Patents Examined by Twyler L. Haskins
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Patent number: 11962923Abstract: An image processing device includes a target pixel detector configured to detect a plurality of target pixels in which noise is generated among a plurality of pixels included in an image sensor. The image processing device also includes a target pixel corrector configured to change target pixel values, which are pixel values of the plurality of target pixels, by using average pixel values of neighboring pixels included in a preset range based on a position of each of the plurality of target pixels. The image processing device further includes a target pixel compensator configured to compensate for the target pixel values by using an accumulation value obtained by accumulating values corresponding to a decimal fraction part of the average pixel values.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Cheol Jon Jang
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Patent number: 11962913Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a light source, a spatial light modulator, a Fourier transform optical system, a photodetector, and a control unit. The control unit sets a first region and a second region on a modulation plane, acquires a light intensity value by setting a light amplitude modulation pattern in the first region and setting a light amplitude modulation in the second region to a non-zero predetermined value, acquires the light intensity value by setting the light amplitude modulation pattern in the first region and setting the light amplitude modulation in the second region to zero, acquires the light intensity value by setting the light amplitude modulation in the first region to zero and setting the light amplitude modulation in the second region to the predetermined value, and acquires a complex amplitude image of a region of an object corresponding to the first region.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventor: Katsuhiro Nakamoto
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Patent number: 11962910Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first output unit configured to output, outside the imaging apparatus, a first image that an image sensor, an imaging region of which is divided into a plurality of regions, has captured while an exposure condition is controlled for each of the plurality of regions, and a second output unit configured to output, outside the imaging apparatus, exposure information for each of the plurality of regions, the exposure information indicating the exposure condition to be applied to the corresponding one of the plurality of regions when the first image is captured. The second output unit is configured to complete outputting exposure information for a region to be subjected to exposure correction processing in the first image, out of the plurality of regions, before the first output unit completes outputting an image of the region to be subjected to exposure correction processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshiyuki Fukui
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Patent number: 11962881Abstract: Various embodiments include sensor shift flexure arrangements for improved signal routing. For example, a camera with sensor shift actuation may include a flexure for suspending an image sensor from a stationary structure of the camera, and for allowing motion of the image sensor enabled by one or more actuators of the camera. The flexure may be configured to convey electrical signals between the image sensor and a flex circuit in some embodiments. According to some embodiments, the flexure may include a stack of layers comprising a conductive layer and an electrical grounding. The conductive layer may include a signal pad region and a signal trace region. A distance between at least one section of the signal pad region and the electrical grounding may be greater than a distance between at least a section of the signal trace region and the electrical grounding.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Himesh Patel, Kai Min, Phillip R. Sommer, Pavle Stojanovic, Qiang Yang
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Patent number: 11962924Abstract: An apparatus includes an image sensor having a plurality of pixels that form regions of interest (ROIs), analog-to-digital converter (ADC) banks, and multiplexers. Each respective multiplexer is electrically connected to (i) a corresponding ADC bank and (ii) a corresponding subset of the ROIs. The apparatus also includes control circuitry configured to obtain a full-resolution image of an environment by electrically connecting, by way of the multiplexers, each respective ADC bank to the associated respective ROI. The control circuitry is also configured to select a particular ROI based on the full-resolution image and obtain a plurality of ROI images of the particular ROI by (i) electrically connecting, to the particular ROI, a first ADC bank associated with the particular ROI and a second ADC bank associated with another ROI and (ii) digitizing pixels of the particular ROI by way of parallel operation of the first and second ADC banks.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Waymo, LLCInventors: Lucian Ion, Nirav Dharia, Vlad Cardei
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Patent number: 11950010Abstract: This technology relates to an imaging apparatus and an imaging system for improving the accuracy of distance measurement performed by use of SPADs. The imaging apparatus includes a pixel array section having pixel sections arrayed therein. Each pixel section includes: an SPAD (single photon avalanche photodiode); a resistance component configured to be connected serially with the SPAD; an output section configured to output a light reception signal indicating photon incidence on the SPAD; and a pulse generation section configured to output a pulse signal in synchronism with the output of the light reception signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Tatsuki Nishino
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Patent number: 11949975Abstract: Provided are a camera module and an imaging apparatus including the same. The camera module includes a printed circuit board (PCB); a first imaging device on the PCB, the first imaging device configured to generate first image data based on a received optical signal; a second imaging device on the PCB, the second imaging device configured to generate second image data based on the received optical signal; a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) on the PCB, the PMIC configured to generate a plurality of power voltages based on an external power voltage received from an external power supply and provide the plurality of power voltages to the first imaging device and the second imaging device; and a connector configured to receive the external power voltage from the external power supply and provide the external power voltage to the PMIC.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seunghak Lee, Gunwoo Ryu, Euncheol Lee, Hyunsu Jun
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Patent number: 11943553Abstract: An image sensor may include an array of image sensor pixels. Pixel control circuitry may provide control signals to the array of image sensor pixels. The pixel control circuitry may include a plurality of driver units that each generate a control signal for a different set of image sensor pixels. The control signal generated by each of the driver units may be delayed relative to each other. A voltage-controlled delay line may provide delayed outputs to each of the driver units. Delay lock circuitry coupled to the voltage-controlled delay line may fix the delay exhibited across the delay line using corresponding global and local bias voltages provided to each of the inverters in the delay line.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Gal Fadida
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Patent number: 11943524Abstract: A camera module is provided. The camera module includes a lens module including one or more lenses; an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the lens module into an electrical signal; and a filter configured to perform a polarization function, wherein the filter is configured to be movable in a space formed between the lens module and the image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong Ki Kim, Won Kyu Jang, Hee Sung Jun
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Patent number: 11939021Abstract: A motorcycle includes a camera stay, a camera, a vibration reduction cover, and an attachment cover. The camera photographs the front area of the motorcycle. The vibration reduction cover is made of the elastic material and covers at least two surfaces of the camera facing each other. The attachment cover holds the camera via the vibration reduction cover and is attached to the camera stay.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.Inventors: Daisuke Saeki, Shinji Ikeda, Mitsuru Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11943555Abstract: A pixel processing circuit, a reading method thereof and an image sensor are provided. The pixel processing circuit includes a pixel array comprising a plurality of pixel units arranged in a Bayer array, an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) module comprising a plurality of analog-to-digital converters and a plurality of switch selection modules. The analog-to-digital converters are respectively located on the opposite first side and second side of the pixel array. The switch selection modules are set between the pixel array and the analog-to-digital converters to switch the connectivity between the pixel units and the analog-to-digital converters on the opposite sides of the pixel array so that signals of green pixel units are read by first analog-to-digital converters located at the first side of the pixel array, and signals of remaining color pixel units are read by second analog-to-digital converters that are located at the second side of the pixel array.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: CHENGDU IMAGE DESIGN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hua Cai, Yong Wang, Tian Xia
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Patent number: 11938871Abstract: A sensor pod system includes one or more sensor pods with a plurality of sensors configured to collect data from an environment. A sensor pod may include a housing and extend from a portion of a body of a vehicle. The sensor pod housing may have energy absorbing structures configured to absorb and dissipate energy during an impact in order to protect a pedestrian.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventors: Austin In-Jei Yi, Mark Alan Bates, Daniel Glenn Johnson
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Patent number: 11936993Abstract: A method in an electronic device includes detecting, with one or more processors, initiation of an image capture operation using an image capture device situated on a first surface of the electronic device and having a first field of view extending away from the first surface in a first direction. In response to detecting the initiation of the image capture operation, the method includes actuating a second image capture device situated on a second surface of the electronic device and having a second field of view extending away from the second surface in a second direction. The method then captures image content with the second image capture device and presenting the image content on a display situated on the first surface of the electronic device. Thereafter, the one or more processors capture at least one image with the first image capture device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Rahul Bharat Desai, Amit Kumar Agrawal
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Patent number: 11936989Abstract: An illustrative apparatus may perform gaze-based auto-exposure management of image frames. For example, the apparatus may determine, for an image frame within an image frame sequence captured by an image capture system, auto-exposure values for pixel units into which the image frame is divided. The apparatus may then assign weight values to the pixel units based on a gaze direction of a viewer viewing the image frame sequence. Based on the auto-exposure values determined for the pixel units and the weight values assigned to the pixel units, the apparatus may update one or more auto-exposure parameters for use by the image capture system to capture an additional image frame within the image frame sequence. Corresponding apparatuses, systems, and methods for gaze-based auto-exposure management of image frames are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Zhen He, Jeffrey M. DiCarlo, Heath Feather
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Patent number: 11930286Abstract: A method that determines optical path maintenance need before any critical failure in operation of the system is provided. In order to indicate the maintenance need due to the defocusing, the pixel-wise offset value differences between 2 point NUC and 1 point NUC are examined. When the width of this pixel-wise offset difference histogram is greater than predefined threshold, maintenance need is raised. The change in detector characteristics and the need for 2 point NUC/BPR update are proposed to be determined after 1 point NUC by controlling the total number of the bad pixels and bad pixel clusters.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: ASELSAN ELEKTRONIK SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETIInventors: Birce Gulec Boyaci Mutlu, Tolga Aksoy
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Patent number: 11924569Abstract: An image sensor for sampling a pixel signal a plurality of times during a readout time includes an analog comparator configured to compare a signal level of the pixel signal with a signal level of a target ramp signal that is any one of a plurality of ramp signals, a counter configured to output counting data based on a comparison result of the analog comparator, and a digital comparing circuit configured to compare a binary value of a target reference code corresponding to the target ramp signal with a binary value of the counting data and determine whether to output a digital signal corresponding to the counting data to a data output circuit based on a result of the comparison between the binary value of the counting data and the binary value of the target reference code.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yunhong Kim, Heesung Chae, Yunhwan Jung, Haesick Sul
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Patent number: 11921285Abstract: Method and system for on-chip processing to obtain an EDOF image combines interferometry and imaging so the two operations do not interfere with one another but, rather, work together to create an in-focus, true color image of a three-dimensional object. This image has no significant artifacts and requires only limited processing. In addition, a coarse depth map is created in the process which may also be helpful in subsequent usage of the acquired image. A CMOS pixel-array sensor includes circuitry to implement processing at the pixel level.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONAInventors: John Koshel, Emma Landsiedel
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Patent number: 11917302Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a camera exposure processing method and system. The method includes: obtaining trigger signals, the trigger signals being used to trigger the camera to collect image data and trigger the light source to turn on and off in turn in a fixed sequence; triggering cyclically n light sources to turn on in turn; triggering multiple sensor lines of the camera to perform image acquisition on the object simultaneously; extracting the image data of the exposed object under the turned-on light source collected by the multiple sensor lines to obtain effective data of the object, wherein a sequential lighting order is that after a former light source is cyclically turned on y times, a latter light source is cyclically turned on y times; and splicing all image data of the same position of the object to obtain a spliced image of the object under different light sources.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: HEFEI I-TEK OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Ning Dong, Guiping Cao, Haixing Sun, Xue Wang
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Patent number: 11910096Abstract: A camera and LED strobe unit are operated such that the strobe unit produces a series of bursts, such as approximately ten per second. The bursts are used either to illuminate a subject at a series of different light levels, to then present a series of images to the user to select the best exposure, or to produce a series of images of a moving subject within a single frame. The light unit has a continuous mode of LED light output, but can be switched to the burst mode for high power bursts in rapid succession.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Light & Motion IndustriesInventors: Geoffrey Barker, Daniel T. Emerson, David W. Tolan, Brooks P. Lame
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Patent number: 11910101Abstract: There is provided an optical sensor that acquires a first image frame corresponding to a first flicker period and acquires a second image frame corresponding to a second flicker period. The optical sensor respectively adds pixel data of every two pixels in neighboring rows of the first image frame and the second image frame to generate a low-resolution image frame for the motion detection.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Inventor: En-Feng Hsu