Combined Automatic Gain Control And Exposure Control (i.e., Sensitivity Control) Patents (Class 348/229.1)
  • Patent number: 10103810
    Abstract: A signboard apparatus includes: light panel apparatuses arranged two-dimensionally, and each having a transmission function and a light-emitting face for visible light communication; and a control apparatus that performs, with respect to the light panel apparatuses, exclusive control of the transmission function. The light panel apparatuses are arranged as a collective signboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shojirou Kido, Yohei Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10097802
    Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus. A calculation unit calculates a difference in a signal level, for each area, between a first image obtained by shooting a subject under a first shooting condition and a second image obtained by shooting the subject under a second shooting condition in which high-frequency components of an optical image of the subject are reduced compared to the first shooting condition. A mixing unit mixes a signal level of the first image and a signal level of the second image at a ratio based on the difference, so as to generate a third image. The mixing unit sets a ratio of the second image when the difference is a first value, to be larger than a ratio of the second image when the difference is a second value that is smaller than the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Akahane
  • Patent number: 10082874
    Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input, such as audio data, into one or more haptic effects. The system applies a granular synthesis algorithm to the input in order to generate a haptic signal. The system subsequently outputs the one or more haptic effects based on the generated haptic signal. The system can also shift a frequency of the input, and also filter the input, before the system applies the granular synthesis algorithm to the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Ali Modarres, Liwen Wu, David Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 10074003
    Abstract: This application is directed to dynamic control for data capture. A device may comprise a capture logic module to receive at least one of biometric data from a biometric sensing module, context data from a context sensing module or content data from a content sensing module. The capture logic module may determine if a capture scenario exists based on at least one of the biometric data and context data. The determination may be weighted based on an operational mode. If a capture scenario is determined to exist, the capture logic module may then determine whether to capture data based on at least the content data. Captured data may be stored in a capture database in the device (e.g., along with enhanced metadata based on at least one of the biometric data, the context data or the content data). The device may also comprise a feedback database including feedback data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Yan Xu, Maha El Choubassi, Joshua Ratcliff
  • Patent number: 10070052
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus provided with an image capturing unit that captures a first image, a scene discrimination unit that discriminates a scene of an object a candidate generation unit that generates a shooting setting candidate, based on a result of the discrimination, an image generation unit that generates, based on the shooting setting candidate, an image reflecting an effect obtained by the shooting setting candidate, and a display device. The candidate generation unit performs at least one of a first operation for generating a plurality of shooting setting candidates in which a predetermined parameter is separated by greater than a threshold value and a second operation for generating at least one shooting setting candidate based on the result of the discrimination, and the display device preferentially displays the shooting setting candidates generated by the first operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Fukui
  • Patent number: 10063793
    Abstract: An imaging device that shoots and records a moving image, the device comprising: an imaging section configured to repeatedly perform imaging at a cycle shorter than the frame rate of the moving image and output image data; an image processing section including a plurality of image composition processing, which is preliminarily determined, and configured to generate a composite image by performing image composition on a series of the image data, which are output from the imaging section, in one processing of the plurality of image composition processing; and an exposure calculation section configured to instruct, based on a field brightness, one processing of the plurality of image composition processing of the series of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Honda
  • Patent number: 10038500
    Abstract: A method of operating a device that includes an image sensor including a plurality of pixels includes: detecting visible light communication (VLC) signals with the image sensor; obtaining image data based on the VLC signals, the image data including a set of brightness components and possibly a set of chrominance components, and each brightness component of the set of brightness components being associated with a respective pixel of the plurality of pixels and (if available) each chrominance component of the set of chrominance components being associated with a respective pixel of the plurality of pixels; and decoding the set of brightness components to obtain information encoded in the VLC signals using a processor of the device without decoding, if available, the set of chrominance components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ravi Shankar Kadambala, Bapineedu Chowdary Gummadi, Pradeep Veeramalla
  • Patent number: 10033936
    Abstract: A control apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a frame rate control unit configured to control a frame rate of imaging, and a transmittance control unit configured to control transmittance of a filter which transmits light incident on an imaging element according to change of the frame rate so that brightness of an imaged subject is maintained. According to this configuration, even when the frame rate changes, it is possible to maintain fixed brightness according to change of the frame rate without causing change in imaging quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keisuke Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10027963
    Abstract: An encoder receives an input enhanced dynamic range (EDR) image and a corresponding lower dynamic range (LDR) image to be coded at a given target rate. Before coding, a pre-dithering process is applied to the input LDR image to generate a dithered LDR image at a second bit depth, lower than its original bit depth. The pre-dithering process includes: generating uniformly-distributed noise, applying a spatial filter to the noise to generate low-pass or high-pass filtered noise, applying a temporal high pass or low pass filter to the spatially-filtered noise to generate output noise, adding the output noise to the input LDR image to generate a noise-enhanced LDR image, and quantizing the noise-enhanced image to generate the dithered LDR image. Selecting the characteristics of the dithering filters is based on both the target bit rate and luminance characteristics of the pixels in the input LDR image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Guan-Ming Su, Qian Chen, Bongsun Lee, Scott Daly
  • Patent number: 10020341
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate integrated with at least one first photo-sensing device configured to sense light in a blue wavelength region and at least one second photo-sensing device configured to sense light in a red wavelength region, a color filter layer on the semiconductor substrate and including a blue color filter configured to selectively absorb light in a blue wavelength region and a red color filter configured to selectively absorb light in a red wavelength region, and a third photo-sensing device on the color filter layer and including a pair of electrodes facing each other, and a photoactive layer between the pair of electrodes and configured to selectively absorb light in a green wavelength region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Wan Jin, Kyu Sik Kim, Kyung Bae Park, Kwang Hee Lee, Dong-Seok Leem, Deukseok Chung
  • Patent number: 10015417
    Abstract: [Object] The present technique relates to an image pickup device, an image pickup method, and a program that enables pixels having 4 types of spectral sensitivities to be controlled while changing exposure times. [Solving Means] The present technique is applicable to an image pickup device including pixels having 4 types of spectral sensitivities, that include pixels having a panchromatic spectral sensitivity and are arranged on an image pickup surface, pixels that realize a first exposure and pixels that realize a second exposure different from the first exposure being arranged on the image pickup surface with respect to the 4 types of spectral sensitivities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoo Mitsunaga, Shun Kaizu, Teppei Kurita, Toru Nishi
  • Patent number: 10009545
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes an image obtainer configured to obtain a captured image; a quick view image generator configured to generate a quick view image showing a region of the captured image based on a user profile determined according to a type of the captured image; and a display unit configured to display the generated quick view image according to a preset method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jong-hyon Park, Yong-ju Lee, Jun-hyuk Ko, Kyoung-joon Park
  • Patent number: 9990567
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing image data is provided. The method includes the steps of employing a main processing network for classifying one or more features of the image data, employing a monitor processing network for determining one or more confusing classifications of the image data, and spawning a specialist processing network to process image data associated with the one or more confusing classifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Edge 3 Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tarek El Dokor
  • Patent number: 9986146
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an imaging device having an imaging optical system, the device including: an imaging element configured to include a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels arranged along a predetermined direction; a first processor configured to execute focal detection processing by a phase difference detection system based on charge signals obtained from the plurality of second pixels; and a second processor configured to execute specific processing based on charge signals obtained from the plurality of first pixels, the specific processing being different from the focal detection processing by a phase difference detection system and being necessary for a function of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Fujii
  • Patent number: 9977975
    Abstract: Described herein is a device for traffic light detection. The device comprises a memory and a traffic light detection module. The memory may store information, the information comprising first traffic light data of a first traffic light and second traffic light data of a second traffic light. The traffic light detection module may receive an image comprising a first candidate and a second candidate; determine a first region of interest based, at least in part, on the first traffic light data, the first region of interest comprising the first candidate; determine a second region of interest based, at least in part, on the second traffic light data, the second region of interest comprising the second candidate; and determine a confidence score for a first state of the first candidate, the confidence score based, at least in part, on a spatial relationship factor between the first candidate and the second candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Xue Mei, Katsuhiro Sakai, Danil V. Prokhorov, Michael J. Delp
  • Patent number: 9978130
    Abstract: Techniques and tools for high dynamic range (HDR) image rendering and generation. An HDR image generating system performs motion analysis on a set of lower dynamic range (LDR) images and derives relative exposure levels for the images based on information obtained in the motion analysis. These relative exposure levels are used when integrating the LDR images to form an HDR image. An HDR image rendering system tone maps sample values in an HDR image to a respective lower dynamic range value, and calculates local contrast values. Residual signals are derived based on local contrast, and sample values for an LDR image are calculated based on the tone-mapped sample values and the residual signals. User preference information can be used during various stages of HDR image generation or rendering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Shijun Sun
  • Patent number: 9979884
    Abstract: A multiview imaging part includes a plurality of imaging units. An exposure setting section individually sets an exposure value in each of the plurality of imaging units. The exposure setting section sets, in each of the imaging units, an individual reference exposure value and relative exposure values. The relative exposure values are obtained by changing the reference exposure value in a given number of steps in such a manner that the relative exposure values are centered around the reference exposure value. A panoramic image storage section stores captured images having different exposure values captured by the imaging units whose exposure values have been set by the exposure setting section. An HDR synthesis section synthesizes the captured images having different exposure values so as to generate a captured image having an adjusted dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Hirata, Kyoko Furumura, Hiroshi Osawa
  • Patent number: 9936152
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an image sensor and a sensor module have a configuration in which the image sensor outputs first brightness information representing brightness information of first image information obtained with a first exposure time and second brightness information representing brightness information of second image information obtained with a second exposure time separately from a composite image obtained by synthesizing the first image information and the second image information, updates the first and second exposure times based on an exposure time set value externally generated based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information, and changes a synthesis set value used for synthesis of the composite image based on the exposure time set value externally generated based on the first brightness information and the second brightness information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Shida, Hideki Wakisaka, Katsumi Dosaka
  • Patent number: 9936180
    Abstract: A projector calculates an input-output characteristic for converting a tone value of an input image so as to perform display in a given projectable luminance range in a display absolute luminance range of an input signal, in accordance with the brightness of the projection surface. An output signal is generated from the input signal and projected, based on the calculated input-output characteristic. With the disclosed projector, image data having an input luminance range that is different from the output luminance range can be appropriately displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaki Fujioka
  • Patent number: 9927291
    Abstract: The following steps are performed in connection with a photodiode circuit: a) resetting the photodiode circuit; b) determining when a photodiode voltage changes in response to illumination to reach a threshold; and c) updating a counter in response to the determination in step b). The steps a) to c) are repeated until an end of a measurement period is reached. The value of the counter at the end of the measurement period is then output to indicate an intensity of the illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Grenoble 2) SAS
    Inventor: Pascal Mellot
  • Patent number: 9924101
    Abstract: The apparatus displays a standard image capturing screen for capturing an image using a first image capturing unit in the case where an operation of a release member has been detected while a standard playback screen for performing playback using a first playback unit is being displayed, and, in the case where an operation of the release member has been detected while a predetermined image capturing screen for capturing an image using a second image capturing unit is not being displayed and a screen of the predetermined application is being displayed, displays the predetermined image capturing screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeki Hirooka
  • Patent number: 9876960
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is capable of shortening a time period required for photometric measurement and obtaining an accurate photometric measurement value when there has been a shift from a photometric measurement operation using an image pickup device to a photometric measurement operation using a linear photometric sensor. When there has been no shift from a photometric measurement operation by the image pickup device to a photometric measurement operation by the photometric sensor, the photometric sensor performs a first photometric measurement operation for a plurality of times, and when there has been a shift from a photometric measurement operation by the image pickup device to a photometric measurement operation by the photometric sensor, a second photometric measurement operation is performed for a smaller number of times than that of the first photometric measurement operation according to a result of photometric measurement performed by the image pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keita Nagai
  • Patent number: 9848137
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array and a plurality of control circuits. The pixel array includes a plurality of sub-arrays arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, each of the plurality of sub-arrays including a plurality of pixels. The plurality of control circuits are coupled to the pixel array, and configured to control exposure of the plurality of sub-arrays. At least a first of the plurality of control circuits is configured to control exposure of a first of the plurality of sub-arrays according to a first set of exposure times. At least a second of the plurality of control circuits is configured to control exposure of a second of the plurality of sub-arrays according to a second set of exposure times. The first set of exposure times is different from the second set of exposure times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Uzi Hizi, Nathan Henri Levy, Mickey Bahar
  • Patent number: 9836484
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an image capture, curation, and editing system that includes a resource-efficient mobile image capture device that continuously captures images. The mobile image capture device is operable to input an image into at least one neural network and to receive at least one descriptor of the desirability of a scene depicted by the image as an output of the at least one neural network. The mobile image capture device is operable to determine, based at least in part on the at least one descriptor of the desirability of the scene of the image, whether to store a second copy of such image in a non-volatile memory of the mobile image capture device or to discard a first copy of such image from a temporary image buffer without storing the second copy of such image in the non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Iwona Bialynicka-Birula, Blaise Aguera-Arcas, Daniel Ramage, Hugh Brendan McMahan, Oliver Fritz Lange, Emily Anne Fortuna, Divya Tyamagundlu, Jess Holbrook, Kristine Kohlhepp, Juston Payne, Krzysztof Duleba, Benjamin Vanik, Alison Lentz, Jon Gabriel Clapper, Joshua Denali Lovejoy, Aaron Michael Donsbach
  • Patent number: 9824477
    Abstract: A system and method for creatively directing a promotional campaign comprised of photos or videos captured by a plurality of remote contributors. The method may comprise creating, via a graphical user interface of a computing device, a list of shot templates for desired photos or videos, each shot template comprising shot specifications. The shot specifications may comprise a description of a desired subject of the shot template and one or more desired camera settings. The method may then comprise generating a notification regarding the list of shot templates from the graphical user interface, sending the notification to an image capture device of one or more of the plurality of remote contributors, and displaying the list of shot templates on the image capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Super 6 LLC
    Inventor: Scott McDonald
  • Patent number: 9826149
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems may provide for operating a machine learning device by obtaining training image data, conducting an offline prediction analysis of the training image data with respect to one or more real-time parameters of an image capture device, and generating one or more parameter detection models based on the offline prediction analysis. Additionally, methods, apparatuses and systems may provide for operating the image capture device by obtaining a candidate image associated with the image capture device, determining that the candidate image corresponds to a particular type of scene represented in a parameter prediction model, and adjusting one or more real-time parameters of the image capture device based at least in part on one or more parameter values associated with the particular type of scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Edmond Chalom, Dmitry Rudoy, Noam Levy, Harish Essaky Sankaran, Jarno Nikkanen, Joni-Matti Maatta, German Voronov
  • Patent number: 9819889
    Abstract: Method of implementing stacked chip HDR algorithm in image sensor starts with pixel array capturing first frame with first exposure time and second frame with a second exposure time that is longer or shorter than the first exposure time. Pixel array is disposed in first semiconductor die and is partitioned into pixel sub-arrays. Each pixel sub-array is arranged into pixel groups, and each pixel group is arranged into pixel cell array. Readout circuits disposed in second semiconductor die acquire image data of first and second frame. Each pixel sub-array is coupled to a corresponding readout circuit through a corresponding one of a plurality of conductors. ADC circuits convert image data from first and second frames to first and second ADC outputs. Function logic on the second semiconductor die adding first and second ADC outputs to generate a final ADC output. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Johannes Solhusvik
  • Patent number: 9819880
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for systems and methods to process images to reduce consumption of an available output dynamic range by the sky in images. For example, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a region or area in images that may correspond to the sky may be identified based on the location of the horizon in the images. A distribution of irradiance levels in the identified sky region may be analyzed to determine a dynamic range attributable to the sky region. A transfer function that compresses the dynamic range attributable to the sky region may be generated and applied so that the sky in the images may be suppressed, thereby advantageously preserving more dynamic range for terrestrial objects and other objects of interest in the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Högasten, Mark Nussmeier, Eric A. Kurth, Theodore R. Hoelter, Katrin Strandemar, Pierre Boulanger, Barbara Sharp
  • Patent number: 9813626
    Abstract: An image sensor includes: a plurality of light-receiving elements that receive light from a subject and are arranged in a 2-dimensional form; a detection unit that detects a movement amount of a projected image of the subject projected to the plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in the 2-dimensional form; and a light-receiving element control unit that adaptively controls a timing at which pixel data is read from the plurality of light-receiving elements arranged in the 2-dimensional form for each line according to the movement amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuharu Ohki
  • Patent number: 9813632
    Abstract: A method for adjusting predetermined ISO-dependent image processing parameters for images captured by a digital camera includes measuring the exposure deviation in exposure units from an optimal exposure as determined by the camera during an image capture process, deriving an estimated camera sensitivity from the exposure deviation, and adjusting the ISO-dependent image processing parameters for images captured by the camera as a function of the derived estimated camera sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Foveon, Inc.
    Inventor: Rastislav Lukac
  • Patent number: 9800881
    Abstract: In imaging processing, image data outputted from an imaging device is acquired as a data string formed of a first display value expressed by a first number of gradations obtained through conversion of a luminance value in accordance with preset nonlinear conversion characteristics. The first display value is compressed in accordance with preset compression characteristics, and outputted as a second display value expressed by a second number of gradations smaller than the first number of gradations. A recognition target is detected from an image expressed by compressed data that is a data string formed of the second display value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshikazu Murao, Takayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 9794529
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for acquiring an image in an electronic device are provided. The method includes acquiring a first image using an image sensor that comprises a plurality of first pixels having a first exposure and a plurality of second pixels having a second exposure, determining a reference exposure value based on image information, adjusting at least one of the first exposure or the second exposure based on the reference exposure value, and acquiring a second image using the image sensor based on exposure control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hae-Sun Lee, Jong-Hyub Lee, Moon-Soo Kim, Jong-Keun Shin, Joo-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9794461
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electronic device and method for activating a camera. It is identified whether the illuminance received by a second camera is below a threshold. When the illuminance received by the second camera falls below the threshold a predefined function is performed such as activating a first camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Deuk Park
  • Patent number: 9787917
    Abstract: An image sensor system with an image sensor that generates a first image and a second image. The first and second images are transmitted to a processor in a time overlapping manner. By way of example, the images may be transferred to the processor in an interleaving manner or provided on separate dedicated busses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Hiok Nam Tay
  • Patent number: 9769405
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, a row driver configured to control an operation of each of the plurality of pixels, a voltage supply line connected to a reset transistor included in each of the plurality of pixels, and a voltage supply circuit which detects a signal from the voltage supply line and supplies one of a first voltage and a second voltage to the voltage supply line based on the signal from the voltage supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Min Koh, Kwang Hyun Lee, Shin Hoo Kim, Ju Ha Kim, Ji Yong Kim, Seok Yong Park, Jae Cheol Yun, Jae Jin Jung, Woong Joo
  • Patent number: 9755624
    Abstract: A ramp signal generating circuit and ramp signal generator, an array substrate and a display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liye Duan, Lirong Wang, Zhongyuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9743025
    Abstract: Stacked chip imaging system comprising pixel array partitioned into pixel sub-arrays (PSAs) disposed in first semiconductor die and ADC circuitry including ADC circuits disposed in second semiconductor die. Each PSA is arranged into pixel groups. Each pixel group generates pixel data signals. Pixel array captures image data of first frame with first exposure time, second frame with second exposure time, third frame with third exposure time, and fourth frame with fourth exposure time. First, second, third and fourth exposure times are different. At least one of the pixel groups in each of the pixel sub-arrays is coupled to a different ADC circuit from pixels groups remaining in each of the pixel sub-arrays. ADC circuitry acquires the pixel data signals. For each frame, ADC circuits converts pixel data signal received from pixel groups respectively coupled thereto from analog to digital to generate ADC outputs. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jie Shen
  • Patent number: 9729782
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling camera settings of a camera to improve detection of faces in an uncontrolled environment are described. A first image is received from the camera, where the first image is captured by the camera at a first set of camera settings. A face is detected in the first image. The camera is adjusted to a second set of camera settings based on the detected face, where the second set of camera settings different from the first set of camera settings. A second image is received from the camera, where the second image is captured by the camera at the second set of camera settings. The face is detected in the second image. A quality metric of the face in the second image is determined where the quality metric is indicative of an image quality of the face in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Digital Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Péter L. Venetianer, Randall J. St. Romain, II, Miraj Shah, Chris Roller
  • Patent number: 9712744
    Abstract: A user authentication system and method. The user authentication system includes a camera and a processor connected to the camera. The processor receives images from the camera, searches for a user feature in the images, determines if the images require correction, adjusts camera controls in a pre-defined order to provide desired corrections, applies the desired corrections to subsequent images and authenticates the user based on the user feature in the corrected images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Rahuldeva Ghosh, Ranjit S. Narjala, Sanjay Bakshi
  • Patent number: 9712753
    Abstract: An exposure control apparatus comprises an acquisition unit including a plurality of pixels that are arranged two-dimensionally, and configured to acquire image data, a compression unit configured to compress the image data and generate compressed data, a calculation unit configured to calculate a first photometric value based on the compressed data, a conversion unit configured to convert the first photometric value into a second photometric value corresponding to the image data before the compression; and an exposure control unit configured to perform exposure control based on the second photometric value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Mine
  • Patent number: 9712760
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an object database, a composition database, an imaging unit, a determination unit, a search unit, a priority setting unit, and a display. The determination unit extracts an image feature amount from a photographed image data, and determines a kind of an object of the photographed image data, based on data stored in the object database. The search unit detects composition assisting information corresponding to the photographed image data from the composition database, based on the kind of the object and data stored in the composition database. The priority setting unit extracts characteristic information and determines presentation priority based on characteristic information differences. The display displays the composition assisting information based on the priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yukihito Furuhashi
  • Patent number: 9706133
    Abstract: An image processing method is provided. The method includes following steps. Firstly, a first image is obtained by shooting photo at a first shutter speed, wherein the first image includes a first object image and a first background image, and the first object image and the first background image are clear. Next, a second image is obtained by shooting photo at a second shutter speed lower than the first shutter speed, wherein the second shutter speed is lower than the first shutter speed, the first image and the second image are obtained by shooting photo within substantially the same shooting range, the second image includes a second object image and a second background image, the second object image is blurry but the second background image is clear. After that, a third image is generated from at least the first image and the second object image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yao-Tsung Chang, Chu-Chia Tsai, Ping-Hung Chen, I-Chun Wu, Chih-Yang Hung
  • Patent number: 9692964
    Abstract: A method of generating one or more new digital images using an original digitally-acquired image including a selected image feature includes identifying within a digital image acquisition device one or more groups of pixels that correspond to the selected image feature based on information from one or more preview images. A portion of the original image is selected that includes the one or more groups of pixels. The technique includes automatically generating values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion in a manner which includes the selected image feature within the one or more new images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FotoNation Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Petronel Bigioi, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran
  • Patent number: 9671677
    Abstract: A focal-plane shutter capable of stabilizing a curtain in continuous photographing action for suppression of variation in light exposure period is provided. The focal-plane shutter includes a base plate having a first opening, a blade receiving plate so arranged as to face the base plate and having a second opening formed in a position corresponding to the first opening, and a rear curtain that is arranged between the base plate and the blade receiving plate and moves between an open position where the first opening and the second opening are open and a closed position where the first opening and the second opening are closed to open and close the first opening and the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO PRECISION INC.
    Inventor: Shoichi Tokura
  • Patent number: 9652081
    Abstract: An optical touch system is provided. A reflector is disposed beside a base plane. At least one light source is disposed beside the base plane and provides a detecting light, wherein the detecting light is transmitted to the reflector. At least one optical detecting sensor is disposed beside the base plane. A processor is coupled to the optical detecting sensor, wherein when a first object and a second object approach or touch the base plane, the processor determines which one of the intensity of a first portion of a signal corresponding to the first object OB1 and the intensity of a second portion of the signal corresponding to the second object OB2 from the optical detecting sensor is larger. Additionally, a method of touch detection and a computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Wen Chen, Yu-Yen Chen
  • Patent number: 9628695
    Abstract: A system, article, and method of lens shift correction for a camera array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Gowri Somanath, Oscar Nestares, Kalpana Seshadrinathan, Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 9628715
    Abstract: Photographing equipment includes an image pickup unit which picks up an image of an object to obtain a picked up image, a display unit which displays the picked up image, a portion determining unit which sets an inspection area at the picked up image displayed on the display unit, an analyzing unit which analyzes at least one of an image and a setting associated with the inspection area, and a search unit which obtains a factor of a defect of the image of the inspection area by referring to a database provided in advance using an analysis result of the analyzing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 9621819
    Abstract: An electronic device and a multimedia control method thereof are provided. The electronic device has an image capturing unit and a detecting unit. The method includes following steps. When executing an image capturing operation for obtaining an image signal by the image capturing unit, a motion information of the electronic device and an environment information is simultaneously detected by the detecting unit. At least one effect control signal is generated according to the motion information and the environment information. The at least one effect control signal is outputted to at least one corresponding effect output device according to a timing of the image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsu Yang, Hsiang-Tan Lin, Chun-Lun Pan, Chien-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 9609248
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a first photoelectric conversion unit that converts light incident through a first opening to an electric charge, a second photoelectric conversion unit that converts light incident through a second opening which is smaller than the first opening to an electric charge, and a signal output wiring that outputs a first signal generated by the electric charge converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit and a second signal generated by the electric charge converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit. The second photoelectric conversion unit is disposed between the second opening and the signal output wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hironobu Murata
  • Patent number: 9597052
    Abstract: A method for storing X-ray data includes acquiring the X-ray data by using an X-ray detection module; and transmitting all or some of the acquired X-ray data to other X-ray detection module which is different from the X-ray detection module that has acquired the X-ray data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-min Lee, Sung-kyu Park, Min-kook Cho, Ji-hoon Kang, Jin-hwan Oh, Jerome Crocco