H04N25/445

IMAGE SENSOR AND IMAGE CAPTURING APPARATUS
20230037107 · 2023-02-02 ·

An image sensor includes a pixel portion in which a plurality of unit pixels each having one micro lens and a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions are arrayed in a matrix, a signal readout portion that reads out signals accumulated in the photoelectric conversion portions and converts the read signals to digital signals, a signal processor that processes signals read out by the signal readout portion and has an image capture signal processor that performs signal processing for generating a captured image on signals read out by the signal readout portion and a focus detection signal processor that performs signal processing for focus detection on signals read out by the signal readout portion, and an output portion that outputs signals processed by the signal processor.

Image sensor and control method thereof, and image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
11495005 · 2022-11-08 · ·

An image sensor comprises a pixel array having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a readout unit that controls readout of signals from the plurality of pixels, an output unit that outputs the read signals as an image signal and an extraction unit that performs feature amount extraction processing to extract a feature amount using the read signals. The readout of the signals by the readout unit and the feature amount extraction processing by the extraction unit are processed in parallel.

Image sensor

An image sensor includes a pixel array with pixels arranged in a first direction and a second direction, intersecting the first direction. Each of the pixels includes a photodiode, a pixel circuit below the photodiode, and a color filter on or above the photodiode. A logic circuit acquires a pixel signal from the pixels through a plurality of column lines extending in the second direction. The pixels include color pixels and white pixels, the number of white pixels being greater than the number of color pixels. The pixel circuit includes a floating diffusion in which charges of the photodiode are accumulated and transistors outputting a voltage corresponding to amounts of charges in the floating diffusion. Each of the color pixels shares the floating diffusion with at least one neighboring white pixel, adjacent thereto in the second direction, among the white pixels.

SOLID-STATE IMAGING ELEMENT, IMAGING DEVICE, AND CONTROL METHOD OF SOLID-STATE IMAGING ELEMENT
20230085900 · 2023-03-23 ·

An object is to reduce a circuit scale in a solid-state imaging element that detects an address event.

The solid-state imaging element is provided with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, a signal supply unit, and a detection unit. In this solid-state imaging element, each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements photoelectrically converts incident light to generate a first electric signal. Furthermore, in the solid-state imaging element, the detection unit detects whether or not a change amount of the first electric signal of each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements exceeds a predetermined threshold and outputs a detection signal indicating a result of the detection result.

SOLID-STATE IMAGING ELEMENT, IMAGING DEVICE, AND CONTROL METHOD OF SOLID-STATE IMAGING ELEMENT
20230085900 · 2023-03-23 ·

An object is to reduce a circuit scale in a solid-state imaging element that detects an address event.

The solid-state imaging element is provided with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, a signal supply unit, and a detection unit. In this solid-state imaging element, each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements photoelectrically converts incident light to generate a first electric signal. Furthermore, in the solid-state imaging element, the detection unit detects whether or not a change amount of the first electric signal of each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements exceeds a predetermined threshold and outputs a detection signal indicating a result of the detection result.

ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER FOR SEPARATELY APPLYING A BIAS VOLTAGE DEPENDING ON AN OPERATION MODE, AND AN IMAGE SENSOR INCLUDING THE SAME
20220345657 · 2022-10-27 ·

An image sensor supporting a full resolution mode and a crop mode, the image sensor including: a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to generate a pixel signal by sensing an object; an analog-to-digital converter configured to convert the pixel signal into a digital signal and including a plurality of metal lines; a bias generator configured to apply a bias voltage to the plurality of metal lines; and a bias controller including: a first transistor configured to activate all of the plurality of metal lines based on a first control signal; and a second transistor configured to activate a first metal line for the crop mode among the plurality of metal lines based on a second control signal.

IMAGING APPARATUS, IMAGE DATA PROCESSING METHOD OF IMAGING APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM

An imaging apparatus includes a storage portion that stores captured image data obtained by imaging a subject by an imaging element and is incorporated in the imaging element, an output portion that is incorporated in the imaging element, and a plurality of signal processing portions that are disposed outside the imaging element, in which the output portion includes a plurality of output lines each disposed in correspondence with each of the plurality of signal processing portions and outputs each of a plurality of pieces of image data into which the captured image data stored in the storage portion is divided, to a corresponding signal processing portion among the plurality of signal processing portions from the plurality of output lines, and any of the plurality of signal processing portions combines the plurality of pieces of image data.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING AN IMAGE SENSOR

Systems and techniques are described for imaging. An imaging system includes an image sensor with a plurality of photodetectors, grouped into a first group of photodetectors and a second group of photodetectors. The imaging system can reset its image sensor. The imaging system exposes its image sensor to light from a scene. The plurality of photodetectors convert the light into charge. The imaging system stores analog photodetector signals corresponding to the charge from each the photodetectors. The imaging system reads first digital pixel data from a first subset of the analog photodetector signals corresponding to the first group of photodetectors without reading second digital pixel data from a second subset of the analog photodetector signals corresponding to the second group of photodetectors. The imaging system generates an image of the scene using the first digital pixel data.

Image processing device, image processing method, and image processing system

Methods and apparatus for image processing. The method comprises generating a first image having a first resolution, searching, by processing circuitry, the first image to determine whether a target object can be identified in the first image, specifying, when it is determined that the target object can be identified in the first image, a region-of-interest in the first image, generating, when it is determined that the target object cannot be identified in the first image, a second image having a second resolution higher than the first resolution, searching, by the processing circuitry, the second image to determine whether the target object can be identified in the second image, and specifying, when it is determined that the target object can be identified in the second image, a region-of-interest in the second image.

Image processing device, image processing method, and image processing system

Methods and apparatus for image processing. The method comprises generating a first image having a first resolution, searching, by processing circuitry, the first image to determine whether a target object can be identified in the first image, specifying, when it is determined that the target object can be identified in the first image, a region-of-interest in the first image, generating, when it is determined that the target object cannot be identified in the first image, a second image having a second resolution higher than the first resolution, searching, by the processing circuitry, the second image to determine whether the target object can be identified in the second image, and specifying, when it is determined that the target object can be identified in the second image, a region-of-interest in the second image.