Patent classifications
H04N25/706
IMAGING APPARATUS AND IMAGING METHOD
An imaging apparatus has a plurality of cameras, each including: an imaging device in which unit pixels are periodically arranged, the unit pixels including high sensitivity sub-pixels that output a first output value for a certain exposure amount and low sensitivity sub-pixels that output a second output value lower than the first output value for a certain exposure amount; a composition section that selects and outputs an output of the high sensitivity sub-pixels and an output of the low sensitivity sub-pixels when the exposure amount is smaller or larger than the predetermined exposure value, respectively; and an amplification section that amplifies and outputs an output of the composition section, and so that image signals of the high and low sensitivity sub-pixels in the same predetermined exposure values become the same between the plurality of cameras, corrects the image signals of the high and low sensitivity sub-pixels.
IMAGING APPARATUS AND IMAGING METHOD
An imaging apparatus has a plurality of cameras, each including: an imaging device in which unit pixels are periodically arranged, the unit pixels including high sensitivity sub-pixels that output a first output value for a certain exposure amount and low sensitivity sub-pixels that output a second output value lower than the first output value for a certain exposure amount; a composition section that selects and outputs an output of the high sensitivity sub-pixels and an output of the low sensitivity sub-pixels when the exposure amount is smaller or larger than the predetermined exposure value, respectively; and an amplification section that amplifies and outputs an output of the composition section, and so that image signals of the high and low sensitivity sub-pixels in the same predetermined exposure values become the same between the plurality of cameras, corrects the image signals of the high and low sensitivity sub-pixels.
METHOD FOR READING DATA OF IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE SENSOR THEREFOR
An electronic device may include an image sensor and an image signal processor. The image sensor may include a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to detect light; a row driver configured to select a row of a pixel to be driven from among the plurality of pixels in the pixel array; and a column driver configured to select a column of a pixel to be driven from among the plurality of pixels in the pixel array, the image sensor is configured to: read out a pixel value, based on a designated pixel pattern, by operation of the row driver and the column driver, and output, to the image signal processor, image data acquired based on the pixel value, and the designated pixel pattern includes pixels located in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of the pixel array.
METHOD FOR READING DATA OF IMAGE SENSOR, AND IMAGE SENSOR THEREFOR
An electronic device may include an image sensor and an image signal processor. The image sensor may include a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to detect light; a row driver configured to select a row of a pixel to be driven from among the plurality of pixels in the pixel array; and a column driver configured to select a column of a pixel to be driven from among the plurality of pixels in the pixel array, the image sensor is configured to: read out a pixel value, based on a designated pixel pattern, by operation of the row driver and the column driver, and output, to the image signal processor, image data acquired based on the pixel value, and the designated pixel pattern includes pixels located in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of the pixel array.
IMAGE SENSOR FOR IMPROVED OPTICAL IMAGING
An imaging device capable of producing images or data with relatively high spectral diversity, allowing for creation of information-rich feature vectors, is provided. Among other things, such information-rich feature vectors may be applied to a range of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. The imaging device may include a substrate having a baseline spectral responsivity function, multiple pixels forming a cell fabricated on the substrate, and spectral filters each configured to filter light based on a transmission function corresponding to a substantially broad portion of the baseline spectral responsivity function. The spectral filters may be notch filters. Each of the multiple pixels in the cell may be configured to receive light through each of the spectral filters. The transmission function of each of the spectral filters may be substantially different for each of at least a majority of the multiple pixels in the cell.
IMAGE SENSOR FOR IMPROVED OPTICAL IMAGING
An imaging device capable of producing images or data with relatively high spectral diversity, allowing for creation of information-rich feature vectors, is provided. Among other things, such information-rich feature vectors may be applied to a range of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. The imaging device may include a substrate having a baseline spectral responsivity function, multiple pixels forming a cell fabricated on the substrate, and spectral filters each configured to filter light based on a transmission function corresponding to a substantially broad portion of the baseline spectral responsivity function. The spectral filters may be notch filters. Each of the multiple pixels in the cell may be configured to receive light through each of the spectral filters. The transmission function of each of the spectral filters may be substantially different for each of at least a majority of the multiple pixels in the cell.
Imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same and storage medium
An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor configured to set an exposure period and a gain individually for each of a plurality of pixel groups, a diaphragm or a neutral density filter configured to adjust a quantity of light incident on the image sensor, at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory having instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, performs operations as a first control unit configured to control an exposure parameter including at least one of the exposure period and the gain for each of the plurality of pixel groups, and a second control unit configured to control the quantity of light incident on the image sensor by controlling the diaphragm or the neutral density filter based on the exposure parameter controlled by the first control unit.
Imaging apparatus, method for controlling the same and storage medium
An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor configured to set an exposure period and a gain individually for each of a plurality of pixel groups, a diaphragm or a neutral density filter configured to adjust a quantity of light incident on the image sensor, at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, the memory having instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, performs operations as a first control unit configured to control an exposure parameter including at least one of the exposure period and the gain for each of the plurality of pixel groups, and a second control unit configured to control the quantity of light incident on the image sensor by controlling the diaphragm or the neutral density filter based on the exposure parameter controlled by the first control unit.
Fixed pattern noise reduction in image sensors operated with pulsed illumination
Fixed pattern noise (FPN) reduction techniques in image sensors operated with pulse illumination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes, during a first sub-exposure period of a frame, (a) operating a first tap of a pixel to capture a first signal corresponding to first charge at a first floating diffusion, the first charge corresponding to first light incident on a photosensor, and (b) operating a second tap of the pixel to capture a first parasitic signal corresponding to FPN at a second floating diffusion. The method further includes, during a second sub-exposure period of the frame, (a) operating the second tap to capture a second signal corresponding to second charge at the second floating diffusion, the second charge corresponding to second light incident on the photosensor, and (b) operating the first tap to capture a second parasitic signal corresponding to FPN at the first floating diffusion.
Fixed pattern noise reduction in image sensors operated with pulsed illumination
Fixed pattern noise (FPN) reduction techniques in image sensors operated with pulse illumination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method includes, during a first sub-exposure period of a frame, (a) operating a first tap of a pixel to capture a first signal corresponding to first charge at a first floating diffusion, the first charge corresponding to first light incident on a photosensor, and (b) operating a second tap of the pixel to capture a first parasitic signal corresponding to FPN at a second floating diffusion. The method further includes, during a second sub-exposure period of the frame, (a) operating the second tap to capture a second signal corresponding to second charge at the second floating diffusion, the second charge corresponding to second light incident on the photosensor, and (b) operating the first tap to capture a second parasitic signal corresponding to FPN at the first floating diffusion.