An image processing device includes a vision sensor and a processor. The vision sensor generates a plurality of events in which an intensity of light changes and generates a plurality of timestamps depending on times when the events occur. In addition, the processor may regenerate a timestamp of a pixel where an abnormal event occurs, based on temporal correlation of the events.

An image determining method, applied to an image sensing apparatus with a lens and an image sensor comprising a first pixel and a second pixel. First/second parts of the first/second pixels are respectively covered. The image determining method comprises: applying the first/second pixel to respectively generate a first/second object image, wherein the first/second object images are combined to generate a first combined object image; computing a first brightness information variation tendency of the first object image, a second brightness information variation tendency of the second object image and brightness information variation tendency of the first combined object image; and determining if the first combined object image is a front image or a rear image based on the first brightness information variation tendency, the second brightness information variation tendency and the brightness information variation tendency of the first combined object image.

Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for using imaging pixels (that is, non-phase detection pixels) in addition to phase detection pixels for calculating autofocus information. Imaging pixel values can be used to interpolate a value at a phase detection pixel location. The interpolated value and a value received from the phase difference detection pixel can be used to obtain a virtual phase detection pixel value. The interpolated value, value received from the phase difference detection pixel, and the virtual phase detection pixel value can be used to obtain a phase difference detection signal indicating a shift direction (defocus direction) and a shift amount (defocus amount) of image focus.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, systems and methods involving imaging providing pixel intensity ratios using circuitry. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus includes a photosensor array having an array of sensors and a circuitry. Each sensor of the photosensor array provides a signal value for a pixel that is indicative of an intensity of light detected. Further, the circuitry responds to the signal values from a plurality of sensors of the photosensor array, by converting signals indicative of a ratio of pixel intensity values to a digital signal that characterize at least an edge of an object corresponding to or associated with the intensity of the detected light. The circuitry provides digital signals, each indicative of a ratio of pixel intensity values, for respective sensors of the photosensor array.

An apparatus includes a hardware sensor array including a plurality of pixels arranged along at least a first dimension and a second dimension of the array, each of the pixels capable of generating a sensor reading. A hardware scanning window array includes a plurality of storage elements arranged along at least a first dimension and a second dimension of the hardware scanning window array, each of the storage elements capable of storing a pixel value based on one or more sensor readings. Peripheral circuitry for systematically transfers pixel values, based on sensor readings, into the hardware scanning window array, to cause different windows of pixel values to be stored in the hardware scanning window array at different times. Control logic coupled to the hardware sensor array, the hardware scanning window array, and the peripheral circuitry, provides control signals to the peripheral circuitry to control the transfer of pixel values.

An apparatus includes a hardware sensor array including a plurality of pixels arranged along at least a first dimension and a second dimension of the array, each of the pixels capable of generating a sensor reading. A hardware scanning window array includes a plurality of storage elements arranged along at least a first dimension and a second dimension of the hardware scanning window array, each of the storage elements capable of storing a pixel value based on one or more sensor readings. Peripheral circuitry for systematically transfers pixel values, based on sensor readings, into the hardware scanning window array, to cause different windows of pixel values to be stored in the hardware scanning window array at different times. Control logic coupled to the hardware sensor array, the hardware scanning window array, and the peripheral circuitry, provides control signals to the peripheral circuitry to control the transfer of pixel values.

There is provided a solid-state imaging device, a method for driving the solid-state imaging device, and an electronic device that enable a solid-state imaging device capable of outputting a spatial difference to be realized at low cost. The solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel including a photoelectric conversion element, a first capacitive element, and a second capacitive element; a reading circuit shared by a plurality of the pixels including a first pixel and a second pixel; and a vertical scanning circuit configured to control the pixel and the reading circuit, in which the vertical scanning circuit performs first control of simultaneously reading signal levels of different capacitive elements of the first and second capacitive elements in the first pixel and the second pixel. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a solid-state imaging device or the like in which a pair of capacitors is provided for each pixel, and these capacitors hold two signals of a reset level and a signal level to be subjected to AD conversion.

There is provided a solid-state imaging device, a method for driving the solid-state imaging device, and an electronic device that enable a solid-state imaging device capable of outputting a spatial difference to be realized at low cost. The solid-state imaging device includes: a pixel including a photoelectric conversion element, a first capacitive element, and a second capacitive element; a reading circuit shared by a plurality of the pixels including a first pixel and a second pixel; and a vertical scanning circuit configured to control the pixel and the reading circuit, in which the vertical scanning circuit performs first control of simultaneously reading signal levels of different capacitive elements of the first and second capacitive elements in the first pixel and the second pixel. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a solid-state imaging device or the like in which a pair of capacitors is provided for each pixel, and these capacitors hold two signals of a reset level and a signal level to be subjected to AD conversion.

An image sensor may include an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel can include a subpixel circuit and one or more subtraction circuits. Each subpixel circuit can be selectively coupled to neighboring subpixel circuits in the same row via horizontal odd and even switches and can be selectively coupled to neighboring subpixel circuits in the same column via vertical odd and even switches. The horizontal and vertical switches can be turned on in separate phases to store difference values from pairs of neighboring subpixels into the one or more subtraction circuits. The difference values can be read out using comparators and one or more shift registers to output an edge image that includes only edge information.

An image sensor may include an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns. Each pixel can include a subpixel circuit and one or more subtraction circuits. Each subpixel circuit can be selectively coupled to neighboring subpixel circuits in the same row via horizontal odd and even switches and can be selectively coupled to neighboring subpixel circuits in the same column via vertical odd and even switches. The horizontal and vertical switches can be turned on in separate phases to store difference values from pairs of neighboring subpixels into the one or more subtraction circuits. The difference values can be read out using comparators and one or more shift registers to output an edge image that includes only edge information.