2009 |
20090251572 | EFFICIENT WIDE-RANGE AND HIGH-RESOLUTION BLACK LEVEL AND OFFSET CALIBRATION SYSTEM - A black level calibration (BLC) system is disclosed. A readout chain receives and amplifies dark signal, and generates corresponding digital output. A level integrator performs integration of calibration levels in multiple steps according to the digital output, thereby achieving wide calibration range. | 10-08-2009 |
20090262224 | Imaging device - An imaging device includes an imaging sensor, a switching section, and a controlling section. The imaging sensor includes a light receiving surface to which light receiving elements capable of addressing reading are arranged, and having, on the light receiving surface, an imaging area capturing a subject image and an optical black area outputting a signal of a dark current component, the optical black area which the light receiving elements are covered with a light shielding member. The switching section switching a first state and a second state. The controlling section reads a signal level by each partial area at the optical black area when a dark image is captured in the second state after capturing a normal image in the first state, sequentially compares with the signal level at a corresponding position of the normal image, and controls a exposure time of the dark image according to the comparison result. | 10-22-2009 |
20090278964 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAPTURING HIGH QUALITY LONG EXPOSURE IMAGES WITH A DIGITAL CAMERA - A digital camera captures high quality long exposure images by capturing and summing several images of the same scene. The effective ISO of the camera is reduced by scaling the summed image, thus reducing image noise and improving long exposure quality. | 11-12-2009 |
20090290049 | IMAGE-CAPTURING APPARATUS, IMAGE-CAPTURING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - An image-capturing apparatus includes an image-capturing device having an effective pixel area formed of a plurality of areas having different dark current characteristics and a light-shielded pixel area arranged in the region surrounding the effective pixel area; a storage unit configured to prestore a correlation between dark current differences among the plurality of areas and dark current of the light-shielded pixel area; a detector configured to detect the dark current of the light-shielded pixel area during image capturing; a dark current difference obtaining unit configured to, on the basis of the correlation stored in the storage unit, obtain dark current differences among the plurality of areas during image capturing from the dark current of the light-shielded pixel area; and a correction processor configured to correct a video signal obtained from the effective pixel area on the basis of the dark current differences during the image capturing. | 11-26-2009 |
20090290050 | COMPENSATION OF LEAKAGE CURRENT AND RESIDUAL SIGNALS FOR INTEGRATING DETECTOR BASED ON DIRECT X-RAY CONVERSION - The application describes an X-ray detector, which uses direct X-ray conversion (DiCo) combined with CMOS pixel circuits. DiCo materials have to be used with high voltage to achieve a high field strength. This makes the sensor prone to leakage currents, which falsify the measured charge result. Moreover, most direct conversion materials suffer from large residual signals that lead to temporal artifacts (ghost images) in an X-ray image sequence. A circuit is described, which senses the sensor's dark current including residual signals from previous exposures before the sensor is exposed (again) to X-ray, and freezes relevant circuit parameters at the end of the sensing phase in such way, that the dark current (leakage current and residual signal) can still be drained during exposure. Therefore, the charge pulses generated in the sensor due to X-ray exposure can be integrated without charges carried by the leakage current or residual signal, thus obtaining a more accurate estimate of the deposited X-ray energy. | 11-26-2009 |
20090322913 | SPLIT TRANSFER GATE FOR DARK CURRENT SUPPRESSION IN AN IMAGER PIXEL - A pixel with a photosensor and a transfer transistor having a split transfer gate. A first section of the transfer gate is connectable to a first voltage source while a second section of the transfer gate is connectable to a second voltage source. Thus, during a charge integration period of a photosensor, the two sections of the transfer gate may be oppositely biased to decrease dark current while controlling blooming of electrons within and out of the pixel cell. During charge transfer the two gate sections may be commonly connected to a positive voltage sufficient to transfer charge from the photosensor to a floating diffusion region. | 12-31-2009 |
20100026860 | IMAGING APPARATUS AND PHOTOGRAPHING CONTROL METHOD - After an end of exposure, a data level of OB signals that are imaging signals output from OB portion | 02-04-2010 |
20100039540 | DETERMINATION OF THE FIXED PATTERN NOISE DURING THE OPERATION OF A CAMERA - A fixed pattern noise of an image converter is automatically determined. A first optical image is converted using the image converter into digital image data, the light level of the first optical image is determined, the light level of the first optical image is compared with a threshold value, and the image converter characteristics of the image converter are reset to a dark image setting in such a way that the image data generated over the photosensitive imaging surface of the image converter at constant distribution of the determined light level include no component produced by the light level. Immediately thereafter, using the dark image setting previously set, a first dark image is recorded. | 02-18-2010 |
20100045829 | IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS - According to this invention, even when an image capturing apparatus has a plurality of read modes, the frame rate can be prevented from decreasing in a high-resolution video photographing mode. The image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor and drive unit. The image sensor includes an effective image sensing area having a plurality of pixels at the center portion of the image sensor, and a light-shielded pixel area having a plurality of light-shielded pixels at the peripheral portion of the image sensor. The drive unit can drive the image sensor in a plurality of modes, and drives the image sensor such that the plurality of read modes are almost equal to the light-shielded pixel read time BL-MIN for reading pixel signals in the light-shielded pixel area. | 02-25-2010 |
20100073524 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR CORRECTION OF DARK CURRENT ERROR IN SEMICONDUCTOR IMAGING DEVICES - Detection cells configured to output signals for dark current error correction. Various embodiments of detection cells accumulate dark charge supplied by dark current sources, and output dark charge signals indicating the amount of accumulated dark charge. The dark charge signals may be used to approximate the amount of dark charge read out by pixel cells of an imaging array and/or to offset portions of pixel cell signals attributable to dark charge accumulation. | 03-25-2010 |
20100079628 | IMAGING APPARATUS - A CCD image sensor has an imaging surface composed of an effective pixel area and OB areas, and first and second light receiving element groups on even-numbered and odd-numbered columns respectively in the imaging surface. These light receiving element groups have separately-controllable exposure times, and they are set to low and high sensitivities. An imaging device includes this CCD, a memory storing defective pixel information of the OB areas, an OB clamping circuit for applying an OB clamp processing to the light receiving element groups, and an image processing circuit for generating image data from the output signals of the light receiving element groups after the OB clamp processing. Referring the defective pixel information, a CPU sets one of the light receiving element groups having more OB defective pixels to low sensitivity, and the other having less OB defective pixels to high sensitivity. | 04-01-2010 |
20100091144 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE AND SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEM - A solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel section formed on a substrate and having an effective pixel area that converts incident light into an electric signal, and an optical black area placed around the effective pixel area; an optical communication section placed near a predetermined optical black area of the optical black area, and converts a signal read from the pixel section into an optical signal for output; a dark current level supplying section that generates an estimated dark current level varying with a pixel position from which a signal is read, on the basis of a dark current level acquired from the predetermined optical black area, and outputs the estimated dark current level in synchronization with a signal read timing from the effective pixel area; and a noise compensation section that subtracts the estimated dark current level from a signal read from the effective pixel area. | 04-15-2010 |
20100091145 | FIXED-PATTERN NOISE REDUCTION SYSTEM, IMAGING SYSTEM, AND ELECTRONIC ENDOSCOPE UNIT - A fixed-pattern noise reduction system comprising a receiver, a determination circuit, an image sensor driver, a subtracter and an output circuit is provided. The receiver receives optical pixel signals and artificial black pixel signals. The determination circuit determines whether the signal intensity of the optical pixel signal is less than a threshold. The image sensor driver orders the image sensor to carry out a second capture at least one time after the signal intensity of the optical pixel signal is less than the threshold. The subtracter subtracts noise signals from the optical pixel signals. The noise signals are generated on the basis of the artificial black pixel signal. The output circuit outputs the optical pixel signals that the subtracter subtracts the noise signals from after carrying out the second capture after carrying out the second capture. | 04-15-2010 |
20100110239 | DARK CURRENTS AND REDUCING DEFECTS IN IMAGE SENSORS AND PHOTOVOLTAIC JUNCTIONS - Dark currents within a photosensitive device are reduced through improved implantation of a species during its fabrication. Dark currents can be caused by defects in the photo-diode device, caused during the annealing, implanting or other processing steps used during fabrication. By amorphizing the workpiece in the photo-diode region, the number of defects can be reduced thereby reducing this cause of dark current. Dark current is also caused by stress induced by an adjacent STI, where the stress caused by the liner and fill material exacerbate defects in the workpiece. By amorphizing the sidewalls and bottom surface of the trench, defects created during the etching process can be reduced. This reduction in defects also decreases dark current in the photosensitive device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100128150 | CLAMP CONTROL METHOD, CLAMP CORRECTION DEVICE, IMAGE SENSOR, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a clamp control method, a clamp correction device, an image sensor, and an electronic apparatus in which high-quality imaging without unnaturalness as a whole can be performed with low power consumption in an image sensor having a large number of pixels. | 05-27-2010 |
20100157113 | IMAGE SENSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An image sensing apparatus including an image sensor that performs photoelectric conversion and outputs an image signal, a subtraction circuit that subtracts a black image signal obtained from the image sensor when the image sensor is shielded from light from a subject image signal obtained from the image sensor when the image sensor is exposed, a setting unit that sets a shooting condition, and a control unit that controls a thinning rate during thinning readout from the image sensor of the black image signal in accordance with the shooting condition set by the setting unit. | 06-24-2010 |
20100194935 | IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS, CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR AND PROGRAM - An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor having an effective pixel area where plural pixels not shield from light are two-dimensionally arranged, and a first optical black area and a second optical black area including pixels shielded from light provided on the both sides of the effective pixel area; and a correction unit to, upon incident of high luminance light on the image sensor, correct an output signal of a pixel between a high luminance portion as a pixel part on which the high luminance light is incident in the effective pixel area and the first optical black area using an output signal of the first optical black area, and correct an output signal of a pixel between the high luminance portion and the second optical black area, using an output signal of the second optical black area. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194936 | SOLID-STATE IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SOLID-STATE IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE, METHOD OF DRIVING SOLID-STATE IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A solid-state image capturing device includes: a substrate; a substrate voltage source which applies a first potential to the substrate during a light reception period and applies a second potential to the substrate during a non-light reception period; and a plurality of pixels which each includes a light receiver which is formed on a front surface of the substrate and generates signal charges in accordance with received light, a storage capacitor which is formed adjacent to the light receiver and accumulates and stores signal charges generated by the light receiver, dark-current suppressors which are formed in the light receiver and the storage capacitor, an electronic shutter adjusting layer which is formed in an area facing the light receiver in the substrate and distant from the storage capacitor and which adjusts potential distribution, and a floating diffusion portion to which the signal charges accumulated in the storage capacitor are transmitted. | 08-05-2010 |
20100231761 | IMAGE SENSOR AND IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS - An image sensor having a pixel amplifier reduces noise generated by a driving transistor (Td | 09-16-2010 |
20100231762 | IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD AND CAMERA USING THE IMAGE SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - When clamping a signal from a solid state image sensor, float of an optical black pixel output due to incoming of infrared light avoids a malfunction of a clamp from occurring. When clamping a signal from the solid state image sensor, the difference between the optical black pixel output and a clamp target level is output as a difference output, the difference output is compared with a comparison level to integrate the number of times larger than the comparison level every horizontal line. When the number of times is equal to or more than a certain rate (⅔) from the number of optical black pixels on the horizontal line, an optical black float state is determined and clamping operation is performed in accordance with a held value immediately before. | 09-16-2010 |
20100253812 | Method of Correcting Sensitivity and Imaging Apparatus - An object of the invention is to provide a method of correcting sensitivity and an imaging apparatus, by which shading correction can be performed with good accuracy even with a simple structure. A method of correcting sensitivity includes providing imaging elements each including a photosensitive section ( | 10-07-2010 |
20100265368 | Analog Dark Average Circuit and Method for an Image Sensor - An analog dark-signal averaging circuit and method for an image sensor are disclosed. Each sub-circuit of the dark-signal averaging circuit correspondingly inputs a signal from a pixel circuit of the image sensor, and each sub-circuit includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit. The capacitors of the sub-circuits are controllably coupled by average switches, thereby averaging the reset signals and the image signals among the black pixels. | 10-21-2010 |
20100271514 | Black level correction circuit and solid-state imaging device - A black level correction circuit includes: a counter counting a black signal level of an image; a black level determination section determining a feedback gain by comparing data outputted from the counter with a previously set threshold; an average value calculation section calculating an average value from data supplied from the counter; a feedback calculation processing section selecting the feedback gain by a control signal supplied from the black level determination section and calculating the selected feedback gain and the averaged data; and a digital-analog converter correcting data to which feedback calculation processing has been performed and converting the corrected data into analog data to output an analog black signal. | 10-28-2010 |
20100283875 | READ OUT METHOD FOR A CMOS IMAGER WITH REDUCED DARK CURRENT - The invention relates to an apparatus and method, for capturing an electronic image using a CMOS imager having an electronic shutter and a reduced dark current component in its image output signal. The dark current is reduced by—reading out each line of the CMOS imager in normal and reversed order and subsequent processing. | 11-11-2010 |
20100302415 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING APPARATUS - An imaging area includes an effective pixel section and an optical black section. Pixel signals read out from the imaging area, onto a plurality of vertical signal lines, are converted by an AD conversion circuit. The converted pixel signals are sequentially input to a signal processing circuit for computing processing. The circuit is provided with a horizontal-stripe noise suppression circuit for averaging of output signals, on a plurality of lines, which are readout from an OB section at an end in the horizontal direction in the imaging area, and for adding and subtracting of the averaged result to effective-pixel signals. | 12-02-2010 |
20100321541 | Noise reducing device, electronic camera, and image processing program for reducing image noise by using blackout image - A noise reducing device captures image data obtained by capturing a field with an image capturing part and a plurality of blackout image data obtained by capturing the field with the image capturing part under a light shielded state. This device reduces non-correlative random noise in the plural blackout image data. With random noise reduced, fixed pattern noise appears more accurately in resultant as blackout image data B. This device reduces the fixed pattern noise in the image data by using this blackout image data B. | 12-23-2010 |
20110007192 | Computer readable storage medium, image correction apparatus, and image correction method - An image correction apparatus includes a dark-pixel-region extracting unit that extracts a dark pixel region of image data photographed by a photographing unit, a dark-pixel-area calculating unit that calculates an area of the dark pixel region extracted by the dark-pixel-region extracting unit, a luminance-value-variance calculating unit that calculates variance of luminance values of pixels in the dark pixel region extracted by the dark-pixel-region extracting unit, and an image correction unit that corrects brightness of the image data in accordance with the area calculated by the dark-pixel-area calculating unit and in accordance with the variance of the luminance values calculated by the luminance-value-variance calculating unit. | 01-13-2011 |
20110013052 | IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor including a first reference pixel for black level, a second reference pixel for black level, and an effective pixel, and a processing unit which applies first processing to an output signal from the effective pixel based on an output signal from the first reference pixel for black level, and applies second processing to an output signal from the effective pixel based on an output signal from the second reference pixel for black level. The first reference pixel for black level and the second reference pixel for black level each include a charge-voltage converter which converts electric charge into a voltage and a pixel amplifier which amplifies the voltage of the charge-voltage converter. The pixel amplifiers of the first reference pixel for black level and the second reference pixel for black level differ in arrangement. | 01-20-2011 |
20110019036 | IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THAT CORRECT IMAGE DATA TAKEN BY IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS - An image pickup apparatus that make it possible to perform image processing under appropriate conditions and secure appropriate image qualities of taken images. The image pickup device has a photoelectric conversion element portion that generates signal electric charge according to the amount of received light, a first optical black unit having a light-shielded photoelectric conversion element structure and having first output characteristics, and a second optical black unit having a light-shielded photoelectric conversion element structure and having second output characteristics different from the first output characteristics. A dark current value is measured based on an output from the first optical black unit and an output from the second optical black unit. Whether or not to perform image processing is determined according to the measured dark current value. | 01-27-2011 |
20110019037 | Electronic Camera - An electronic camera includes an imager. An imager outputs an image signal that is based on electric charges produced on an imaging surface having an optical black area. A clamper clamps the image signal outputted from the imager by referring to a signal level of the optical black area. A processor processes the image signal outputted from the clamper by referring to a parameter setting. A restrictor restricts behavior of the clamper corresponding to a specific area allocated to the optical black area. An adjustor adjusts the parameter setting based on an output of the clamper corresponding to the restricting process of the restrictor. | 01-27-2011 |
20110058073 | Signal Chain of an Imaging System - A signal chain of an imaging system is disclosed. The system includes three circuit stages. The first circuit stage includes a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and a black level compensation (BLC) circuit that form a BLC loop. The second circuit stage includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), where a dark signal offset is added at an input of the ADC. The third circuit stage includes a digital gain circuit and a digital loop that makes a final output of the imaging system settle on a target level in the BLC mode. | 03-10-2011 |
20110058074 | DEFECTIVE PIXEL SPECIFYING METHOD, DEFECTIVE PIXEL SPECIFYING SYSTEM, IMAGE CORRECTING METHOD, AND IMAGE CORRECTING SYSTEM - A defective pixel specifying method and a defective pixel specifying system for a semiconductor device having a defective pixel are provided. Also provided are an image correcting method and an image correcting system for making a defective pixel inconspicuous on the screen when a read image is displayed. The present invention determines whether or not there is a defective pixel for each pixel and specifies the coordinate of the defective pixel using image signals obtained by reading a plurality of images. The image signal of the defective pixel is set based on the image signals of the pixels adjacent to the defective pixel to correct the image of the subject read. | 03-10-2011 |
20110074986 | BLACK LEVEL ADJUSTING APPARATUS, METHOD FOR THE SAME, AND SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE - According to one embodiment, a black level adjusting apparatus includes a black-level correcting unit that generates a clamp parameter based on an OB value (a pixel signal value) obtained by A/D-converting, with an A/D conversion circuit, an imaging signal of an optical black section of a solid-state imaging device and feeds back clamp voltage corresponding to the clamp parameter to the A/D conversion circuit. The black-level correcting unit updates the clamp parameter using a linear relation between the clamp parameter and the OB value. | 03-31-2011 |
20110096208 | IMAGE SENSOR WITH VERTICAL TRANSFER GATE - An image sensor including a first pixel positioned between second and third pixels, each of the first, second and third pixels comprising a photodiode region surrounded by an isolation trench; a first charge transfer gate comprising a first column electrode surrounded by an insulating layer and positioned in an opening of the isolation trench between the first and second pixels, the first column electrode being configured to receive a first transfer voltage signal; and a second charge transfer gate including a second column electrode surrounded by an insulating layer and positioned in an opening of the isolation trench between the first and third pixels, the second column electrode being configured to receive a second transfer voltage signal. | 04-28-2011 |
20110102647 | METHODS OF MODELING AN INTEGRATED NOISE IN AN IMAGE SENSOR AND METHODS OF REDUCING NOISE USING THE SAME - A method is for processing a Bayer domain signal of an image sensor to model an integrated noise in the image sensor. The method includes receiving the Bayer domain signal of the image signal, setting a plurality of noise models using the Bayer domain signal, and determining an integrated noise level in the image sensor based on the plurality of noise models. The noise models include a dark-current noise model, a shot noise model and a fixed-pattern noise model. | 05-05-2011 |
20110115952 | IMAGE SENSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An image sensing apparatus comprises an image sensor configured to convert an optical image of a subject into image signals by photoelectric conversion. The image sensing apparatus acquires information for estimating a magnitude of a dark current in the image sensor, and, on the basis of the acquired information, selects any one of vertical linear noise correction processing, black subtraction processing, and normal readout processing in which neither the vertical linear noise correction processing or the black subtraction processing is carried out. Then, the image sensing apparatus carries out the vertical linear noise correction processing to correct a vertical linear noise in an image if the vertical linear noise correction processing is selected, or the black subtraction processing to correct a vertical linear noise and a fixed pattern noise in an image if the black subtraction processing is selected. | 05-19-2011 |
20110157433 | Generating column offset corrections for image sensors - An image sensor includes multiple photoactive pixels and multiple dark reference pixels typically arranged in rows and columns to form a pixel array. A dark signal is read out from a given number of dark reference pixels in each column at a first gain level. An initial column offset correction is determined for one or more columns in the pixel array using respective dark signals read out at the first gain level. The initial column offset corrections are repeatedly scaled in response to each detected change to a different gain level. The column offset corrections can be scaled based on an amount of change between each respective different gain level and the first gain level. | 06-30-2011 |
20110157434 | Generating column offset corrections for image sensors - An image sensor includes multiple photoactive pixels and multiple dark reference pixels arranged in rows and columns to form a pixel array. A dark signal is read out of one or more dark reference pixels in each column and used to determine a column offset for one or more columns in the pixel array. Each time an image or frame of an image is read out, the column offset for the one or more columns is updated using dark signals read out from a given number of dark reference pixels. The column offset for the one or more columns is scaled when a gain level is changed for a captured image. | 06-30-2011 |
20110157435 | Generating column offset corrections for image sensors - An image sensor includes multiple photoactive pixels and multiple dark reference pixels arranged in rows and columns to form a pixel array. A dark signal is read out of one or more dark reference pixels in each column and used to determine a column offset for one or more columns in the pixel array. An offset window is used for each column in the pixel array to define an acceptable maximum dark signal and an acceptable minimum dark signal for each column. The dark signals from each column are analyzed to determine if there are any dark signals outside the offset window. If any of the dark signals are outside the offset window, the dark signal or signals can be compensated for or discarded. | 06-30-2011 |
20110164155 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS - A noise elimination method capable of handling even beat noise occurring in an oblique direction is proposed. In an image processing apparatus that is provided with a correcting unit that subtracts cyclic data of beat noise from effective pixel data included in inputted digital image data, the correcting unit comprises: a distributing unit that sequentially and cyclically distributes optical black area pixel data included in the digital image data; an integrating unit to which the optical black area pixel data distributed by the distributing unit is sequentially inputted; a first calculating unit that divides the integration result of the integrating unit by the number of integrations; a minimum value detecting unit that detects a minimum value of the output of the first calculating unit; and a second calculating unit that calculates the minimum value and the division result to obtain the cyclic data of the beat noise. | 07-07-2011 |
20110199518 | IMAGE SENSOR WITH IMPROVED BLACK LEVEL CALIBRATION - An imaging system capable of black level calibration includes an imaging pixel array, at least one black reference pixel, and peripheral circuitry. The imaging pixel array includes a plurality of active pixels each coupled to capture image data. The black reference pixel is coupled to generate a black reference signal for calibrating the image data. Light transmitting layers are disposed on a first side of a pixel array die including the imaging system and cover at least the imaging pixel array and the black reference pixel. A light shielding layer is disposed on the first side of the pixel array die and covers a portion of the light transmitting layers and the black reference pixel without covering the imaging pixel array. | 08-18-2011 |
20110221938 | Optical Black-Level Cancellation for Optical Sensors Using Open-Loop Sample Calibration Amplifier - A Optical Black Pixel (OBP) cancellation circuit corrects offsets in sensors in a CCD/CMOS image sensor when reading dark pixels such at the periphery. A pixel voltage is switched to a sampling capacitor during two phases of the same pixel pulse. Sampling capacitors and feedback capacitors connect to differential inputs of an amplifier. An accumulating capacitor accumulates voltage differences and generates a common-mode voltage that is fed back to another sampling capacitor that stores an amplifier offset. The sampling capacitor and accumulating capacitor and their associated switches form a discrete-time first-order low-pass filter that filters the pixel voltage during the first phase. In the second phase the amplifier acts as a unity-gain amplifier to output an average of the pixel voltage differences generated during an OBP time when blackened or covered pixels are read from the image sensor. | 09-15-2011 |
20110228143 | IMAGING DEVICE AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM - In an imaging device, a cooling unit cools an imaging element. A storage unit stores table data representing correspondence relationships between signal values based on luminescences of detection targets, cooling temperatures, exposure times, and S/N ratios. A S/N calculating unit calculates a S/N ratio at a time when pre-imaging has been performed. A determination unit determines, from the table data and as a cooling temperature and an exposure time for the imaging, a combination of a cooling temperature and an exposure time with which the S/N ratio becomes equal to or greater than the reference S/N ratio on the basis of a result of comparison between the calculated S/N ratio and a predetermined reference S/N ratio. A control unit controls the imaging element and the cooling element such that a subject is imaged at the cooling temperature and in the exposure time that are determined. | 09-22-2011 |
20110228144 | DARK CURRENT REDUCTION IN IMAGE SENSORS VIA DYNAMIC ELECTRICAL BIASING - In various embodiments, an image sensor and method of using an image sensor are described. In an example embodiment, the image sensor comprises a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of pixel regions with each pixel region comprising an optically sensitive material over the substrate and positioned to receive light. There is a bias electrode for each pixel region, with the bias electrode configured to provide a bias voltage to the optically sensitive material of the respective pixel region. Also included is a pixel circuit for each pixel region with each pixel circuit comprising a charge store formed on the semiconductor substrate and a read out circuit, the charge store being in electrical communication with the optically sensitive material of the respective pixel region. The pixel circuit is configured to reset the voltage on the charge store to a reset voltage during a reset period, to integrate charge from the optically sensitive material to the charge store during an integration period, and to read out a signal from the charge store during a read out period. The pixel circuit includes a reference voltage node to be coupled to the charge store during the reset period and the read out circuit during the read out period where a reference voltage is applied to the reference voltage node and is configured to be varied during the operation of the pixel circuit. | 09-22-2011 |
20110234861 | IMAGING DEVICE - An imaging device comprising a single photographing optical system, an image sensor having a plurality of pixels for obtaining a plurality of viewpoint images by photo-electrically converting a luminous flux passing through different regions of the photographing optical system, and a shading correction part for conducting a shading correction to the plurality of viewpoint images. The shading correction part varies the amount of shading correction based on light-reduction property for one viewpoint image among the plurality of viewpoint images with respect to the amount of shading correction based on light-reduction property for the other viewpoint image among the plurality of viewpoint images. | 09-29-2011 |
20110304751 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE - A solid-state imaging device | 12-15-2011 |
20120069227 | IMAGE READING DEVICE FOR READING IMAGE DATA - According to one embodiment, an image reading device is disclosed. The reference memory stores reference signals of tone levels “0” to “n” which are output from the sensor by light of tone levels “0” to “n” reflected by the shading plate. The afterimage memory stores afterimage signals of tone levels “1” to “n” which are output from the sensor after the sensor outputs the reference signals. The image signal memory store image signals of first and second lines. The afterimage correction memory store the afterimage signals of tone levels “n−1” and “n” when the image signal of the first line is not smaller than the reference signal of tone level “n−1”, and smaller than the reference signal of tone level “n”. The signal processor performs afterimage correction on the image signal of the second line by calculation using at least the afterimage signals of tone levels “n−1” and “n”. | 03-22-2012 |
20120099007 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An image processing apparatus obtains a black image captured in the light-shielded state, and applies a cyclic type filter to each line in a direction parallel to the streak in the black image, reducing random noise in the first direction. The image processing apparatus deletes, from a black image obtained by applying the cyclic type filter, lines in the second direction by the group delay of the cyclic type filter. Further, the image processing apparatus generates an image having a line count corresponding to the group delay by using a final line in the second direction in the image from which lines corresponding to the group delay have been deleted. The image processing apparatus adds the generated image to the image from which lines corresponding to the group delay have been deleted, and outputs the resultant image. | 04-26-2012 |
20120133803 | METHOD AND APPARATUSES FOR PEDESTAL LEVEL COMPENSATION OF ACTIVE SIGNAL GENERATED FROM AN OUTPUT SIGNAL OF A PIXEL IN AN IMAGE SENSOR - A pedestal level compensation method includes calculating a dark level difference error depending on temperature, calculating a pedestal level offset depending on an analog gain, and compensating a pedestal level according to the dark level difference error and the pedestal level offset. | 05-31-2012 |
20120162487 | REDUCING NOISE IN DIGITAL IMAGES - A target digital image is received from an image sensor. The image is contaminated by noise of unknown magnitude that is represented by a reference digital image. A process is applied that uses statistical analysis of the target digital image and of the reference digital image to estimate a magnitude of the noise for at least some pixels of the target digital image. | 06-28-2012 |
20120224086 | IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An image capturing apparatus comprises an image sensing element including an effective pixel portion, and a shading pixel portion; a setting unit which variably sets, in at least one of row and column directions, an effective pixel signal readout region and shading pixel signal readout region; a readout unit which reads out the effective pixel signals and reads out the shading pixel signals; a correction data generation unit which generates correction data for each column or each row; a correction unit which corrects luminance levels of the effective pixel signals, for each column or each row; and a control unit which controls the setting unit so that the shading pixel signal readout region becomes wider than the effective pixel signal readout region. | 09-06-2012 |
20120249845 | IMAGE SENSOR WITH IMPROVED BLACK LEVEL CALIBRATION - An imaging system capable of black level calibration includes an imaging pixel array, at least one black reference pixel, and peripheral circuitry. The imaging pixel array includes a plurality of active pixels each coupled to capture image data. The black reference pixel is coupled to generate a black reference signal for calibrating the image data. Light transmitting layers are disposed on a first side of a pixel array die including the imaging system and cover at least the imaging pixel array and the black reference pixel. A light shielding layer is disposed on the first side of the pixel array die and covers a portion of the light transmitting layers and the black reference pixel without covering the imaging pixel array. | 10-04-2012 |
20120274817 | METHOD OF SELECTIVE APERTURE SHARPENING AND HALO SUPPRESSION USING CHROMA ZONES IN CMOS IMAGERS - A method of suppressing a dark halo in an imager includes the steps of: extracting an edge value from an image; determining a chroma zone associated with the edge value extracted from the image; and modifying the edge value based on the chroma zone associated with the extracted edge value. The modified edge value from the imager is then provided to a user. The step of determining the chroma zone includes determining a chroma value of Cr and Cb in a Y-Cr-Cb color space; and modifying the edge value includes multiplying the edge value by a predetermined gain value, k, depending on the chroma value of Cr and Cb. If the value of Cr is greater than zero, then the gain value k is set close to zero, in order to suppress the dark halo in the modified edge value. On the other hand, if the value of Cr is less than zero, then the gain value k is set close to one, in order to sharpen the modified edge value in the image. | 11-01-2012 |
20120314106 | IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, AND SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE - According to embodiment, an image processing device includes a black level correcting section. The black level correcting section includes a first input restricting unit and a second input restricting unit. The second input restricting unit performs a second input restriction, having a second signal level range including a moving average as a reference, on a black level signal subjected to a first input restriction by the first input restricting unit. A correction amount calculation unit calculates a difference of an average of signal values subjected to the second input restriction and a black level standard value as a correction value to apply on an effective pixel signal. | 12-13-2012 |
20130027592 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE - According to one embodiment, a solid-state imaging device includes an effective pixel portion in which effective pixels are provided, a light-shielded pixel portion in which light-shielded pixels are provided, an ADC circuit that performs an AD conversion operation for signal components read from the effective pixel and the light-shielded pixel, on the basis of a result of a comparison with a reference voltage on which a clamping voltage is superimposed, and an AD clamping circuit that calculates a clamping voltage for a target value of a black level read from the light-shielded pixel by extrapolating a relation between the clamping voltage and an AD-converted value of the black level read from the light-shielded pixel at the time when the clamping voltage is applied. | 01-31-2013 |
20130120619 | ANALOG ROW BLACK LEVEL CALIBRATION FOR CMOS IMAGE SENSOR - A CMOS image sensor includes an image pixel array, a dark pixel array, data bit liens, reference bit lines, a driver, comparators, and analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) circuits. The image pixel array generates analog image signals in response to incident light. The dark pixel array generates analog black reference signals for analog black level calibration of the analog image signals. In one embodiment, the data bit lines each coupled to a different column of image pixels of the image pixel array and the reference bit lines each coupled to a different column of black reference pixels within the dark pixel array. The driver is coupled to the reference bit lines to drive an analog black reference signal. The comparators each couple to one of the data bit lines and each coupled to an output of the driver and offset the analog image signals with the analog black reference signals in an analog domain. The ADC circuits each coupled to an output of a comparator. | 05-16-2013 |
20130194463 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A black image captured in a light-shielded state is obtained, and the streak intensity is determined for each pixel of the black image from the absolute value of an AC component in a region containing the pixel. An extraction image which extracts streak-like fixed pattern noise in a captured image is generated using a black image obtained by applying, to the obtained black image, the first filter for reducing random noise in the first direction. | 08-01-2013 |
20130235236 | IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND RADIATION SYSTEM - An image processing apparatus for a radiation image obtains radiation image data obtained by radiation imaging using a radiation detector, and dark current data based on a signal obtained from the radiation detector without irradiating any radiation from a radiation generator. The image processing apparatus generates correction data by changing a ratio of frequency components based on the dark current data, and corrects the radiation image data based on the generated correction data. | 09-12-2013 |
20130258144 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DARK CURRENT CORRECTION - Embodiments of the invention describe a system, apparatus and method for obtaining black reference pixels for dark current correction processing are described herein. Embodiments of the invention capture image signal data via a plurality of pixel cells of a pixel unit of an image device, wherein capturing image signal data involves establishing a first state of exposing incident light on each pixel of the pixel unit and a second state of shielding incident light from one or more pixels of the pixel unit via a shutter unit disposed over the pixel unit. Image signal data from each pixel of the pixel unit captured during the first state and the second state is read, and scene image data is created by combining a subset of image signal data captured during the first state with a dark current component including a subset of image signal data captured during the second state. | 10-03-2013 |
20130271628 | SENSOR DARK PIXEL OFFSET ESTIMATION - Examples of systems and methods to provide estimates of dark current for pixels of a photosensor as a function of the temperature of the sensor and the gain applied to the photosensor are described. In various implementations, the dark current estimated for each pixel can depend at least partly on a global scale factor and a global bias that depend on temperature and gain and a temperature-independent and gain-independent offset value for each pixel. The scale, bias, and offsets may be determined from multiple dark field images taken by the sensor over a range of operating temperatures. In some cases, the scale and bias can be determined using a subset of less than all the image pixels. Scale and bias derived for a particular sensor can be used in the calibration of different sensors. | 10-17-2013 |
20130308019 | SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SOLID-STATE IMAGING DEVICE, AND IMAGING DEVICE - A solid-state imaging device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, connection units that electrically connect the first substrate aid the second substrate, pixels in the first substrate, the pixel including a photoelectric conversion element that converts incident lights to signal charges and accumulates the signal charges, and the pixel outputting pixel signals in accordance with the signal charges, signal lines that supply the second substrate with the pixel signals via the connection units, signal integration units in the second substrate that integrate the pixel signals supplied via the signal lines, and that produce an integrated signal, and signal output units that output the integrated signal. | 11-21-2013 |
20130308020 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ESTIMATING A FLY SCREEN EFFECT OF AN IMAGE CAPTURE UNIT - A method for estimating a fly screen effect of an image capture unit is described, having a plurality of image sensors for providing an item of light intensity information. The method includes a step of determining an image property of an item of image information, based on a plurality of items of light intensity information and on a plurality of parameters, each of the plurality of parameters being associated with each of the plurality of image sensors. This method also includes a step of ascertaining a plurality of parameter values for the plurality of parameters, in which the image property is at least made to approximate an ideal image property, the plurality of parameters representing the fly screen effect in a model of the image capture unit. | 11-21-2013 |
20130321677 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RAW IMAGE PROCESSING - Systems and methods for processing raw image data are provided. One example of such a system may include memory to store image data in raw format from a digital imaging device and an image signal processor to process the image data. The image signal processor may include data conversion logic and a raw image processing pipeline. The data conversion logic may convert the image data into a signed format to preserve negative noise from the digital imaging device. The raw image processing pipeline may at least partly process the image data in the signed format. The raw image processing pipeline may also include, among other things, black level compensation logic, fixed pattern noise reduction logic, temporal filtering logic, defective pixel correction logic, spatial noise filtering logic, lens shading correction logic, and highlight recovery logic. | 12-05-2013 |
20140132807 | IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGING APPARATUS, SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE AND READOUT METHOD - An imaging device includes a readout unit which reads out an amount of charge accumulated in a floating diffusion that accumulates a charge transmitted from a light receiving unit that photoelectrically converts incident light as a signal level; a readout control unit which controls the readout unit to perform, a plurality of times, a readout operation to read out the amount of charge of a P-phase and a D-phase accumulated in the floating diffusion; and a calculation unit which is controlled by the readout control unit and obtains differences between the signal levels which are obtained using the readout operation that is performed a plurality of times. | 05-15-2014 |
20140253764 | FRAME TO FRAME PERSISTENT SHADOW REDUCTION WITHIN AN IMAGE - An apparatus, computer program product, and method for reducing persistent shadows within an image. The apparatus includes a camera configured to generate frames of the image. The apparatus also includes a computer processor. The computer processor calculates the average normalized brightness for each pixel in the image and adjusts the brightness of each pixel with the average normalized brightness. | 09-11-2014 |
20140293098 | IMAGE PICKUP APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, IMAGE PICKUP SYSTEM, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit having an optical black area, a control unit which reads a pixel from a selected area in a part of the image pickup unit, and a dark offset correction unit which sets a correction value acquisition area in the optical black area included in the selected areas. When the control unit performs a reading from a first selected area and a reading from a second selected area which at least partially overlaps with the first selected area, the dark offset correction unit sets a first correction value acquisition area set for the optical black area included in the first selected area and a second correction value acquisition area set for the optical black area included in the second selected area such that the first and second correction value acquisition areas at least partially overlap with each other. | 10-02-2014 |
20140354862 | CLAMPING METHOD - An imaging device includes an effective pixel region outputting an effective pixel signal, a first shielded pixel region outputting a shielded pixel signal before the effective pixel signal is output, and a second shielded pixel region outputting a shielded pixel signal after the effective pixel signal has been output. In the device, in a steady state, frame clamping is performed using a clamping reference value generated from the pixel signals of the second shielded pixel region. A frame in a transition state in which the optical black signal level of the imaging device changes is subjected to frame clamping using a clamping reference value generated from the pixel signals of the first shielded pixel region. | 12-04-2014 |
20150029363 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND CAMERA - A photoelectric conversion device, comprising a photoelectric conversion portion, provided in a semiconductor substrate, including a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type provided adjacent to the first semiconductor region, a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type provided at a position away from the second semiconductor region, and a gate electrode provided between the second semiconductor region and the third semiconductor region, wherein the second semiconductor region is provided at a position away from the gate electrode, and the semiconductor substrate includes a region of a second conductivity type within a region extending from an edge of the second semiconductor region to below the gate electrode. | 01-29-2015 |
20150070535 | IMAGING DEVICE - An imaging device includes a solid-state imaging device configured to include a plurality of pixels, the solid-state imaging device outputting subject data according to a pixel signal output by the pixel of an image region on which subject light is incident and optical black (OB) data according to the pixel signal output by the pixel of a constantly shielded OB region of a plurality of columns or rows located on an end of the image region as image data, and an imaging processing unit configured to output pre-processed image data obtained by performing black level correction on partial subject data included in the image data using the same OB data included in the image data output by the solid-state imaging device. | 03-12-2015 |
20150077598 | IMAGE SENSOR AND COMPENSATION METHOD THEREOF - An image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes a pixel array, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processor. The analog-to-digital converter converts a black level reference signal and a pix signal from the pixel array into a first digital signal and a second digital signal, respectively. The processor obtains a black level reference value according to the first digital signal, and obtains a compensation coefficient according to the black level reference value, a maximum digital level of the analog-to-digital converter and a full signal range value. The processor obtains pix data according to the compensation coefficient, the black level reference value and the second digital signal. | 03-19-2015 |
20150326805 | PHOTOSENSOR ARRANGEMENTS - A photosensor arrangement may include an amplifier configured to receive charge from a photosensor device at a first input, and a second input configured to receive a first reference voltage. The amplifier may provide an output voltage on an output. A comparator has a first input at the output voltage, a second input at the first reference voltage and is configured to provide a compare output. A capacitor is configured to have a first plate coupled to the output of the amplifier and a second plate coupled to the first input of the comparator. | 11-12-2015 |
20160028976 | DIGITAL IMAGING WITH MASKED PIXELS - One embodiment of the invention is directed to an imaging device comprising an image sensor comprising an array of pixels, and a mask coupled with the image sensor, the mask configured to darken at least one pixel in the array of pixels. | 01-28-2016 |
20160094824 | IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD, IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE - The embodiments of the present application provide an image processing method, an image processing apparatus and an electronic device. The image processing apparatus includes: a shoot scene determination portion configured to determine a shoot scene of an image; an image analysis portion configured to analyze the image to determine a degree of influence of the shoot scene on the shoot quality of the image; and an image processing portion configured to perform a correction processing of the image according to the degree of influence. Through the embodiments of the present application, a correction processing of the image can be performed according to the degree of influence of the shoot scene on the shoot quality of the image, so as to reduce and even eliminate the degree of influence, thus improving the shoot quality of the image. | 03-31-2016 |
20160105621 | Minimizing a Data Pedestal Level in an Image Sensor - A pedestal level for an image sensor can be dynamically adjusted based on one or more parameters. The parameters include one or more operating conditions associated with the image sensor, pre-determined image sensor characterization data, the number of unused digital codes, and/or the number of clipped pixel signals. The operating conditions can include the temperature of the image sensor, the gain of at least one amplifier included in processing circuitry operably connected to at least one pixel, and/or the length of the integration period for at least one pixel in the image sensor. Based on the one or more of the parameters, the pedestal level is adjusted to reduce a number of unused digital codes in a distribution of dark current. Additionally or alternatively, the variance of the pixel signals can be reduced to permit the use of a lower pedestal level. | 04-14-2016 |
20160133763 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF AND IMAGING APPARATUS - A semiconductor device for converting incident light into an electric current includes a semiconductor substrate; an electrode embedded in the semiconductor substrate; an insulation film contacting the electrode in the semiconductor substrate; a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type and a third semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, formed sequentially in a depth direction from a side of a front face of the semiconductor substrate; and a fourth semiconductor region of the second conductivity type contacting the insulation film and the second semiconductor region. An impurity concentration of the fourth semiconductor region is greater than an impurity concentration of the second semiconductor region. | 05-12-2016 |
20160182840 | IMAGING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, AND IMAGING METHOD | 06-23-2016 |
20180027194 | IMAGE SENSOR FLOATING DIFFUSION BOOSTING BY TRANSFER GATES | 01-25-2018 |