Omnivision Technologies, Inc.

Ming-Kai Hsu

Jizhang Shan

Bowei Zhang

Embodiments of an apparatus and process are described. The process includes capturing a first image frame using an image sensor, the image sensor including a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns and a color filter array optically coupled to the pixel array. A region of interest within the first image frame is determined, and the exposure time of the image sensor is adjusted to eliminate a substantial fraction of the visible light captured by the image sensor. A rolling shutter procedure is used with the pixel array to capture at least one subsequent frame using the adjusted exposure time, and a source of invisible radiation is activated while the rolling shutter enters the region of interest and deactivated when the rolling shutter exits the region of interest. Finally, an image of the region of interest is output. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Non-visible illumination scheme

An imaging system with single-photon-avalanche-diodes (SPADs) and sensor translation for capturing a plurality of first images to enable generation of an enhanced-resolution image includes (a) an image sensor with SPAD pixels for capturing the plurality of first images at a plurality of spatially shifted positions of the image sensor, respectively, and (b) an actuator for translating the image sensor, parallel to its light receiving surface, to place the image sensor at the plurality of spatially shifted positions. A method for capturing a plurality of first images that enable composition of an enhanced-resolution image includes (a) translating an image sensor parallel to its light receiving surface to place the image sensor at a plurality of spatially shifted positions, and (b) capturing, using SPAD pixels implemented in pixel array of the image sensor, the plurality of first images at the plurality of spatially shifted positions, respectively.

Imaging systems with single-photon-avalanche-diodes and sensor translation, and associated methods

A feature detection process includes identifying an approximate location of a feature in a preliminary image. A gradient phase map of image pixel intensities within the approximate location is computed. A projection result is determined by applying a projection function to the gradient phase map. The projection result is analyzed to determine a state of the feature.

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Ming-Kai Hsu