Patents by Inventor Hitoshi Mukai

Hitoshi Mukai has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8242973
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus receives first and second input image signals and generates first and second projection image signals for projecting images from first and second projectors so as to be superimposed on a screen. A storage unit stores, for each projection position on the screen, intensity ratios between projected light from the first and second projectors when viewing from first and second viewing position. An intensity correcting unit adds the first and second input image signals in proportions set for generating the first projection image signal and in proportions set for generating the second projection image signal, according to the stored intensity ratios. The first projection image signal is supplied to the first projector and the second projection image signal is supplied to the second projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Tanaka, Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki
  • Patent number: 8189960
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an imaging information calculation unit acquiring a first image and higher-resolution second images, and calculating coordinate positions of the second images to the first image and differences in imaging direction between second cameras and a first camera; an eyepoint conversion unit generating eyepoint conversion images obtained by converting the second images based on the differences in imaging direction so that eyepoints of the second cameras coincide with an eyepoint of the first camera and matching the first image with the eyepoint conversion images to calculate phase deviations of the eyepoint conversion images from the first image; and an image synthesizing unit extracting high-frequency images, having frequency components higher than or equal to a predetermined frequency band, from the second images, and pasting the high-frequency images at the coordinate positions in correspondence with the first image to eliminate the phase deviations to generate a synthesize
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki
  • Patent number: 8152312
    Abstract: An apparatus that presents a projection image has a screen and plural projectors, each of which projects a section of the projection image onto the screen. The apparatus has a projected-section-determining unit that determines as a projected section the section of the projection image, based on an input image signal, corresponding to a part of the screen onto which each of the projectors projects the section of the projection image. The apparatus has an image-signal-generating unit that generates an image signal corresponding to the section of the projection image which each of the projector projects onto the part of the screen, based on the input image signal and the projected section determined by the projected-section-determining unit, and a projectors-controlling unit that controls the projectors to adjust centers and/or ranges of the projections by the projectors based on the projected section determined by the projected-section-determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8077214
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes: an input unit receiving a first image generated by a first camera and higher-resolution second images generated by a plurality of second cameras; a similar portion detecting unit detecting a similar portion between part of a subject included in the first image and a subject included in each of the second images; an image synthesizing unit pasting the second images at positions corresponding to the detected similar portions within the first image to generate a synthesized image; an imaging area detecting unit detecting an area, for which image information is insufficient in the first image and is difficult to complement by the second cameras, as a non-imageable area from the synthesized image; and a camera parameter calculation unit changing a camera parameter for controlling the second camera that captures the second image by which the image information insufficient in the first image is complemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki, Hirofumi Hibi
  • Patent number: 8059162
    Abstract: A single-focus imaging apparatus having an array of imaging devices includes an optical system including a first imaging system that produces a focused image, at least one imaging plane on which an image produced through the first imaging system is formed, and a second imaging system group including an array of second imaging systems, each second imaging system including the imaging device and a lens through which at least part of the image formed on the imaging plane is formed on the imaging device. At least the position of the lens, the distance between the lens and the imaging device, and the angle of view are determined as parameters of each second imaging system in accordance with the position of the imaging plane that changes depending on the distance between the imaging apparatus and an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hirofumi Hibi
  • Patent number: 8031232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus, a method for capturing an image, and a method for designing the image pickup apparatus capable of realizing a fixed focal length image pickup apparatus of high resolution and fine resolution at a low cost by disposing a plurality of image pickup elements therein. An image pickup device 31 is of a focal coincidence type having a plurality of image pickup elements, such as CCD sensors 62-1 to 62-3, arranged in an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Yasushi Tatehira, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8017897
    Abstract: An image generation apparatus for generating, from an input image, a plurality of phase images having lower resolutions than the input image and overlapping each other with a predetermined amount of shift when being projected onto a projection plane. The apparatus includes when the plurality of phase images are projected onto the projection plane, means for relating an area formed by a predetermined pixel of the plurality of phase images overlapping individually to a predetermined pixel of the input image, and calculating a pixel value of a pixel of the phase images having a smallest difference between a pixel value of the corresponding area and a pixel value of a pixel of the input image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Tanaka, Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki
  • Patent number: 8004766
    Abstract: An illuminating device is provided. The illuminating device includes a light source, a dividing unit, an optical unit and a light-distribution control unit. The dividing unit is configured to divide light emitted from the light source into light beams. The optical unit is configured to allow at least one of a travelling direction and a focal length of the light beams divided by the dividing unit to be variable. The light-distribution control unit is configured to control at least one of the travelling direction and focal length of light beams by acting on the optical unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tanaka, Tetsujiro Kondo, Yasushi Tatehira, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Hiroyuki Morisaki
  • Patent number: 7980704
    Abstract: There is a need for being able to excellently audiovisually receive contents without disordering a room atmosphere. An audiovisual room 1 is provided with one wall including an inner wall 2 and an outer wall 3. Part or all of the inner wall 2 forms a rear-projection screen 6C or a diaphragm (speaker unit) 6A. Equipment such as a projector 10 and an amplifier is placed in a space between the inner wall 2 and the outer wall 3. The space is large enough for a person to enter. Accordingly, a serviceperson etc. can enter the space to easily do works such as maintaining the equipment. The equipment such as the projector is not placed in the audiovisual room 1, making it possible to audiovisually receive contents without disordering a room atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Yasushi Tatehira, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Akihiko Arimitsu, Junichi Shima, Tsugihiko Haga, Nobuyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7899208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to image processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program for providing reliable tracking of a tracking point. When a right eye 502 of a human face 504 serving as a tracking point is tracked in a frame n?1 and when a tracking point 501 appears as in a frame n, the tracking point 501 continues to be tracked. When, as in a frame n+1, the right eye 502 serving as the tracking point 501 disappears due to the rotation of the face 504 of an object to be tracked, the tracking point is transferred to a left eye 503, which is a different point of the face 504 serving as the object including the right eye 502. The present invention is applicable to a security camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tsutomu Watanabe, Tomoyuki Ohtsuki, Hitoshi Mukai, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100328618
    Abstract: A rear projection type image display apparatus having a larger half-power angle and being capable of properly blocking a direct light from a projector for an observer is provided. The rear projection type image display apparatus includes a projector and a transmission type screen installed at an image formation plane of a projection light and made of a texture. The screen made of the texture is a diffusing material having a large half-power angle except for the direct light, and can prevent a gain from being decreased even at an angle of 60 degrees or larger. Also, a first polarizing plate is arranged in front of an exit pupil of the projector, and a second polarizing plate is arranged near a rear surface of the transmission type screen. Polarization axes of these polarizing plates are configured to be substantially orthogonal to each other, to eliminate the direct light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro KONDO, Tetsushi KOKUBO, Hitoshi MUKAI, Hirofumi HIBI, Kazumasa TANAKA, Kenji TANAKA, Hiroyuki MORISAKI
  • Patent number: 7726818
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus which forms a whole image including a first part image and a second part image on a front side of an image forming target unit formed by overlapping portions of the first and second part images is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes: the image forming target unit; a first projector; a second projector; a first planoconvex lens; and a second planoconvex lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hirofumi Hibi
  • Patent number: 7724298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image processing method, an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method, and an image display device and an image display method, which can faithfully pick up and display the colors of an object. Slit light of an optical image of the object that has passed through a slit 42 is divided into a spectrum by a light divider 43. A light sensor 44 outputs image data based on the spectrum of the slit light of the optical image of the object. A micromirror array 74 causes the exiting of reflection light formed by extracting spectrum portions based on the image data from a spectrum of incident white light from a light divider 73. The spectrum portions of the reflection light exiting from the micromirror array 74 are synthesized by a spectrum synthesizer 77 and are projected onto a screen 111. The present invention is applicable to the image processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Tsugihiko Haga, Kenji Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090324135
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an imaging information calculation unit acquiring a first image and higher-resolution second images, and calculating coordinate positions of the second images to the first image and differences in imaging direction between second cameras and a first camera; an eyepoint conversion unit generating eyepoint conversion images obtained by converting the second images based on the differences in imaging direction so that eyepoints of the second cameras coincide with an eyepoint of the first camera and matching the first image with the eyepoint conversion images to calculate phase deviations of the eyepoint conversion images from the first image; and an image synthesizing unit extracting high-frequency images, having frequency components higher than or equal to a predetermined frequency band, from the second images, and pasting the high-frequency images at the coordinate positions in correspondence with the first image to eliminate the phase deviations to generate a synthesize
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsujiro KONDO, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, HItoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki
  • Publication number: 20090322891
    Abstract: A signal processing apparatus includes: an input unit receiving a first image generated by a first camera and higher-resolution second images generated by a plurality of second cameras; a similar portion detecting unit detecting a similar portion between part of a subject included in the first image and a subject included in each of the second images; an image synthesizing unit pasting the second images at positions corresponding to the detected similar portions within the first image to generate a synthesized image; an imaging area detecting unit detecting an area, for which image information is insufficient in the first image and is difficult to complement by the second cameras, as a non-imageable area from the synthesized image; and a camera parameter calculation unit changing a camera parameter for controlling the second camera that captures the second image by which the image information insufficient in the first image is complemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro KONDO, Testsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki, Hrofumi Hibi
  • Publication number: 20090303384
    Abstract: A video-signal processing apparatus includes a video-signal input unit to which a video signal including multiple images arranged in a time sequential manner is input; a time-division output unit configured to output, in a time-division manner, the video signal constituting n images corresponding to the multiple images; signal processing units configured to individually perform image quality adjustments on the n images output from the time-division output unit; operation input units through which adjustment values of the image quality adjustments performed by the signal processing units are input; and image output units configured to output images that have been subjected to the image quality adjustments using the signal processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Inoue, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20090271732
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit to which an image of an object picked up by an image pickup device is input, a display device on which the image is presented, an image presenting unit configured to present the image on the display device; a viewpoint detecting unit configured to detect a viewpoint position of a user, and a control unit configured to supply, to the image presenting unit, the image in an area extracted corresponding to an image frame of a display surface of the display device when the image is viewed through the display surface from the viewpoint position of the user detected by the viewpoint detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Kazumasa Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki, Hirofumi Hibi
  • Publication number: 20090251482
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an amount-of-feature detection section configured to determine an amount of features of a first image and an amount of features of a second image, the first image and the second image containing the same subject; an elimination-area detection section configured to eliminate, from the second image, an area in which the amount of features extracted by the amount-of-feature detection section is larger than a predetermined threshold and to provide the second image in which the eliminated area is transparent; and an image combination section configured to superimpose the second image in which the eliminated area is transparent on the first image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro KONDO, Tetsushi KOKUBO, Kenji TANAKA, Hitoshi MUKAI, Hirofumi HIBI, Kazumasa TANAKA, Takuro EMA, Hiroyuki MORISAKI
  • Publication number: 20090252379
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a feature value detecting section, an image processing section, and an audio processing section. The feature value detecting section determines, when a first image and a second image that are captured at different positions include a specific subject, a feature value of the subject included in the supplied first and second images. The image processing section detects motion of the subject on the basis of the feature value determined by the feature value detecting section. The audio processing section localizes a sound image of the subject in accordance with the motion of the subject detected by the image processing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Kenji Tanaka, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Takuro Ema, Hiroyuki Morisaki
  • Publication number: 20090231548
    Abstract: A rear projection type image display apparatus having a larger half-power angle and being capable of properly blocking a direct light from a projector for an observer is provided. The rear projection type image display apparatus includes a projector and a transmission type screen installed at an image formation plane of a projection light and made of a texture. The screen made of the texture is a diffusing material having a large half-power angle except for the direct light, and can prevent a gain from being decreased even at an angle of 60 degrees or larger. Also, a first polarizing plate is arranged in front of an exit pupil of the projector, and a second polarizing plate is arranged near a rear surface of the transmission type screen. Polarization axes of these polarizing plates are configured to be substantially orthogonal to each other, to eliminate the direct light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Kazumasa Tanaka, Kenji Tanaka, Hiroyuki Morisaki