Patents Examined by Nicholas G. Giles
  • Patent number: 11483491
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an image acquisition method, an image acquisition apparatus, and a storage medium. The method is applicable for a terminal, and a display screen of the terminal includes a first screen area and a second screen area, and an under-screen camera is disposed under the second screen area. The method includes: when receiving an image acquisition instruction, adjusting a light transmittance of the second screen area, in which the adjusted light transmittance of the second screen area is greater than the light transmittance of the second screen area before adjustment; activating the under-screen camera in response to the image acquisition instruction, and performing image acquisition with the under-screen camera; and performing corresponding process on the image acquired by the under-screen camera, in which the corresponding process includes at least one of fingerprint image recognition and viewfinder image display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Bingquan Han
  • Patent number: 11467322
    Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a dual camera module comprising: a first camera module including a first liquid lens and capturing a first image; and a second camera module including a second liquid lens and capturing a second image, wherein a viewing angle of the first camera module is smaller than a viewing angle of the second camera module, at least a part of the viewing angle of the first camera module is included in the viewing angle of the second camera module such that there is an overlapping area between the first image and the second image so as to enable a composite image formed by combining the first image and the second image to be generated, and when the first camera module is focused, a focal length of the first liquid lens is varied according to the distance between the first liquid lens and a subject, and when the second camera module is focused, a focal length of the second liquid lens is varied according to the distance between the second liquid lens and the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young Seop Moon, Ui Jun Kim, Han Young Kim, Hyung Kim, Sang Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 11463607
    Abstract: A camera module is disclosed. The camera module includes a camera housing, a camera assembly including a lens and an image sensor, at least a portion of the camera assembly being disposed inside the camera housing, and a guide plate connected to the camera assembly and the camera housing. The camera assembly is rotatable with respect to each of a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis, which are substantially perpendicular to an optical axis L of the lens. The guide plate includes a central portion disposed in a peripheral portion of the lens, a first portion and a second portion, which extend from the central portion in a direction of the first rotation axis and are rotatably connected to the camera assembly, and a third portion and a fourth portion, which extend from the central portion in a direction of the second rotation axis and are rotatably connected to the camera housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Chanyoung Moon, Yeonhak Kim, Hyungjin Rho
  • Patent number: 11445141
    Abstract: A correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit, an operating method thereof, and an image sensor including the CDS circuit are disclosed. The CDS circuit includes a first comparator configured to operate based on a first bias current, and compare, with a ramp signal, a pixel voltage that is output from a pixel, during a first period and a fourth period during which the pixel operates in a low conversion gain (LCG) mode, a second comparator configured to operate based on a second bias current, and compare, with the ramp signal, the pixel voltage output from the pixel, during a second period and a third period during which the pixel operates in a high conversion gain (HCG) mode, the second period being after the first period, the third period being after the second period, and the fourth period being after the third period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyeokjong Lee, Yongsuk Choi
  • Patent number: 11438541
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first temperature detection element 16 that detects temperature on the basis of infrared rays; a second temperature detection element 17 for temperature reference; and a drive circuit 10A including a switch circuit 101 including a butterfly switch circuit, a first current source 82A, a second current source 82B, a differential circuit 83, and an analog-digital conversion circuit 84. The first temperature detection element 16 and the second temperature detection element 17 are connected to a first input end 101A and a second input end 101B of the switch circuit. A first output end 101C and the first current source 82A are connected to a first input end 83A of the differential amplifier. A second output end 101D of the switch circuit and the second current source 82B are connected to a second input end 83B of the differential amplifier. An output end 83C of the differential amplifier is connected to an input portion of the analog-digital conversion circuit 84.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Hosaka, Yoshikazu Nitta, Kenichi Okumura
  • Patent number: 11438532
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing device capable of performing a plurality of charge accumulation operations within the same time period of a vertical synchronization signal. A follow-up control value and a first predicted control value which is more distant from a current control value than the follow-up control value in a direction of change are set based on a photometry result using the current control value. When at least one of proper differences between the follow-up control value and the first predicted control and respective photometric values obtained therewith is not larger than a predetermined allowable value, the photometric value associated therewith is determined as a proper exposure. The current control value is an initial value or one of the photometric values in a case where the proper differences are both larger than the predetermined allowable value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akari Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11435548
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor assembly and a flexible flat cable. The image sensor assembly includes a movable substrate, an image sensing chip, and a bearing frame. The image sensing chip is disposed on the movable substrate and electrically connected to electrical connection pads of the movable substrate. The bearing frame is surrounds the image sensing chip. The flexible flat cable includes a fixed disposed corresponding to an edge of the movable substrate, a floating section having one connected to the fixed end and floating over an upper surface of the movable substrate, and an electrical connection end extending from the other end of the floating section. The electrical connection end is perpendicular to the upper surface of the movable substrate and terminals on an edge of the electrical connection end are electrically connected to the electrical connection pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU LUXVISIONS INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Cheng-Te Tseng
  • Patent number: 11432375
    Abstract: A window for resistive heating and a camera apparatus including a window for resistive heating. The window includes a transparent member having an outer edge, wherein the transparent member is made of a first material, wherein the first material is a low conductivity material; and at least one set of two conductive pads disposed on the outer edge of the transparent member and electrically coupled to at least one source of electricity, wherein each conductive pad is made of a second material, wherein matter disposed on the transparent member is removed via resistive heating when electricity is conducted from the at least one source through the at least one set of two conductive pads and the transparent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Adasky, Ltd.
    Inventors: Vitaly Kuperman, Eyal Madar
  • Patent number: 11429086
    Abstract: Systems and methods to modify functions of computing devices based on movements and/or locations of users of such computing devices may include various types of sensors, such as movement sensors, imaging sensors, and location sensors. The sensor data may be processed by various algorithms to determine either or both of movement and location of the user within an environment. Then, based at least on the determined movement or location of the user, a particular function level may be selected for the computing device to ensure safety and environmental awareness of the user. In addition, one or more functions of the computing device may be modified, enabled, disabled, automated, alerted, or otherwise changed based on the selected function level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ohil Krishnamurthy Manyam
  • Patent number: 11431931
    Abstract: An image sensor and pixel circuit therefor includes a plurality of pixels arranged in an array, a first pixel of the plurality of pixels including: a first photoelectric conversion device; a first amplifier including a first input terminal connected to the first photoelectric conversion device, and a first output terminal; a first capacitor disposed between the first input terminal and the first output terminal; and a first reset switch network disposed between the first input terminal and the first output terminal in parallel with the first capacitor, the first reset switch network including a first reset transistor with a first body terminal connected to a common reference voltage, a second reset transistor, and a third reset transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Bohannon
  • Patent number: 11431923
    Abstract: An imaging method, an apparatus for imaging, a non-transitory storage medium, and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a first camera and a plurality of second cameras. Regions captured by the plurality of second cameras overlap with an edge of a region captured by the first camera. An image capturing request for an object to be captured is received, the first camera may be driven to perform image capturing to the object based on the image capturing request to obtain a base image, the plurality of second cameras may be driven to perform image capturing to obtain a plurality of second images, image synthesis may be performed to the plurality of second images and the base image to obtain a final image corresponding to the image capturing request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenxi Zhan, Liang Li
  • Patent number: 11412142
    Abstract: Systems and methods of optically stabilizing an image. A lens obtains optical image information corresponding to an image. An image sensor converts the optical image information into electrical image information. A rotation signal related to rotational movement of a camera unit is generated using a first motion sensor that provides a signal related to rotation when the camera unit is rotated. A translation signal related to translational movement of the camera unit is generated using a second motion sensor that provides a signal related to translation when the camera unit undergoes translational movement. The translation signal is modified using the rotation signal to generate a corrected translation signal that compensates for lens movement which is different from second motion sensor movement. The corrected translation signal controls an actuator that adjusts a lens position with respect to the image sensor, based on rotation and translation experienced by the camera unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: InvenSense, Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Grenet
  • Patent number: 11412141
    Abstract: An optical image stabilization (OIS) circuit, applied to an OIS device including a single sensor configured to provide sensor data is provided. The OIS circuit includes a main OIS circuit configured to output a control signal to the sensor, and receive the control signal from the sensor with sensor data, output an interruption signal to initiate a control operation, and control a main OIS operation, and a sub-OIS circuit configured to be synchronized with the main OIS circuit based on the control signal input with the sensor data, and control a sub OIS operation based on the interruption signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyu Won Kim, Kyoung Joong Min, Jin Yong Kang
  • Patent number: 11405574
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first temperature detection element 16 that detects temperature on the basis of infrared rays; a second temperature detection element 17 for temperature reference; and a drive circuit 10A including a switch circuit 101 including a butterfly switch circuit, a first current source 82A, a second current source 82B, a differential circuit 83, and an analog-digital conversion circuit 84. The first temperature detection element 16 and the second temperature detection element 17 are connected to a first input end 101A and a second input end 101B of the switch circuit. A first output end 101C and the first current source 82A are connected to a first input end 83A of the differential amplifier. A second output end 101D of the switch circuit and the second current source 82B are connected to a second input end 83B of the differential amplifier. An output end 83C of the differential amplifier is connected to an input portion of the analog-digital conversion circuit 84.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hajime Hosaka, Yoshikazu Nitta, Kenichi Okumura
  • Patent number: 11394891
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and an sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Tao Xian, Ka Man Au, David M. Wilz, Gennady Germaine, Patrick Anthony Giordano, Erik Van Horn, Michael Vincent Miraglia, Benjamin Hejl, Thomas A. Sweet
  • Patent number: 11394905
    Abstract: An imaging device with a plurality of image sensing pixels and a plurality of event detection pixels is provided. The image sensing and event detection pixels can be provided as part of different arrays of pixels, or can be included within a common array of pixels. The event detection pixels are operated continuously to provide signals indicating the occurrence of events. In response to detecting an event, image sensing pixels are selectively operated. The selective operation of the image sensing pixels can include activation of image sensing pixels within one or more regions of interest, while image sensing pixels not included in any region of interest remain off. The selective operation of the image sensing pixels can include the selection of a frame rate applied across an array of mage sensing pixels, or within determined regions of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Ping Wah Wong, Sa Xiao, Kevin Chan
  • Patent number: 11394908
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: pixels each including a photoelectric converter, and an output unit that outputs a pixel signal based on charge in a holding portion; an output line to which signals from the pixels are output; a clip circuit that limits a signal level of the output line to a range whose upper or lower limit is a predetermined clip level; and an amplifier unit that amplifies a signal of the output line. The amplifier unit outputs first and second signals amplified at first and second amplification factors, respectively, for the same pixel signal. The clip circuit limits a signal level of the output line to a first clip level in a first period in which the pixel signal is amplified at a first amplification factor and to a second clip level in a second period in which the pixel signal is amplified at a second amplification factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Akiyama, Takanori Yamashita, Takashi Fukuhara, Takenori Kobuse
  • Patent number: 11388340
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image processing device and method, and an image processing system that can suppress an increase in load due to image stabilization. A readout area, which is an area from which an image is read out, in an imaging area formed by a plurality of pixels is set on the basis of motion prediction information for a predetermined frame after a frame to be processed, and a cutout area to cut out a partial image from a readout image read out from the set readout area of the frame to be processed is set. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an image processing device, an imaging device, or an image processing system, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mamoru Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11381772
    Abstract: An image pickup element has a configuration in which a pixel region substrate and a readout circuit substrate are stacked. On a pixel region substrate, a plurality of unit pixels configured by a micro lens and a plurality of photoelectric converters are arranged in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. On a readout circuit substrate, a plurality of readout circuits that read out a signal based on charges stored in the photoelectric converter is arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions. In the unit pixels that are adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction (or the vertical direction), a first photoelectric converter of a first unit pixel and a second photoelectric converter of a second unit pixel share one readout circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mie Ishii, Nobuhiro Takeda
  • Patent number: 11368622
    Abstract: A photographing method, a photographing device and a mobile terminal. The photographing method comprises steps of: acquiring, when a lens is at a first position, a first distance between a photographed object and the lens and a second distance by which the photographed object moves after the photographed object is projected on a photosensitive chip, wherein the first position is a position where the lens is located when the photographed object has the highest imaging definition; determining a second position of the lens after the lens is shifted from the first position according to the first distance and the second distance; and controlling the lens to move from the second position to the first position to photograph the photographed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ran Tao