公开(公告)号：US08150123B2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-03

申请号：US12625570

申请日：2009-11-25

Applicant: Kang-Huai Wang ,  Jiafu Luo

Inventor： Kang-Huai Wang ,  Jiafu Luo

IPC: G06K9/00

CPC classification number: H04N7/185 ,  G06T5/008 ,  G06T2207/10068 ,  G06T2207/30004

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying dark areas in images captured by encapsulated cameras or endoscopes and enhancing the visibility of the dark area using intensity stretch. For capsule or endoscope images, there are often some dark areas caused by inadequate lighting. The poor visibility of detailed features in the dark area may reduce the detection rate of anomaly. The present invention calls for a method to detect the dark area based on contour. The intensities inside and outside the dark area are evaluated and are used to generate intensity transformation to stretch intensity in the dark area while minimizing the impact on the image quality outside the dark area.

Abstract translation: 提供了系统和方法来识别由封装的相机或内窥镜捕获的图像中的暗区，并且使用强度拉伸增强暗区的可视性。 对于胶囊或内窥镜图像，常常会出现由于照明不足引起的黑暗区域。 暗区细节特征的可见度差可能会降低异常的检测率。 本发明要求一种基于轮廓来检测暗区的方法。 评估黑暗区域内外的强度，并用于产生强度变换以在黑暗区域中拉伸强度，同时最小化对暗区域外的图像质量的影响。

公开(公告)号：US20110122241A1

公开(公告)日：2011-05-26

申请号：US12625570

申请日：2009-11-25

Applicant: Kang-Huai Wang ,  Jiafu Luo

Inventor： Kang-Huai Wang ,  Jiafu Luo

IPC: H04N7/18 ,  G06K9/00

CPC classification number: H04N7/185 ,  G06T5/008 ,  G06T2207/10068 ,  G06T2207/30004

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying dark areas in images captured by encapsulated cameras or endoscopes and enhancing the visibility of the dark area using intensity stretch. For capsule or endoscope images, there are often some dark areas caused by inadequate lighting. The poor visibility of detailed features in the dark area may reduce the detection rate of anomaly. The present invention calls for a method to detect the dark area based on contour. The intensities inside and outside the dark area are evaluated and are used to generate intensity transformation to stretch intensity in the dark area while minimizing the impact on the image quality outside the dark area.

Abstract translation: 提供了系统和方法来识别由封装的相机或内窥镜捕获的图像中的暗区，并且使用强度拉伸增强暗区的可视性。 对于胶囊或内窥镜图像，常常会出现由于照明不足引起的黑暗区域。 暗区细节特征的可见度差可能会降低异常的检测率。 本发明要求一种基于轮廓来检测暗区的方法。 评估黑暗区域内外的强度，并用于产生强度变换以在黑暗区域中拉伸强度，同时最小化对暗区域外的图像质量的影响。

公开(公告)号：US20070285526A1

公开(公告)日：2007-12-13

申请号：US11521883

申请日：2006-09-15

Applicant: Richard A. Mann ,  Selim Bencuya ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Alexandre G. Grigoriev ,  Heng Zhang ,  Miaohong Shi ,  Robert Blair ,  Max Safai

Inventor： Richard A. Mann ,  Selim Bencuya ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Alexandre G. Grigoriev ,  Heng Zhang ,  Miaohong Shi ,  Robert Blair ,  Max Safai

IPC: H04N5/228

CPC classification number: H04N5/235 ,  H04N5/23245 ,  H04N5/2355 ,  H04N5/35554

Abstract: There is provided a CMOS imager system for providing a viewable image having increased dynamic range including an image sensor including a number of sets of pixels. Each set of pixels is configured to receive one of a number of exposures and to generate image data corresponding to the received exposure in the interleaved mode. The image sensor is configured to operate in either an interleaved mode or a non-interleaved mode and to output the image data generated by each set of pixels as a frame of interleaved image data in the interleaved mode. The imager system further includes an interleaved image pipeline in communication with the image sensor, where the interleaved image pipeline is configured to receive the interleaved image data from the image sensor, combine the image data generated by each set of pixels corresponding to one of the exposures to form the viewable image.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种CMOS成像器系统，用于提供具有增加的动态范围的可视图像，包括包括多个像素组的图像传感器。 每组像素被配置为接收多个曝光中的一个并且产生与交错模式中的所接收的曝光相对应的图像数据。 图像传感器被配置为以交错模式或非交织模式操作，并且以交织模式将由每组像素生成的图像数据输出为交织图像数据的帧。 成像器系统还包括与图像传感器通信的交错图像流水线，其中交错图像流水线被配置为从图像传感器接收交错图像数据，将由与曝光之一相对应的每组像素生成的图像数据组合 以形成可见的图像。

公开(公告)号：US20050128327A1

公开(公告)日：2005-06-16

申请号：US10732583

申请日：2003-12-10

Applicant: Selim Bencuya ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Richard Mann

Inventor： Selim Bencuya ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Richard Mann

IPC: H01L27/00 ,  H01L27/146 ,  H04N20060101 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/359 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/335

CPC classification number: H01L27/14603 ,  H01L27/14643 ,  H01L27/14654 ,  H04N5/347 ,  H04N5/3591 ,  H04N5/363 ,  H04N5/37457

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for image sensing. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a device including a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel includes a charge transfer device and photodetector, and each of the pixels has a pitch of about 3 microns or less. This aspect further includes a select transistor, a reset transistor, a source follower transistor, and a sense node, wherein the select transistor, the reset transistor, the source follower transistor, and the sense node are shared by the plurality of pixels.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及用于图像感测的装置和方法。 一方面，本发明涉及包括多个像素的装置，其中每个像素包括电荷转移装置和光电检测器，并且每个像素具有约3微米或更小的间距。 该方面还包括选择晶体管，复位晶体管，源极跟随器晶体管和感测节点，其中选择晶体管，复位晶体管，源极跟随器晶体管和感测节点由多个像素共享。

公开(公告)号：US20090135245A1

公开(公告)日：2009-05-28

申请号：US12323219

申请日：2008-11-25

Applicant: Jiafu Luo ,  Kang-Huai Wang ,  Gordon C. Wilson

Inventor： Jiafu Luo ,  Kang-Huai Wang ,  Gordon C. Wilson

IPC: H04N7/00 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/228

CPC classification number: H04N5/3415 ,  A61B1/041 ,  G02B13/06 ,  H04N5/23238 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A camera system uses one or more image sensor IC chips each having multiple pixel arrays on the same semiconductor substrate (i.e., “multiple pixel arrays on a chip”). In one embodiment, such a camera system includes: (a) optical components that create multiple images in close physical proximity of each other (e.g., within a few millimeters or centimeters); and (b) a single sensor substrate (“chip”) containing multiple 2-dimensional pixel arrays that are aligned to capture these multiple images, so as to convert the multiple images into electrical signal. The pixel arrays can be manufactured using a CCD or a CMOS compatible process. For manufacturing reasons, such a chip is typically two centimeters or less on a side. However, large chips can also be made. Optional electronic components for further signal processing of the captured images may be formed either on the sensor chip (i.e., in a “system-on-a-chip” implementation), or in a separate back-end application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, digital storage components, display elements, and wired or wireless communication links may also be included in any suitable combination to allow review and further processing of the captured images.

Abstract translation: 相机系统使用在同一半导体衬底（即，“芯片上的多个像素阵列”）上具有多个像素阵列的一个或多个图像传感器IC芯片。 在一个实施例中，这种照相机系统包括：（a）产生彼此紧密物理接近的多个图像的光学部件（例如，在几毫米或厘米以内）; 和（b）包含对准以捕获这些多个图像的多个2维像素阵列的单个传感器基板（“芯片”），以将多个图像转换为电信号。 可以使用CCD或CMOS兼容过程来制造像素阵列。 由于制造原因，这样的芯片在一侧通常为2厘米或更小。 然而，也可以制造大的芯片。 可以在传感器芯片（即，“芯片上系统”实现）中或在单独的后端专用集成电路（ASIC）中形成用于对捕获图像进行进一步信号处理的可选电子部件， 。 此外，数字存储组件，显示元件以及有线或无线通信链路也可以以任何合适的组合包括在内，以允许查看和进一步处理所捕获的图像。

公开(公告)号：US08059174B2

公开(公告)日：2011-11-15

申请号：US11521883

申请日：2006-09-15

Applicant: Richard A. Mann ,  Selim Bencuya ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Alexandre G. Grigoriev ,  Heng Zhang ,  Miaohong Shi ,  Robert Blair ,  Max Safai

Inventor： Richard A. Mann ,  Selim Bencuya ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Alexandre G. Grigoriev ,  Heng Zhang ,  Miaohong Shi ,  Robert Blair ,  Max Safai

IPC: H04N9/083 ,  H04N3/14 ,  H04N5/335 ,  H04N9/04

CPC classification number: H04N5/235 ,  H04N5/23245 ,  H04N5/2355 ,  H04N5/35554

Abstract: There is provided a CMOS imager system for providing a viewable image having increased dynamic range including an image sensor including a number of sets of pixels. Each set of pixels is configured to receive one of a number of exposures and to generate image data corresponding to the received exposure in the interleaved mode. The image sensor is configured to operate in either an interleaved mode or a non-interleaved mode and to output the image data generated by each set of pixels as a frame of interleaved image data in the interleaved mode. The imager system further includes an interleaved image pipeline in communication with the image sensor, where the interleaved image pipeline is configured to receive the interleaved image data from the image sensor, combine the image data generated by each set of pixels corresponding to one of the exposures to form the viewable image.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种CMOS成像器系统，用于提供具有增加的动态范围的可视图像，包括包括多个像素组的图像传感器。 每组像素被配置为接收多个曝光中的一个并且产生与交错模式中的所接收的曝光相对应的图像数据。 图像传感器被配置为以交错模式或非交织模式操作，并且以交织模式将由每组像素生成的图像数据输出为交织图像数据的帧。 成像器系统还包括与图像传感器通信的交错图像流水线，其中交错图像流水线被配置为从图像传感器接收交错图像数据，将由与曝光之一相对应的每组像素生成的图像数据组合 以形成可见的图像。

公开(公告)号：US07381936B2

公开(公告)日：2008-06-03

申请号：US10975474

申请日：2004-10-29

Applicant: Mehmet Ali Tan ,  Jiafu Luo

Inventor： Mehmet Ali Tan ,  Jiafu Luo

IPC: H01L27/00

CPC classification number: H04N5/355 ,  H04N5/235 ,  H04N5/3592

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide blooming protection for a pixel in an array while extending dynamic range.

Abstract translation: 一种在扩展动态范围的同时为阵列中的像素提供防晕保护的方法和装置。

公开(公告)号：US07323671B1

公开(公告)日：2008-01-29

申请号：US11029103

申请日：2004-12-30

Applicant: Zeynep Toros ,  Richard Mann ,  Selim Bencuya ,  Chi-Shao (Sergi) Lin ,  Jiafu Luo

Inventor： Zeynep Toros ,  Richard Mann ,  Selim Bencuya ,  Chi-Shao (Sergi) Lin ,  Jiafu Luo

IPC: H01L27/00 ,  G01J1/44 ,  H03F3/08 ,  H01J40/14

CPC classification number: H01L27/14654 ,  H01L27/14641 ,  H01L27/14689 ,  H04N5/3594 ,  H04N5/3597 ,  H04N5/361 ,  H04N5/3745

Abstract: An improved CMOS sensor integrated circuit is disclosed, along with methods of making the circuit and computer readable descriptions of the circuit.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种改进的CMOS传感器集成电路，以及制作电路的电路和计算机可读描述的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20070001101A1

公开(公告)日：2007-01-04

申请号：US11238425

申请日：2005-09-28

Applicant: Raj Sundararaman ,  Chi-Shao Lin ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Richard Mann ,  Zeynep Toros

Inventor： Raj Sundararaman ,  Chi-Shao Lin ,  Jiafu Luo ,  Richard Mann ,  Zeynep Toros

IPC: H01J40/14

CPC classification number: H04N5/335 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/376

Abstract: An electronic device is provided such as a programmable rise/fall time control circuit, for example, that delivers a continuous and near linear rising/falling slope of a control signal, with programmability that can be implemented in future CMOS image sensor devices. This device includes a programmability block for reset or transfer gate signals. The programmability block includes two inputs: an input bias current and a signal from the control bits. The programmability block further includes two similar internal circuit blocks, one for generating a fall time control signal, and one for generating a rise time control signal. Additionally the programmability block includes two outputs; a fall time control signal, and a rise time control signal. The device further includes a reset or transfer gate buffer configured as an inverter. The reset or transfer gate buffer includes three input signals: The fall time control signal and rise time control signal from the programmability block, and an INT Reset signal. Furthermore, the reset or transfer gate buffer includes an output reset or transfer gate signal. The device is configured to take an input bias current, and by controlling the transconductance of internal circuitry provide a tapered rise and fall time signal to a reset or transfer gate of a CMOS image sensor that is programmable.

Abstract translation: 提供了诸如可编程上升/下降时间控制电路的电子装置，其可以传递控制信号的连续和近似线性的上升/下降斜率，具有可在将来的CMOS图像传感器装置中实现的可编程性。 该器件包括用于复位或传输门信号的可编程块。 可编程块包括两个输入：输入偏置电流和来自控制位的信号。 可编程块还包括两个类似的内部电路块，一个用于产生下降时间控制信号，另一个用于产生上升时间控制信号。 此外，可编程块包括两个输出; 下降时间控制信号和上升时间控制信号。 该装置还包括被配置为反相器的复位或传输门缓冲器。 复位或传输门缓冲器包括三个输入信号：来自可编程块的下降时间控制信号和上升时间控制信号，以及一个INT复位信号。 此外，复位或传输门缓冲器包括输出复位或传输门信号。 该器件被配置为获取输入偏置电流，并且通过控制内部电路的跨导向可编程的CMOS图像传感器的复位或传输门提供渐变的上升和下降时间信号。

公开(公告)号：US09118850B2

公开(公告)日：2015-08-25

申请号：US12323219

申请日：2008-11-25

Applicant: Jiafu Luo ,  Kang-Huai Wang ,  Gordon C. Wilson

Inventor： Jiafu Luo ,  Kang-Huai Wang ,  Gordon C. Wilson

IPC: H04N7/00 ,  H04N5/341 ,  A61B1/04 ,  G02B13/06 ,  H04N5/232 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/378

CPC classification number: H04N5/3415 ,  A61B1/041 ,  G02B13/06 ,  H04N5/23238 ,  H04N5/3745 ,  H04N5/378

Abstract: A camera system uses one or more image sensor IC chips each having multiple pixel arrays on the same semiconductor substrate (i.e., “multiple pixel arrays on a chip”). In one embodiment, such a camera system includes: (a) optical components that create multiple images in close physical proximity of each other (e.g., within a few millimeters or centimeters); and (b) a single sensor substrate (“chip”) containing multiple 2-dimensional pixel arrays that are aligned to capture these multiple images, so as to convert the multiple images into electrical signal. The pixel arrays can be manufactured using a CCD or a CMOS compatible process. For manufacturing reasons, such a chip is typically two centimeters or less on a side. However, large chips can also be made. Optional electronic components for further signal processing of the captured images may be formed either on the sensor chip (i.e., in a “system-on-a-chip” implementation), or in a separate back-end application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition, digital storage components, display elements, and wired or wireless communication links may also be included in any suitable combination to allow review and further processing of the captured images.

Abstract translation: 相机系统使用在同一半导体衬底（即，“芯片上的多个像素阵列”）上具有多个像素阵列的一个或多个图像传感器IC芯片。 在一个实施例中，这种照相机系统包括：（a）产生彼此紧密物理接近的多个图像的光学部件（例如，在几毫米或厘米以内）; 和（b）包含对准以捕获这些多个图像的多个2维像素阵列的单个传感器基板（“芯片”），以将多个图像转换为电信号。 可以使用CCD或CMOS兼容过程来制造像素阵列。 由于制造原因，这样的芯片在一侧通常为2厘米或更小。 然而，也可以制造大的芯片。 可以在传感器芯片（即，“芯片上系统”实现）中或在单独的后端专用集成电路（ASIC）中形成用于对捕获图像进行进一步信号处理的可选电子部件， 。 此外，数字存储组件，显示元件以及有线或无线通信链路也可以以任何合适的组合包括在内，以允许查看和进一步处理所捕获的图像。