DUAL-MODE PROJECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LOCATING A LIGHT SPOT IN A PROJECTED IMAGE
Granted: May 7, 2009
Application Number:
20090115971
A dual-mode projection apparatus has a projection module for projecting an image onto a projection surface. An image sensor module captures images of the projection surface and determines spatial and temporal characteristics of a visible light spot superimposed on the projection surface. A communications module transmits the spatial and temporal characteristics of the visible light spot to a remote device for remote control of the device based on the spatial and temporal characteristics…
DUAL MODE CAMERA SOLUTION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD
Granted: April 2, 2009
Application Number:
20090086074
A camera solution includes an image sensor and an image processing and control system. At least two different operating modes are supported, with one of the modes having a higher dynamic range. Control of the dynamic range is provided at the system level. The system supports statically or dynamically selecting an operating mode that determines the dynamic range of a camera. In one implementation, the system supports the use of either a conventional image sensor that does not natively…
IMAGE SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED DYNAMIC RANGE WITH MULTIPLE READOUT CIRCUIT PATHS
Granted: March 19, 2009
Application Number:
20090073274
An image sensor apparatus comprises an image sensor for generating digital images having a high dynamic range. The image sensor apparatus includes an image sensor for generating a first and a second set of digital image samples at a first bit depth, with each set of digital image samples generated by a different column readout circuit path. A processor combines the first and second set of digital image samples to generate a digital image at a second bit depth, the second bit depth higher…
IMAGE SENSOR APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EMBEDDING IMAGE STABILIZATION DATA INTO IMAGE DATA
Granted: March 12, 2009
Application Number:
20090066799
An image sensor apparatus comprises an image sensor for generating image data corresponding to an optical image. A movement sensor coupled to the image sensor generates movement data corresponding to movement of the image sensor apparatus. A processor coupled to the image sensor receives embedded image data from the image sensor, where the embedded image data includes the movement data embedded into the image data. The processor processes the embedded image data to generate a…
IMAGE SENSOR WITH HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE IN DOWN-SAMPLING MODE
Granted: March 5, 2009
Application Number:
20090059048
An image sensor has an array of photo-sensitive pixels and supports a line-by-line read out of rows. In a normal resolution each row has the same nominal gain and exposure time. In a down-sampling mode the exposure times of the rows are varied according to an alternating sequence having at least two different exposure times. During down-sampling, raw pixel data from rows with different exposure times is combined to simultaneously achieve down-sampling and a high dynamic range.
IMAGE SENSOR PIXEL HAVING PHOTODIODE WITH INDIUM PINNING LAYER
Granted: December 25, 2008
Application Number:
20080318358
An active pixel using a pinned photodiode with a pinning layer formed from indium is disclosed. The pixel comprises a photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate. The photodiode is an N? region formed within a P-type region. A pinning layer formed from indium is then formed at the surface of the N? region. Further, the pixel includes a transfer transistor formed between the photodiode and a floating node and selectively operative to transfer a signal from the photodiode to the…
Mobile Devices Having An Image Sensor For Charging A Battery
Granted: September 18, 2008
Application Number:
20080225160
Mobile devices and methods of operating mobile devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a mobile device includes a rechargeable battery, a battery charger electrically coupled to the battery, and an image sensor operably coupled to the battery charger to selectively charge the battery. As such, the image sensor is configured to capture images and provide current to charge the battery. The image sensor can be a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The mobile device may further…
Image sensors with blooming reduction mechanisms
Granted: July 24, 2008
Application Number:
20080174685
A CMOS image sensor having blooming reduction mechanisms is disclosed. The image sensor can include a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and a timing and control circuit in electrical communication with the plurality of pixels. The timing and control circuit includes a readout module configured for outputting a first row of pixels exposed for a first exposure period, outputting a second row of pixels exposed for the first exposure period after outputting the first row of pixels, and…
IMAGE SENSOR PIXEL HAVING PHOTODIODE WITH MULTI-DOPANT IMPLANTATION
Granted: July 10, 2008
Application Number:
20080164501
An active pixel using a photodiode with multiple species of N type dopants is disclosed. The pixel comprises a photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate. The photodiode is an N? region formed within a P-type region. The N? region is formed from an implant of arsenic and an implant of phosphorus. Further, the pixel includes a transfer transistor formed between the photodiode and a floating node and selectively operative to transfer a signal from the photodiode to the floating node.…
IMAGE SENSOR PIXEL HAVING PHOTODIODE WITH MULTI-DOPANT IMPLANTATION
Granted: July 10, 2008
Application Number:
20080166830
An active pixel using a photodiode with multiple species of N type dopants is disclosed. The pixel comprises a photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate. The photodiode is an N? region formed within a P-type region. The N? region is formed from an implant of arsenic and an implant of phosphorus. Further, the pixel includes a transfer transistor formed between the photodiode and a floating node and selectively operative to transfer a signal from the photodiode to the floating node.…
Method and apparatus for automatic white balance
Granted: June 19, 2008
Application Number:
20080143846
A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
Method and apparatus for automatic white balance
Granted: June 19, 2008
Application Number:
20080143851
A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
Method and apparatus for automatic white balance
Granted: June 19, 2008
Application Number:
20080143850
A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
Method and apparatus for automatic white balance
Granted: June 19, 2008
Application Number:
20080143849
A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
Method and apparatus for automatic white balance
Granted: June 19, 2008
Application Number:
20080143848
A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
Method and apparatus for automatic white balance
Granted: June 19, 2008
Application Number:
20080143847
A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
Image sensors with output noise reduction mechanisms
Granted: May 29, 2008
Application Number:
20080122962
An image sensor having readout noise reduction mechanisms is disclosed. The image sensor can include a first sampling transistor, a second sampling transistor connected to the first sampling transistor, an averaging transistor electrically connecting the first and second sampling transistors in series, a reset sampling transistor connected to the first and second sampling transistors, and a differential device connected to the reset sampling transistor and the first and/or second…
Image sensor having curved micro-mirrors over the sensing photodiode and method for fabricating
Granted: May 1, 2008
Application Number:
20080099804
The invention involves the integration of curved micro-mirrors over a photodiode active area (collection area) in a CMOS image sensor (CIS) process. The curved micro-mirrors reflect light that has passed through the collection area back into the photo diode. The curved micro-mirrors are best implemented in a backside illuminated device (BSI).
Image sensing devices, image sensor modules, and associated methods
Granted: August 2, 2007
Application Number:
20070176086
The present invention relates to image sensing devices, image sensor modules, and associated methods. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an imaging device that includes a carrier having a first surface, a second surface generally opposite the first surface, and carrier contacts. The carrier contacts are carried on the second surface of the carrier. The device further includes an image sensor module having light sensing elements and a support. The support has a first surface,…
Image anti-shake in digital cameras
Granted: August 2, 2007
Application Number:
20070177021
A method and system for minimizing the effects of image motion in still cameras is provided. In one embodiment, a method of capturing an image in a digital camera is presented. The method includes calculating a sharpness value related to an image input. The method also includes evaluating the sharpness value to determine image motion. The method further includes capturing a next image input data from the image input responsive to evaluating the sharpness value.
