Akihito Nishizawa

Digital Still Camera System For Megapixel CCD

We have developed a digital still camera system processing images by a combination of hardware and software to meet the demand of both high speed and flexibility. The system is capable of supporting CCDs with image size from VGA (640/spl times/480) to SXGA (1280/spl times/960), progressive and interlaced type scanning, and color filters of primary RGB and complementary MGCY signals. The still image processing time for YUV conversion is completed in approximately one frame for the progressive scan type CCD.

Ultra small video camera and a video camera system

Image data photographed by a video camera 20 is compressed by a compression and decompression circuit 5, the compressed image data is recorded in an incorporated type semiconductor memory 6 or disk-type memory 13 fixed in the video camera 20 and the recorded image data is transferred to an external recording device 23. Further, the external recording device 23 records the transferred image data in a data storage while it is being compressed. The video camera 20 receives, decompresses and converts into a television signal the compressed image data read by the external recording device 23 in a reproducing operation. A video camera system capable of recording and reproducing long hours of image data by using a video camera having an ultra small size comparable to that of an 8 mm video cassette can be realized by using such a construction.

A video pre/post-processing LSI for video capture

A video processing LSI which converts video signals to digital YUV signals in various image formats was successfully developed for a video capture system. This LSI is suitable for PC cameras, camera/recorders and PC video capture boards.

A compact CCD color camera system with digital AWB control

A novel signal-processing LSI was successfully developed for a compact CCD (charge coupled device) camera, where incident YRGB signals were converted into desired Y, C-Y signals, filtered, compressed, and automatically white-balanced. In order to realize accurate inner AWB (automatic white-balance) control, some ideas concerning white detection, white reproduction, and control speed were studied and developed with digital circuits. Specifically, digital circuits made a hold function, more accurate white detection, and a variable speed control possible. >

A low-power MPEG-2 codec LSI for consumer cameras

We have developed a low-power MPEG-2 codec LSI which has MPEG-2 encoding and decoding functions, high resolution still picture functions and a progressive frame encoding function. This LSI is specifically designed for realizing compact and low cost consumer cameras.

A 0.8 mu m CMOS digital signal processor for a video camera

A digital signal processor has been developed for a video camera by using a 0.8- mu m CMOS process. This LSI includes almost all the functions of a video camera. It also integrates a circuit for extending the dynamic range and a three-line color processing circuit to realize true-to-life color reproduction. Using this LSI, a compact and lightweight video camera with high picture quality has been realized. >

Video camera recorder using small-size DVD-RAM

We have developed a video camera recording using small-size 80 mm DVD-RAM with the following features: quick search, no accidental overwrite, high-quality picture for a long time, playback on PCs with a 4.7 GB DVD-RAM drive and future DVD players.