Abstract: A camera system includes a camera with a lens assembly and image processing electronics internal to the camera housing. The lens assembly and image processing electronics are sensitive to thermal gradients within the camera body. The image processing electronics are coupled to a thermal management system that transfers thermal energy away from the electronics towards a heat diffuser. The thermal management system comprises a heat controller with a heat source, an offset arm, and a heat exchange. The thermal energy moves from the heat source to the heat exchange via the offset arm. The thermal management system also manages heat transfer between auxiliary electronic components and the image processing electronics. The thermal management system is constructed of materials that react to the compressive forces created on the system during camera assembly.

Abstract: Video information may define spherical video content having a duration. Spherical video content may define visual content viewable from a point of view as a function of progress through the spherical video content. Path information may define a path selection for the spherical video content. Path selection may include movement of a viewing window within the spherical video content. The viewing window may define extents of the visual content viewable from the point of view as the function of progress through the spherical video content. Time lapse parameter information may define at least two of a time portion of the duration, an image sampling rate, and a time lapse speed effect. A time lapse video may be generated based on the video information, the path information, and the time lapse parameter information.

Abstract: An image capture device may automatically capture images. An image sensor may generate visual content based on light that becomes incident thereon. A motion of interest within the visual content may be identified, and multiple images may be generated to include portions of the visual content that span a time duration of interest.

Abstract: A continuous slanted edge focus measurement system characterizes focus of a camera lens. The measurement system may be used to measure effects on focus on caused by factors such as thermal focal shift, humidity focal shift, focal shift caused by changing parts in the camera, and focal shift by changing the camera design. An accurate measurement system enables camera designers to optimize focus under a variety of different conditions and ensure consistency in the products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for multi-encoder processing of high resolution content. In one embodiment, the method includes capturing high resolution imaging content; splitting up the captured high resolution imaging content into respective portions; feeding the split up portions to respective imaging encoders; packing encoded content from the respective imaging encoders into an A/V container; and storing and/or transmitting the A/V container. In another embodiment, the method includes retrieving and/or receiving an A/V container; splitting up the retrieved and/or received A/V container into respective portions; feeding the split up portions to respective imaging decoders; stitching the decoded imaging portions into a common imaging portion; and storing and/or displaying at least a portion of the common imaging portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying motion blur to overcapture content. In one embodiment, the motion blur is applied by selecting a number of frames of the captured image content for application of motion blur; selecting a plurality of pixel locations within the number of frames of the captured image content for the application of motion blur; applying motion blur to the captured image content in accordance with the selected number of frames and the selected plurality of pixel locations; and outputting the captured image content with the applied motion blur. In some implementations, motion blur is applied via implementation of a virtualized neutral density filter. Computerized devices and computer-readable apparatus for the application of motion blur are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image capture device includes an image capture module and a base module. The image capture module is releasably connectable to the base module. The image capture module includes an integrated image sensor and optical component for capturing image data. The base module includes a processor. The processor is configured and the base module is calibrated based on identification data provided by the image capture module when releasably connected to the base module. The image information and identification data may be wirelessly transferred from the image capture module to the base module.

Abstract: An image capture device may buffer video footage in a memory buffer before a command to record video is received. The image capture device may present a progression of color along a path to reflect the amount of buffered video footage. When the command to record the video is received, the video may be generated to include both buffered video footage and the video footage captured after the command.

Abstract: An audio capture device for a submersible camera including a supporting structure to prevent a waterproof membrane from deflecting beyond a point that will cause damage to the membrane. A microphone assembly includes a microphone for detecting ambient sound and generating an electrical signal representing the ambient sound. The microphone assembly is covered by a waterproof membrane to prevent water from reaching the microphone assembly. One or more supporting rings near the waterproof membrane prevents the waterproof membrane from deflecting more than a threshold deflection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a light-field camera and display system. In one embodiment, a light-field camera and display apparatus is provided, which may include a display screen and photosensor layer. In one variant, the display screen includes a plurality of pinholes or microlenses and a plurality of pixels configured according to a certain configuration. Additionally, in one variant, the photosensor layer includes multiple arrays of photosensors implemented to capture light that travels through the pinholes or microlenses. Yet additionally, methods for operating and calibrating the light-field camera and display apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, logic is provided which subtracts leakage light from the generated image that is displayed to the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of high resolution content so as to obey desired encoder constraints. In one embodiment, the method includes capturing high resolution imaging spherical content; mapping the spherical content to another frame of reference (e.g., a non-uniform mapping and scaling) splitting up the mapped and scaled content into respective portions; feeding the split up portions to respective imaging encoders; packing encoded content from the respective imaging encoders into an A/V container; and storing and/or transmitting the A/V container. In one variant, the mapping and scaling are chosen to enable rendering of 1080P content in a desired scope or range (e.g., 360 degrees) using commodity encoder hardware and software.

Abstract: An image capture device may include one or more optical elements. One or more lens covers may be used to cover the optical element(s). Usage of the lens cover(s) with respect to the optical element(s) may be determined. The operation of the image capture device may be changed based on whether the lens cover(s) are on or off the optical element(s).

Abstract: An image capture device may capture two hemispherical views of a scene. The two hemispherical view of the scene may be stitched along a stitch line. The image capture device may be rotated to align the stitch line with a mid-line of a panoramic field of view of the scene. Separate exposure settings may be used to capture the two hemispherical views of the scene, with the exposure settings increasing the dynamic range of the scene depicted within the panoramic field of view of the scene. The panoramic field of view of the scene may be punched out as panoramic visual content.

Abstract: Images may be obtained using a moving camera comprised of two or more rigidly mounted image sensors. Camera motion may change camera orientation when different portions of an image are captured. Pixel acquisition time may be determined based on image exposure duration and position of the pixel in the image array (pixel row index). Orientation of the sensor may at the pixel acquisition time instance may be determined. Image transformation may be performed wherein a given portion of the image may be associated with a respective transformation characterized by the corrected sensor orientation. In some implementations of panoramic image acquisition, multiple source images may be transformed to, e.g., equirectangular plane, using sensor orientation that is corrected for the time of pixel acquisition. Use of orientation correction may improve quality of stitching by, e.g., reducing contrast of border areas between portions of the transformed image obtained by different image sensors.

Abstract: Video information defining video content may be accessed. Music information defining a music track providing an accompaniment for video content may be accessed. The music track may have pulses and one or more music events. Individual music events may correspond to different moments within the music track. One or more music events may be individually classified into one or more categories based on intensities of one or pulses occurring within the music event. One or more visual effects may be selected for different moments within the music track based on the categories of the music events. One or more visual effects may be applied to the video content. One or more visual effects may be applied to one or more moments within the video content aligned to one or more different moments within the music track.

Abstract: Multiple framings of a video may define different positionings of a viewing window at different moments within the video. The positionings of the viewing window defined by the multiple framings may be used as fixed positionings of the viewing window in a viewing path. The viewing path may define changes in the positioning of the viewing window between the fixed positionings. A presentation of the video may be generated to include the extents of the video within the viewing window.

Abstract: Video information may define video content. The video content may be characterized by capture information. A remote device may transmit at least a portion of the capture information to a computing device. The computing device may identify one or more portions of the video content based on the transmitted capture information. The remote device may receive the identification of the identified portion(s) of the video content from the computing device. The remote device may stream one or more portions of the video information defining at least some of the identified portion(s) of the video content to the computing device. The streamed video information may enable the computing devices to provide a presentation of at least some of the identified portion(s) of the video content using a buffer of the streamed video information, which may allow the computing device to present the video content without permanently storing the video information.

Abstract: Video information and sensor information may be obtained. The video information may define spherical video content having a progress length. The spherical video content may define visual content viewable from a point a view as a function of progress through the progress length of the spherical video content. The spherical video content may be captured by one or more image capture devices. The sensor information may characterize capture of the spherical video content. A viewing direction for the spherical video content may be determined based on the sensor information and/or other information. The viewing direction may define a direction of view for the spherical video content from the point of view as the function of progress through the progress length of the spherical video content. The spherical video content may be presented on a display based on the viewing direction.

Abstract: An image capture device may capture visual content using a capture setting. A machine-readable optical code conveying the capture setting may be generated. The machine-readable optical code may convey the capture setting such that an image capture device capturing an image including the machine-readable optical code: (1) identifies the machine-readable optical code within the image; (2) determines the capture setting conveyed by the machine-readable optical code; and (3) stores the capture setting for use in visual content capture. A graphical user interface may enable a user to associate the machine-readable optical code with the visual content. The association of the machine-readable optical code with the visual content may cause subsequent presentation of the visual content to include presentation of the machine-readable optical code.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for trimming a video may include a timeline representation of a duration of the video. A trim duration for the video may be selected based on movement of the timeline representation. The amount of time represented by a portion of the timeline representation may be independent of the duration of the video. The movement of the timeline representation may correspond to moment through the duration of the video at a constant scale regardless of the duration of the video.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stitching images, or re-stitching previously stitched images. Specifically, the disclosed systems in one implementation save stitching information and/or original overlap source data during an original stitching process. During subsequent retrieval, rendering, and/or display of the stitched images, the originally stitched image can be flexibly augmented, and/or re-stitched to improve the original stitch quality. Practical applications of the disclosed solutions enable, among other things, a user to create and stitch a wide field of view (FOV) panorama from multiple source images on a device with limited processing capability (such as a mobile phone or other capture device). Moreover, post-processing stitching allows for the user to convert from one image projection to another without fidelity loss (or with an acceptable level of loss).

Abstract: A method for stabilizing an imaging device with an image stabilization device includes setting a setpoint of the imaging device to a default setpoint, the setpoint corresponds to an orientation of the imaging device; stabilizing the imaging device with the image stabilization device according to the default setpoint; determining whether a flip condition exists; in response to determining that the flip condition exists, stopping operation of the image stabilization device so that the default setpoint is no longer maintained and the imaging device is not stabilized; and in response to determining that the flip condition does not exist, maintaining the default setpoint to stabilize the imaging device.

Abstract: A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen, a microphone, a battery, etc.). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.

Abstract: A camera includes one or more microphone pairs. A first microphone (e.g., a main microphone) is ported to the outside of the camera and captures the desired external audio signal, but may also capture undesired vibrational noise. A second microphone has a similar structure to the first microphone, but is not ported to the outside of the camera. Instead, the second microphone is ported into an enclosed cavity (e.g., 1-2 cubic centimeters in volume). The second microphone may pick up the same vibration excitation and internal acoustic noise as the first microphone but very little of the desired external acoustic sounds around the camera. The unwanted noise can then be removed by subtracting the second audio signal from the second microphone from the main audio signal from the main microphone.

Abstract: A mapping system receives sensor data from an unmanned aerial vehicle. The mapping system further receives images from a camera of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The mapping system determines an altitude of the camera based on the sensor data. The mapping system calculates a footprint of the camera based on the altitude of the camera and a field of view of the camera. The mapping system constructs a localized map based on the images and the footprint of the camera.

Abstract: Image analysis includes obtaining, from an image signal processor, image processing information corresponding to a previously processed image, obtaining scene classification information for an input image based on the image processing information, generating a processed image by processing the input image based on the scene classification information, and outputting the processed image. The image processing information includes automatic white balance correction information and obtaining the scene classification information includes obtaining the scene classification information based on the automatic white balance correction information.

Abstract: Multiple images may be combined to obtain a composite image. Individual images may be obtained with different camera sensors and/or at different time instances. In order to obtain the composite image source images may be aligned in order to produce a seamless stitch. Source images may be characterized by a region of overlap. A disparity measure may be determined for pixels along a border region between the source images. A warp transformation may be determined using a refinement process configured to determine displacement of pixels of the border region based on the disparity. Pixel displacement at a given location may be constrained to direction configured tangential to an epipolar line corresponding to the location. The warp transformation may be propagated to pixels of the image. Spatial and/or temporal smoothing may be applied. In order to obtain refined solution, the warp transformation may be determined at multiple spatial scales.

Abstract: A spherical image capture device may include two lenses, which may be protected by lens covers. During capture of visual content, usage of the lens covers may be checked to determine whether one or both of the lenses are covered by lens covers. Based on one or both of the lenses being covered by lens covers, an alarm may be generated to notify the user about the lens covers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for replaceable outer lenses for use in water. For example, an image capture device may include a lens barrel in a body of the image capture device; a replaceable lens structure mountable on the body of the image capture device, the replaceable lens structure including a first set of two or more stacked lenses, including a first outer lens, and a first retaining ring configured to fasten the first set of two or more stacked lenses against a first end of the lens barrel in a first arrangement, wherein the first set of two or more stacked lenses is configured to collimate light incident on the first outer lens when the first outer lens is underwater at an interface between the lens barrel and the first replaceable lens structure; and an image sensor mounted within the body at a second end of the lens barrel.

Abstract: An image capture device may include a sensor, a microphone array, and a processor. The microphone array may include a first microphone, a second microphone, a third microphone, or any combination thereof. The first microphone may be configured to face a first direction. The second microphone may be configured to face a second direction. The second direction may be diametrically opposed to the first direction. The third microphone may be configured to face a third direction. The third direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the second direction, or both. The processor may be configured to determine a microphone capture pattern. The microphone capture pattern may be determined based on data obtained from the sensor. The sensor data may include image data, audio data, image capture device orientation data, location data, accelerometer data, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: An image capture device may include an image sensor configured to capture an image and processing apparatus. The processing apparatus may be configured to obtain data and associate a function for each of the obtained data. The processing apparatus may be configured to store each function instance as analytic data. The processing apparatus may determine an analytic trigger occurrence and determine if the analytic trigger occurrence is greater than a function instance threshold. The processing apparatus may be configured to display a notification based on the analytic data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for encoding and decoding image data based on one or more parameters. In one embodiment, various spatial portions or regions of image data (e.g., a still or moving image) are weighted according to the perceived or measured quality. Processing for these weighted regions can be selectively altered or adjusted so as to optimize one or more operational parameters including for example processing and/or memory requirements, or speed.

Abstract: Video information defining video content may be obtained. The video content may include video frames and may have a progress length. The video frames may be encoded into video packets, with the video packets being of particular sizes. One or more size criteria for detecting a given moment within the video content may be obtained. The sizes of the video packets may be compared with the one or more size criteria. One or more sets of the video packets that satisfy the one or more size criteria may be identified. One or more portions of the video content having video frames defined by the set(s) of video packets that satisfy the one or more size criteria may be identified as the given moment within the video content. Storage of the identification of the given moment within the video content in a storage medium may be effectuated.

Abstract: A multi-configuration mounting system has been disclosed. The multi-configuration mounting system comprises an adapter configured to couple to a first device, and a receptacle defining an opening within a surface of the adapter. The receptacle receives a tab of a clip housing that secures a second device, thereby forming an interference fit between the tab and the receptacle to couple the second device to the first device via the adapter.

Abstract: A pipeline in a controller may be configured to interface between sensors and actuators. The pipeline may include elements such as drivers, filters, a combine, estimators, controllers, a mixer, and actuator controllers. The drivers may receive sensor data and pre-process the received sensor data. The filters may filter the pre-processed sensor data to generate filtered sensor data. The combine may package the filtered sensor data to generate packaged sensor data. The estimators may determine estimates of a position of a vehicle based on the packaged sensor data. The controllers may generate control signals based on the determined estimates. The mixer may modify the generated control signals based on limitations of the vehicle. The actuator controllers may generate actuator control signals based on the modified control signals to drive the actuators.

Abstract: A first portion of a first video segment may be obtained from a user. A second portion of a second video segment may be obtained from the user. The first portion and the second portion may be aggregated to form an aggregated video segment. A first set of capture settings associated with capture of the first portion may be obtained. A second set of capture settings associated with capture of the second portion may be obtained. Preferences for capture settings of an image capturing device may be determined based upon the first and second set of capture settings. Instructions may be transmitted to the image capturing device. The instructions may include the determined preferences for the capture settings and may be configured to cause the image capturing device to adjust the capture settings to the determined preferences.

Abstract: Visual content is captured by an image capture device during a capture duration. The image capture devices experiences change in position during the capture duration. The trajectory of the image capture device is smoothed based on a look ahead of the trajectory. A punchout of the visual content is determined based on the smoothed trajectory. The punchout of the visual content is used to generate stabilized visual content.

Abstract: An image capture device may include an image sensor, a processor, and a memory. The image sensor may be configured to obtain an image. The processor may be configured to generate a grid on the image. The grid may include one or more vertices. The one or more vertices may be used to form tiles. The processor may be configured to determine a flare level of each vertex. The processor may be configured to assign a maximum flare level for each tile of the image. The processor may be configured to sort the tiles. The tiles may be sorted based on the maximum flare level of each tile. The processor may be configured to apply a flare compensation to a subset of the tiles to obtain a processed image. The processed image may have reduced flare artifacts or no flare artifacts. The processed image may be stored in the memory.

Abstract: A camera system includes a lens assembly and image processing electronics internal to the camera housing and thermally coupled to the battery assembly. The battery assembly is sensitive to low ambient temperatures and may become damaged if the temperature of the assembly becomes sufficiently low. The camera system comprises a thermal management system that dissipates heat from electronic components of the camera to increase or maintain the temperature of the battery assembly. The thermal management configures the electronic components in different modes to create a step-wise increase of the resistive heat generated in the camera system and thereby increase the temperature of the components in the camera system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a configuration to control automatic return of an aerial vehicle. The configuration stores a return location in a storage device of the aerial vehicle. The return location may correspond to a location where the aerial vehicle is to return. One or more sensors of the aerial vehicle are monitored during flight for detection of a predefined condition. When a predetermined condition is met a return path program may be loaded for execution to provide a return flight path for the aerial vehicle to automatically navigate to the return location.

Abstract: A camera system capable of capturing images of an event in a dynamic environment includes two microphones configured to capture stereo audio of the event. The microphones are on orthogonal surfaces of the camera system. Because the microphones are on orthogonal surfaces of the camera system, the camera body can impact the spatial response of the two recorded audio channels differently, leading to degraded stereo recreation if standard beam forming techniques are used. The camera system includes tuned beam forming techniques to generate multi-channel audio that more accurately recreates the stereo audio by compensating for the shape of the camera system and the orientation of microphones on the camera system. The tuned beam forming techniques include optimizing a set of beam forming parameters, as a function of frequency, based on the true spatial response of the recorded audio signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for instant capture of content are described. A method may include placing an image capture device in an aware state and capturing aware state data. The aware state may include enabling low power sensors or entering the image capture into an event mode. A content capture opportunity is automatically determined from the captured aware state data. The aware state data may be image information and a classifier classifies the image information. The aware state data may be position data for the image capture device and when the image capture device is in a capture position, the image capture device may instantly capture image information. An image capture device mode is automatically selected for the content capture opportunity and content is automatically captured with the selected image capture device mode.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a body, electronic components contained in the body, and two finger members. The two finger members movable relative to the body between an extended state and a collapsed state. In the extended state, the two finger members extend outward from the body for receipt by a mount of an external support. In the collapsed state, the two finger members are collapsed toward the body. In the extended state, the two finger members may extend parallel with each other for receipt in parallel slots of the mount of the external support.