H04N25/709

Imaging device, imaging system, and imaging method

An imaging device includes an imaging unit that generates image data on the basis of a first power voltage, an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data on the basis of a second power voltage, a reference voltage generating unit that generates a first reference voltage on the basis of the first power voltage and a first flag generating unit that generates a first flag signal for the second power voltage on the basis of a comparison of the second power voltage and the first reference voltage and configured to output the first flag signal.

Imaging device, imaging system, and imaging method

An imaging device includes an imaging unit that generates image data on the basis of a first power voltage, an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data on the basis of a second power voltage, a reference voltage generating unit that generates a first reference voltage on the basis of the first power voltage and a first flag generating unit that generates a first flag signal for the second power voltage on the basis of a comparison of the second power voltage and the first reference voltage and configured to output the first flag signal.

ELECTRIC SHAVER WITH IMAGING CAPABILITY
20230007152 · 2023-01-05 ·

System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

SOLID-STATE IMAGING ELEMENT AND IMAGING DEVICE
20230007203 · 2023-01-05 ·

The dynamic range of a solid-state imaging element including a comparator is expanded.

The solid-state imaging element includes a pixel circuit and a comparison transistor. In the solid-state imaging element, the pixel circuit generates a pixel signal and outputs the pixel signal to a vertical signal line. Further, the comparison transistor has a source connected to a constant current source configured to supply a constant current to the vertical signal line. The comparison transistor has a gate to which a predetermined reference signal is input. Further, the comparison transistor has a drain from which a comparison result between the pixel signal and the reference signal is output.

IMAGING DEVICE AND IMAGING METHOD

An imaging device includes: a photoelectric converter whose sensitivity changes depending on a value of a voltage to be applied; and a voltage supply circuit that alternately supplies a first voltage and a second voltage, which is different from the first voltage, to the photoelectric converter, in which in a first frame period, a length of a first period from a first point in time at which the first voltage is switched to the second voltage until a second point in time at which the first voltage is switched to the second voltage subsequently to the first point in time differs from a length of a second period from the second point in time until a third point in time at which the first voltage is switched to the second voltage subsequently to the second point in time.

IMAGING DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM
20230007196 · 2023-01-05 · ·

An imaging device includes a voltage generation circuit and an output circuit. The voltage generation circuit includes a first capacitance element including a fifth terminal. The voltage generation circuit is configured to provide the fifth terminal with a first voltage in accordance with a power source voltage so as to store an electric charge in the first capacitance element. The voltage generation circuit is configured to increase a voltage of the fifth terminal by a second voltage in accordance with the power source voltage so as to generate a control voltage having a greater absolute value than an absolute value of the power source voltage. The output circuit is configured to output the control voltage to at least one of a gate terminal of a reset transistor of a pixel and a gate terminal of a transfer transistor of the pixel.

Electric shaver with imaging capability
11716523 · 2023-08-01 · ·

System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Electric shaver with imaging capability
11716523 · 2023-08-01 · ·

System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.

Image sensor with high conversion gain (HCG) mode and low conversion gain (LCG) mode

An image sensor includes a pixel configured to operate in a high conversion gain (HCG) mode and a low conversion gain (LCG) mode during a readout period, and a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit configured to generate a comparison signal based on a ramp signal and a pixel voltage received from the pixel, wherein the CDS circuit includes a comparator configured to: receive the pixel voltage through a first input node, receive the ramp signal through a second input node based on an LCG reset signal or an LCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage, and receive the ramp signal through a third input node based on an HCG reset signal or an HCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage; and compare the ramp signal to the pixel voltage, and output the comparison signal corresponding to a comparison result.

Image sensor with high conversion gain (HCG) mode and low conversion gain (LCG) mode

An image sensor includes a pixel configured to operate in a high conversion gain (HCG) mode and a low conversion gain (LCG) mode during a readout period, and a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit configured to generate a comparison signal based on a ramp signal and a pixel voltage received from the pixel, wherein the CDS circuit includes a comparator configured to: receive the pixel voltage through a first input node, receive the ramp signal through a second input node based on an LCG reset signal or an LCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage, and receive the ramp signal through a third input node based on an HCG reset signal or an HCG image signal being received as the pixel voltage; and compare the ramp signal to the pixel voltage, and output the comparison signal corresponding to a comparison result.