1st Edition

Image Sensors and Signal Processing for Digital Still Cameras

Edited By Junichi Nakamura Copyright 2006
    370 Pages 43 Color & 240 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    336 Pages 43 Color & 240 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Shrinking pixel sizes along with improvements in image sensors, optics, and electronics have elevated DSCs to levels of performance that match, and have the potential to surpass, that of silver-halide film cameras. Image Sensors and Signal Processing for Digital Still Cameras captures the current state of DSC image acquisition and signal processing technology and takes an all-inclusive look at the field, from the history of DSCs to future possibilities.

    The first chapter outlines the evolution of DSCs, their basic structure, and their major application classes. The next few chapters discuss high-quality optics that meet the requirements of better image sensors, the basic functions and performance parameters of image sensors, and detailed discussions of both CCD and CMOS image sensors. The book then discusses how color theory affects the uses of DSCs, presents basic image processing and camera control algorithms and examples of advanced image processing algorithms, explores the architecture and required performance of signal processing engines, and explains how to evaluate image quality for each component described. The book closes with a look at future technologies and the challenges that must be overcome to realize them.

    With contributions from many active DSC experts, Image Sensors and Image Processing for Digital Still Cameras offers unparalleled real-world coverage and opens wide the door for future innovation.

    Preface
    DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS AT A GLANCE; Kenji Toyoda
    What Is a Digital Still Camera?
    History of Digital Still Cameras
    Variations of Digital Still Cameras
    Basic Structure of Digital Still Cameras
    Applications of Digital Still Cameras
    OPTICS IN DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS; Takeshi Koyama
    Optical System Fundamentals and Standards for Evaluating Optical Performance
    Characteristics of DSC Imaging Optics
    Important Aspects of Imaging Optics Design for DSCs
    DSC Imaging Lens Zoom Types and Their Applications
    Conclusion
    References
    BASICS OF IMAGE SENSORS; Junichi Nakamura
    Functions of an Image Sensor
    Photodetector in a Pixel
    Noise
    Photoconversion Characteristics
    Array Performance
    Optical Format and Pixel Size
    CCD Image Sensor vs. CMOS Image Sensor
    References
    CCD IMAGE SENSORS; Tetsuo Yamada
    Basics of CCDs
    Structures and Characteristics of CCD Image Sensor
    DSC Applications
    Future Prospects
    References
    CMOS IMAGE SENSORS; Isao Takayanagi
    Introduction to CMOS Image Sensors
    CMOS Active Pixel Technology
    Signal Processing and Noise Behavior
    CMOS Image Sensors for DSC Applications
    Future Prospects of CMOS Image Sensors for DSC Applications
    References
    EVALUATION OF IMAGE SENSORS; Toyokazu Mizoguchi
    What is Evaluation of Image Sensors?
    Evaluation Environment
    Evaluation Methods
    COLOR THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION TO DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS; Po-Chieh Hung
    Color Theory
    Camera Spectral Sensitivity
    Characterization of a Camera
    White Balance
    Conversion for Display (Color Management)
    Summary
    References
    IMAGE-PROCESSING ALGORITHMS; Kazuhiro Sato
    Basic Image-Processing Algorithms
    Camera Control Algorithm
    Advanced Image Processing: How to Obtain Improved Image Quality
    References
    IMAGE-PROCESSING ENGINES; Seiichiro Watanabe
    Key Characteristics of an Image-Processing Engine
    Imaging Engine Architecture Comparison
    Analog Front End (AFE)
    Digital Back End (DBE)
    Future Design Engines
    References
    EVALUATION OF IMAGE QUALITY; Hideaki Yoshida
    What is Image Quality?
    General Items or Parameters
    Detailed Items or Factors
    Standards Relating to Image Quality
    SOME THOUGHTS ON FUTURE DIGITAL STILL CAMERAS; Eric R. Fossum
    The Future of DSC Image Sensors
    Some Future Digital Cameras
    References

    Biography

    Nakamura, Junichi

    "This book is on the basic foundations of digital still cameras … It includes both the theory and the concepts of both the hardware being used and the software that ties everything together … Dr. Nakamura has gotten a group of people from various companies to write chapters on their own area of expertise. … [These companies are] a who's who of the digital camera field including: Konica Minolta, Canon, Olympus, Fuji, and various specialized companies…"
    -Books-On-Line