Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Transchip Israel Ltd.

Yoel Yaffe

Roee Elizov

Nathan Henri Levy

Amit Eisenberg

Ariel Orfaig

Sebastien Derhy

Shy Hamami

Shachaf Amir

Shai Litvak

Eugene Fainstain

Gal Bitan

Uzi Hizi

Ishay Goldin

Oded Monzon

Gershi Koltun

Guy Horowitz

Claudio G Jakobson

Shemi Prazot

Shahaf Duenyas

Yoav Piepsh

A mobile device includes an application processor and an image sensor. The application processor includes an imaging subsystem configured to process high resolution image data through a first interface and a sensor hub configured to process sensor data through a second interface. The image sensor operates in one of first and second modes. The image sensor is configured to capture the high resolution image data in response to a request from the imaging subsystem and the imaging subsystem is configured to access the high resolution image data using the first interface for performing a first operation, during the first mode. The image sensor is configured to capture low resolution image data and the sensor hub is configured to access the low resolution image data using the second bus for performing a second operation, during the second mode.

Using an image sensor for always-on application within a mobile device

A method for processing a digital content includes acquiring content data using a sensor. Compressed reference data is generated from the acquired content data. A hash of the compressed reference data is generated using a hashing function. The generated hash is signed using an encryption function. The acquired content data is transmitted along with the compressed reference data and the signed hash.

Robust selective image, video, and audio content authentication

A method performed with an image sensor having a pixel array. At least one frame of a scene may be obtained using the pixel array. At least one region of interest (ROI) is identified within the frame. Subsequent frames of the scene are obtained, which involves controlling the pixel array to perform high resolution imaging with respect to the at least one ROI and low resolution imaging using analog binning with respect to remaining regions of the frames.

Image sensor employing varied intra-frame analog binning

An image sensor may include control circuitry, a plurality of pixels, and an image processor. Each pixel includes a photodetector, at least first and second storage nodes, and transfer circuitry. The transfer circuitry is responsive to control signals generated by the control circuitry to transfer first charges generated by the photodetector during a first exposure time within a frame period to the first storage node. Second charges may be generated by the photodetector during a second, longer exposure time during the frame period, and transferred to the second storage node. The image processor may generate image frame data based on output voltage samples derived from the first and second charges of each of the plurality of pixels.

HDR image sensor employing multi-tap pixel architecture and method for operating same

Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for positional tracking (PT) in Augmented Reality (AR) applications. The method may include creating different images for AR preview and PT applications. In some cases, the PT information utilizes key point information. The AR preview and the PT images may be generated simultaneously using time division, space division, split timing, or any combination thereof. This may result in PT with significantly less motion blur. Accordingly, the PT will be more robust, and there will be more good frames available for key components of a PT algorithm (i.e., using visual PT to calibrate the biases of an inertial measurement unit). Thus, the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may enable more effective management of the trade-off between motion-blur, noise and resolution for PT.

Sensor auto-configuration

A pulsed image capturing system includes a pulse generation circuit, a dynamic vision sensor (DVS), and a DVS scanning and readout circuit. A global reset signal is transmitted to pixels of the DVS to set a reference illumination level for the pixels, and then a pulsed light pattern is generated. A global hold signal is transmitted to the pixels, after the pulsed light pattern is generated, to hold an illumination change event indicating a change with respect to the reference illumination level. A DVS scanning and readout operation is performed on event signals received from the pixels, after the global hold signal is transmitted to the pixels. A reflection of the pulsed light pattern is extracted from the DVS output after cleaning artifacts from the DVS output without additional image processing.

System and method for pulsed light pattern capturing using a dynamic vision sensor

Methods of calibrating a linear-logarithmic image sensor pixel include performing a reset of the pixel in advance of establishing a leakage current between a photodiode and a floating diffusion region of the pixel. A first voltage of the floating diffusion region is then read through a source follower and selection transistor, after the leakage is terminated. A step is then performed to transfer charge between the photodiode and the floating diffusion region of the pixel so that a voltage of a cathode of the photodiode is increased. Thereafter, a second voltage of the floating diffusion region is read. The first and second read voltages are then used to perform a calibration operation. These steps may be repeated to establish another leakage current of different duration/magnitude and yield third and fourth read voltages, which support further calibration.

Methods of calibrating linear-logarithmic image sensors

A method of increasing the dynamic range of a captured image using a pixel array having a plurality of rows includes reading first pixel information corresponding to a long integration period from each pixel of a first row, reading second pixel information corresponding to a short integration period from each pixel of the first row, and merging the first pixel information and the second pixel information to thereby produce wide dynamic range pixel information for each pixel of the first row. Reading first pixel information takes place during a first interval, reading second pixel information takes place during a second interval, and at least a portion of the second interval takes place during a long integration period corresponding to a second row of the pixel array.

CMOS image sensor with increased dynamic range based on multiple exposure periods of varying lengths

A method of capturing an image of a scene using an image capture device having an array of pixels arranged into a plurality of rows includes, for a first duration, capturing a first portion of the scene with a first plurality of the rows and, for a second duration that is longer than the first duration, capturing a second portion of the scene with a second plurality of the rows. If a pixel value is below a first threshold, an interpolated pixel value is used. If the pixel value is above a second predetermined threshold, a different interpolated pixel value is used.

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Modiin, Israel

Yoel Yaffe