Imaging devices including a novel imaging system wherein a 2-dimensional pixel array has a diagonal dimension larger than the diameter measurement of the image circle, thereby being capable of handling rectangular images with multiple aspect ratios. These new imaging devices can be used in various electronic imaging apparatus with or without a lens system.

Imaging devices operable with multiple aspect ratios

A charge-coupled imaging device has a width/height ratio which is adjustable since a number of columns situated in two strips on either side of the sensor are not used. The charge generated in these columns is placed in the horizontal output register simultaneously with the active information which is to be used, and is drained off in the flyback time between consecutive active line times through the output of the output register. Since the non-active strips are situated on either side of the sensor, the location of the center of the active portion of the matrix is fixed, independent of whether the information from the said strips is or is not used, so that in every state of the sensor this center coincides with the optical center of the optical system used.

Solid state imaging device having an adjustable width/height ratio

of EP0547697The invention relates to a charge-coupled imaging device whose width/height ratio is adjustable in that a number of columns situated in two strips on either side of the sensor are not used. The charge generated in these columns is placed in the horizontal output register simultaneously with the active information which is to be used, and is drained off in the flyback time between consecutive active line times through the or an output of the output register. Since the said non-active strips are situated on either side of the sensor, the location of the centre of the active portion of the matrix is fixed, independent of whether the information from the said strips is or is not used, so that in every state of the sensor this centre coincides with the optical centre of the optical system used.

Solid state imaging device and camera provided with such an imaging device

The camera forms one image corresp. to an aspect ratio of 4:3 and another image corresp. to a ratio of 16:9. CCD images are distorted optically, e.g. by cylindrical lens, so that video intervals between known points are the same for both. With a picture tube, a test picture with 4:3 aspect ratio is compared with stored values of time, and if no agreement is found the deflection current is adjusted. Control pulses may be called up from memory. USE - In EDTV or HDTV cameras with picture tubes of CCD image sensors.

Automatic conversion of aspect ratio of TV camera - involves optical distortion of test image and automatic adjustment of tube deflection current or CCD pulsing

Marey Mohamed Dr Ing

Papers

Automatic conversion of aspect ratio of TV camera - involves optical distortion of test image and automatic adjustment of tube deflection current or CCD pulsing