Showing papers on "Image sensor published in 1977"

Method and apparatus for recognizing code information

Abstract: A light source, a converging lens and a light responsive image sensor are optically coupled to recognize the code information such as bar codes recorded on an object. The light source supplies the code information with illumination light and the image sensor receives the reflected light through the converging lens to convert it into the image signal. The distance between the lens and the image sensor is adjusted automatically in response to the image signal such that clear reflected light is received by the image sensor, whereby correct information recognizing operation is attained.

Direct soft x-ray response of a charge-coupled image sensor

Abstract: To determine the feasibility of actively recovering data from x‐ray imaging instruments used in the laser fusion program of Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, we have used a commercial, silicon video sensor to detect patterns of soft x rays (1–8 keV). The sensor is a two‐dimensional, frame transfer, charge‐coupled device (CCD), modified to allow direct access of x rays to the sensitive silicon. We discuss the x‐ray sensitivity, linearity, and dynamic range of the CCD.

Sensor Transformations

Abstract: The problem of matching two images of the same scene taken by different sensors under different viewing geometries is a challenging problem in the field of computer applications to image processing and pattern recognition. The scenes are usually transformed so drastically by the different viewing geometries and sensor characteristics that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to match the original images without the proper data processing. Geometric transformation must be performed on the images to bring the matching elements into one-to-one correspondence. Because of the difference in operating conditions and sensor characteristics, images of the same object taken by two different sensors have different intensity values. A new intensity matching technique based on the Karhunen-Loeve transformation was developed to match the intensity values of one image to those of the other as closely as possible through the use of a digital computer.

Solid state television camera with defect compensation to reduce noise

Abstract: A solid state television camera having a solid state image sensor onto which an image of an object is projected, a sampling hold circuit supplied with an output signal derived from the solid state image sensor, a level detecting circuit for the derived output signal, and a control circuit supplied with an output signal from the level detecting circuit in which a detecting level is selected as a predetermined level at a reference time which differs from the arrival time of the sampling signal by a predetermined time interval. The solid state television camera can remove noise caused by defects in the solid state image sensor by a defect compensating operation.

Image sensor output correcting system

Abstract: An image sensor output correcting system wherein a correcting region of an object being read is scanned in advance by means of a sensor array, thereby to provide a correcting signal based on the signal obtained in the scanning operation for correcting the scanning video signal of the region being read, characterized in that the video signal obtained during the scanning operation of the correcting region is sampled with a predetermined interval, the video signals of the sensor corresponding to a plurality of scanning lines are compared, and the maximum value is stored as the correcting signal, whereby high speed scanning can be made without degrading the correcting function as compared with a system where the outputs of the respective sensors of the sensor array are analog to digital converted to generate the correcting signal.

Image contour extraction with analog MOS circuit techniques

Abstract: Simple analog MOS circuits provide real-time contour extraction for video signals from CCD images. Variation in ambient lighting and complexity can be accommodated using novel MOS analog counters. Applications include industrial controls and prosthetics. The possibility of automatic picture focusing is demonstrated with the contour extraction technique developed in this project.

Camera provided with focused point detector

Abstract: PURPOSE: To improve response speed, durability, accuracy, etc. by detecting focusing state via solid image sensor and electrically performing focusing. COPYRIGHT: (C)1978,JPO&Japio

A High Quantum Efficiency, Front-Side Illuminated CCD Area Image Sensor

Abstract: A high performance CCD area image sensor has been designed and fabricated with a maximized averagequantum efficiency over the wavelength range 500 to 900 nm; an average quantum efficiency of 50 percent was achieved. A multi- deposition polysilicon gate technology, supplemented by silicon nitride, was used. The measured response spectrum has the same major features as the computer generated spectrum for the optimumstructure, although the measured spectrum is distinctly smoother. The CCD image sensor is of the time delayand integration (TDI) type. This paper describes the CCD image sensor configuration, the details of theunit cell, and the computer model boundary conditions, such as what layer thicknesses were allowed. A largenumber of layer- thickness designs were run on computer; the results are summarized. The wafer processingsequence is outlined. Possible explanations for the differences between theory and experiment are presented.IntroductionSilicon integrated- circuit image sensor designs of various types have been reported for many years now.One of the earliest of these, named the Scanistor and reportel in 1964, is a linear photodiode array scannedby a voltage ramp with the aid of an array of diode switches.11) Since then these image sensor designs havebecome much more sophisticated. One goal in the design and development of almost all of these has been tomaximize quantum efficiency, for example, to the degree achieved in the silicon solar cell.

Actual Time Scan Conversion and Image Processing in a Phased Array Ultrasound Imaging System

Abstract: A new on-line digital scan conversion and image processing system has been developed at Duke University. This new system provides simultaneous real- time digital scan conversion and multi-dimensional image processing. Operating at image frame rates comensurate with TV video tape r ecorders for image storage, this system simultaneously converts a random B-mode image into digital form and reads a sequence of the last four image frames recorded. These four s equential frames represent either a time sequence of the same image in which case image averaging or MTI can be readily accomplished or they may represent some other parametric variation in the images in which case the multi-dimensional aspect of the process- ing becomes even mre apparent and important. Ultrasound B-mode images obtained for medical diagnostic use are typically composed of a large number of more or less randomly oriented B-mode image lines. Static image scan converters using analog storage devices have found widespread acceptance since their introduction into B-mode ultrasonography in the early 1970~~~~. More recently, digital scan converters are coming into use for such static imaging and these are now commercially available. Although digital scan conversion for time varying or dynamic imaging has been employed for the conversion and distribution of radar imaees for aircraft surveilance and traffic control such techniques have not pre- viously been employed for diagnostic ultra- sound imaging. The widespread development of real-time or dynamic ultrasound imaging sys- tems has led t o the development at Duke Uni- versity of a high speed digital scan conver- sion system which also incorporates m ulti- dimensional forms of on-line image processing.

Invited: Solid State Image Sensors Using the Charge Transfer Principle

Abstract: A new type of charge transfer sensor, the resistive gate sensor will be described. This resistive gate sensor is compared with existing charge transfer sensors. The comparison is favorable for the resistive gate sensor with respect to point anti-blooming, the sensitivity to blue light and the overall sensitivity. A lot of work has still to be done to show whether this sensor is a practical proposition for consumer applications.

Fixed noise elimination of solid image sensor

Abstract: PURPOSE:To elimiante the fixed noise by using the differnetial signal between the first output signal at the preak of incident light and the second output signal at the picking-up of optical image in the output signals from solid image sensor as the image picking-up output signal.

Copy picture quality controller of electrostatic copying machine

Abstract: PURPOSE:To perform controlling of developing bias voltages by detecting the illuminances of ground parts and image parts by an image sensor.

Video Defects in Charge-Coupled Image Sensors

Abstract: The origin of video defects (bright spots and bright lines) in Charge-Coupled Image Sensors was studied. Area image sensors with sensor, memory and shift register regions and linear image sensors with a sensor region and two shift registers were investigated by primarily looking for a correspondence between video defects on a video display and etching patterns revealed on the device surface. Video defects were fairly well correlated to stacking faults and their derivatives lying in the sensor region. When these lattice defects existed in a shift register, they brought about both video defects and increase in the dark current in the register. The number of the video defects was greatly reduced by phosphorous diffusions performed on the back surface of the device.

Ccd image sensor camera of variable scanning frequency

Abstract: PURPOSE:The time average value of output is obtained using integrator. The scanning frequency is controlled by the obtained average value in order to make the output uniform, so that S/N as well as saturation characteristics of output can be improved.

Moving body detector

Abstract: PURPOSE: To rest a shutter speed so that it may be coincident with the movement of an object,when the position of the image of the object is changing, by sampling the image in a time interval corresponding to the shuter speed CONSTITUTION: The image signals corresponding to the brightness distribution of the image 8 upon an image sensor 6 are amplified and converted into binary signals by a comparator 12 so that they may be fed to a coincidence detecting circuit 16 and a shift resistor 14 This resistor 14 stores the image information for each sampling interval to according to the shutter speed and is compared at 16 with the binary signals of the image information so that it may be fed to a gate circuit 18 There is left in a counter 20 the number of coincidence bits of the previous and preset reading image information which is compared at 24 with the minimum number of coincidence bits from a fixed data generator 22 The output thus compated is stored in an FF 26 in response to the latch pulses which are generated from a control circuit 34 COPYRIGHT: (C)1979,JPO&Japio

Photoelectric detecting optical device

Abstract: PURPOSE: To capture signals of objects at high efficiency and with a good contrast by making the region detected by an image sensor in a singularity or plurality of wires or strips on the object surface by using a special lighting system in an auto-alignment apparatus for production of integrated circuits, etc. COPYRIGHT: (C)1978,JPO&Japio

Application of the High Resolution Return Beam Vidicon

Abstract: The Return Beam Vidicon (RBV) is a high-performance electronic image sensor and electrical storage component. It can accept continuous or discrete exposures. Information can be read out with a single scan or with many repetitive scans for either signal processing or display. Resolution capability is 10,000 TV lines/height, and at 100 lp/mm, performance matches or exceeds that of film, particularly with low-contrast imagery. Electronic zoom can be employed effectively for image magnification and data compression. The high performance and flexibility of the RBV permit wide application in systems for reconnaissance, scan conversion, information storage and retrieval, and automatic inspection and test. This paper summarizes the characteristics and performance parameters of the RBV and cites examples of feasible applications.

Self-Scanned Charge Coupled Photodiode (CCPD) Sensor Arrays

Abstract: Two competing types of solid state image sensors have been available for some time. CCD imagers have superior low noise, low light level performance, but have relatively poor spectral response characteristics. Self scanned photodiode array (SSPD) imagers can be produced with near ideal silicon spectral response, but have higher readout noise. A new optimized structure, the charge coupled photodiode array (CCPD) imager is described which combines photodiode sensors with CCD readout to provide low light level capability along with ' smooth spectral response and high quantum efficiency.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Automated Astroposition Determination Using Sensor Array Systems

Abstract: A new method to determine the astronomic longitude is described. The standard optical micrometer of the T-4 theodolite is substituted by an optical sensor array system that is placed in the focal plane of the T-4. The image of a star is projected on the sensor array and converted into an electrical signal. The signal is consequently processed in a signal processor and accurately recorded. The signal processing procedure is designed to eliminate the need for an observer. Longitude determinations using stars of various magnitudes are described resulting in an accuracy of ±0.5?.

Picture signal correcting circuit

Abstract: PURPOSE:To correct disuniformity of an image sensor output signal with an external drive pulse when the signal level is high or low regularly at every other bit

Mounting method of semiconductor image sensor chips

Abstract: PURPOSE:To accurately mount image sensor chips while mating display patterns to recording patterns by putting a mark to the angle of an image sensor chip, radiating a laser beam to the marked part, recording and displaying the reflection pattern of said beam, placing the chip on a stage and displaying the characteristic reflection patterns by the laser beam.

Image processing for aberration removal

Abstract: Results in estimation theory are applied to the problem of removing aberrations caused by imaging systems. Recursive models for the object image brightness function and the image sensor performance are developed.

Spaceborne astronomy with electro-optical image sensors

Abstract: The Space Telescope, planned for orbiting in the early 1980s, is described, with emphasis on its electro-optical image sensing capability. Relative advantages of image tubes and solid state arrays as image detectors are summarized; image tube technology is well characterized, but preference may be given to a more versatile tandem solid state array consisting of one module with high silicon response covering most of the spectrum, and a second intensified array with ultraviolet sensitivity and low noise readout. The classical 'photoelectron noise limit' calculation is reviewed, and a detailed calculation of sensitivity limits adaptable to analysis of image tube or solid state array detectors is also given. In particular, characteristics of a filter to optimize the signal to noise ratio is determined. Typical sensitivity calculations for an image tube detector show that with an exposure of one orbital night (approximately 2000 seconds), 10% photometry may be done to a low limit of visual magnitude.

New 1024-element charge-coupled linear image sensor with high sensitivity

Abstract: A 1024-element charge-coupled linear image sensor with a new integration site array has been developed. The individual site consists of a photodiode and an m.o.s. capacitor. This arrangement results in high sensitivity and low dark-current signal.