Technology is described for methods and systems for imaging an object (110). The method can include an image sensor (116) exposed to light (114) from an object (110) without passing the light through an image modification element. Light intensity of the light (114) can be stored as data in a medium. The image data can be analyzed at a processor (902) as a reconstructed image of the object (110).

An object monitoring device 1 comprises an imaging device 2 capturing an image of a range in which a predetermined object should be present and generating an image, an object recognizing part 34 recognizing the object based on the image, a detecting part 35 detecting that the image is unclear, a storage part 31 storing detection information showing that it has been detected that the image is unclear, and a judging part 36 judging a cause for the object not being recognized when the object is not recognized based on the image. When a state occurs where the object is not recognized based on the image and it is not detected that the image is unclear, the judging part judges whether the cause is in the imaging device based on the detection information in a predetermined time period until the state occurs.

A foreign substance detection device for limiting deterioration in accuracy of foreign substance detection even if a foreign substance detection region changes. The device includes an imaging device configured to keep a region for detecting a foreign substance in an imaging range of the imaging device and a determination unit configured to determine a presence or absence of the foreign substance on the basis of a result of comparing a captured image captured by the imaging device with a reference image free of the foreign substance in the imaging range. The determination unit determines that the captured image is free of a foreign substance on the basis of the result of comparing and a prescribed first condition is satisfied, the unit executes an update process of replacing the reference image with the captured image for which the unit determines freedom of a foreign substance as an updated reference image.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. A device may capture a first image of a target using a camera, wherein the camera is in a clean state, and wherein the target is in a line of sight of the camera. The device may apply an obstruction to a portion of a lens of the camera. The device may apply a camera cleaning system to the lens of the camera. The device may capture a post-clean image after applying the camera cleaning system. The device may determine a post-clean SSIM score based on comparing the post clean image to the first image. The device may compare the post-clean SSIM score to a validation threshold. The device may determine a validation state of the camera cleaning system based on the comparison.

According to one embodiment, an image synthesis device for an electronic mirror includes a rear camera which obtains a first image from a first position, and a side camera which obtains a second image of the same direction with a view of the rear camera from a second position. The second image includes a view obstruction. When a part of the first image is connected as a complementary image to the view obstruction of the second image, an image processing device converts an image of the view obstruction into a translucent image, superimposes the complementary image on the translucent image, and obtains a third image which remains an outline of the complementary image.

A cleaning method by which a cleaning apparatus including a first cleaner and a second cleaner cleans a detection element including a detection surface includes cleaning by the first cleaner the detection surface of the detection element by wind pressure, and wiping the detection surface of the detection element with the second cleaner in a contacted manner, wherein the cleaning by the first cleaner and the wiping by the second cleaner are performed in this order.

A foreign substance detection device for limiting deterioration in accuracy of foreign substance detection even if a foreign substance detection region changes. The device includes an imaging device configured to keep a region for detecting a foreign substance in an imaging range of the imaging device and a determination unit configured to determine a presence or absence of the foreign substance on the basis of a result of comparing a captured image captured by the imaging device with a reference image free of the foreign substance in the imaging range. The determination unit determines that the captured image is free of a foreign substance on the basis of the result of comparing and a prescribed first condition is satisfied, the unit executes an update process of replacing the reference image with the captured image for which the unit determines freedom of a foreign substance as an updated reference image.

Example embodiments relate to microlensing for real-time sensing of stray light. An example device includes an image sensor that includes a plurality of light-sensitive pixels. The device also includes a first lens positioned over a first subset of light-sensitive pixels selected from the plurality of light-sensitive pixels. Further, the device includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine a first angle of incidence of a first light signal detected by the first subset of light-sensitive pixels. The controller is also configured to, based on the first determined angle of incidence, determine an amount of stray light incident on the image sensor.

An image capture device may include an optical element through which visual content is captured. The image capture device may detect presence of a drop of liquid on the optical element during capture of the visual content. The image capture device may effectuate removal of the drop of liquid from the optical element.

An exterior camera lens cleaning system for a vehicle may include: a base unit fixed to the vehicle; a housing unit configured to be rotatable with respect to the base unit; a camera unit including a camera module, the camera unit at least partially inserted into the housing unit and configured to move in a longitudinal direction of the housing unit; a wiper disposed on an inside surface of the housing unit so as to face the camera module; and a control unit configured to receive video data through the camera module, to control a rotation operation of the housing unit based on a state of the vehicle, and to control an extension operation of the camera unit. The camera unit may be interlocked with the housing unit, and when the housing unit is rotated by the control unit, the camera unit may be configured to move horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the housing unit.