Power Supply Patents (Class 348/372)
  • Publication number: 20150070571
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided in which an image sensor, operatively coupled with an electronic device, is operated in a first state based on a determination that the image sensor is to be operated in a low power mode. When the image sensor is operating in the first state, a setup value corresponding to a photographing mode is preserved, and the image sensor is refrained from outputting a stream of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Pyo-Jae KIM, Young-Kwon YOON, Yong-Gu LEE
  • Patent number: 8975888
    Abstract: The present invention provides miniature power supplies and circuitry for powering high-voltage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: SRI International, Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pelrine, Ilya Polyakov
  • Publication number: 20150062417
    Abstract: A video camera includes a first temperature sensor, a control logic circuit, a main system, a heating module, a fan and a power supply. After the power supply supplies power to the video camera, the first temperature sensor comes to be active, when the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is less than T1, the first temperature sensor outputs a control signal to the control logic circuit, which activates the heating module and the fan and prevents the power supply from supplying to the main system; and when the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is greater than T1, the first temperature sensor outputs a control signal to the control logic circuit which enables the power supply to supply to the main system and inactivates the heating module and the fan, and therefore, a normal activation and stable operation of the video camera at low temperatures are ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Zhejiang Uniview Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Sheng, YiFei Sun
  • Patent number: 8964114
    Abstract: An external accessory that can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus equipped with a power source unit includes: a first power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a second power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the first power receiving unit is receiving power; a function execution unit that executes a predetermined function by using power received at one of the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit; and a control unit that engages the function execution unit in operation continuously when an affirmative decision is made by the decision-making unit, and engages the function execution unit in operation intermittently when a negative decision is made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Koichiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8964112
    Abstract: An interchangeable lens includes an acquiring section that acquires an amount of supply power from an imaging apparatus to which the interchangeable lens is attached, and operation information related to an operation of the imaging apparatus in a period during which the supply power is supplied, and a determining section that determines power to be distributed to a plurality of driving sections that drive a plurality of optical members, for each of the driving sections, on the basis of the acquired amount of supply power and the acquired operation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Makibi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8965236
    Abstract: A power supply system includes: capacitors connected to an alternating current power supply; a rectification circuit connected to the capacitors and rectifying an alternating current voltage applied to the capacitors; a signal generation circuit connected to an output line of the rectification circuit and configured to generate a detection signal corresponding to a zero cross point of an alternating current output; an electricity storage unit connected to the output line of the rectification circuit; a backflow regulation element provided on the output line of the rectification circuit and configured to regulate backflow of current; a current limit element configured to limit current flowing from the output line of the rectification circuit towards the electricity storage unit, and a control unit that is connected to the output line of the rectification circuit, and is configured to detect a zero cross point of the alternating current output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsumi Inukai
  • Patent number: 8964103
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing an autofocus routine in a camera apparatus having a processor is disclosed. The camera apparatus is adapted to detect a number of images and communicate image signals representative thereof to the processor. The method includes determining that a degree of change between a first image signal and a second image signal is below a predetermined threshold and responsive thereto, performing the autofocus routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Marc Drader, James Alexander Robinson, Michael Lorne Purdy
  • Patent number: 8964113
    Abstract: A monitoring camera is connected to an external power source. The external power source has an external maximum power level. Image data is being processed in a first processing state. The monitoring camera detects (202) an event and determines (206) a type of the detected event. An amount of energy in an energy accumulator is determined (208) in the monitoring camera. Based on the type of the event and based on the external maximum power level and based on the determined amount of energy in the energy accumulator, a second processing state is determined (210). The second processing state requires a power level that is higher than the external maximum power level. Image data is then processed (212) in the second processing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: AXIS AB
    Inventors: Per Kannermark, Andreas Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20150049241
    Abstract: A wireless camera apparatus includes a power supply track and a wireless camera device detachably installed on the power supply track. The wireless camera device has a camera module and a linking module fixed on the camera module. The linking module has a connecting unit and a conductive unit electrically connected to the camera module. When the wireless camera device is installed on the power supply track, the connecting unit is coupled to the power supply track, and the conductive unit is electrically connected to the power supply track. Thus, the instant disclosure provides the wireless camera apparatus, which is adjustable to any position of the power supply track according to the user's demand. Besides, the instant disclosure further provides a wireless camera device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: AZUREWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: YU-TING CHENG, CHEE-ONN CHING
  • Publication number: 20150049244
    Abstract: The present invention provides the following camera. A first camera-side contact pin is a pin corresponding to detection of a signal change caused by coupling of a camera accessory. A second camera-side contact pin is a pin corresponding to supply of power for communication with the coupled camera accessory. A third camera-side contact pin is a pin corresponding to supply of a driving force to an actuator of the camera accessory. The first, second, and third camera-side contact pins are disposed in such a manner that, when a camera-side mount shifts from a first state to a second state, the third camera-side contact pin contacts first and second accessory-side contact surfaces, the second camera-side contact pin contacts the first accessory-side contact surface, and the first camera-side contact pin does not contact the second and third accessory-side contact surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Tatsuyuki Tokunaga, Takashi Hasegawa, Tetsuya Nishio, Yoshihiko Konno, Hiroshi Kikuchi, Azusa Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8957988
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for processing mages to prolong battery life. In one implementation, a wearable apparatus may include a wearable image sensor configured to capture a plurality of images from an environment of a user. The wearable apparatus may also include at least one processing device configured to, in a first processing-mode, process representations of the plurality of images to determine a value of at least one capturing parameter for use in capturing at least one subsequent image, and in a second processing-mode, process the representations of the plurality of images to extract information. In addition, the at least one processing device may operate in the first processing-mode when the wearable apparatus is powered by a mobile power source included in the wearable apparatus and may operate in the second processing-mode when the wearable apparatus is powered by an external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: OrCam Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Yonatan Wexler, Amnon Shashua
  • Patent number: 8958713
    Abstract: A power supply system includes: a switching power supply generating a voltage from an alternating current power supply; capacitors connected to the alternating current power supply; a rectification circuit configured to rectify an alternating current voltage applied to the capacitors; a backflow regulation regulating backflow of current from the switching power supply; a signal generation circuit generating a detection signal corresponding to a zero cross point of the alternating current power supply; a power supply line connected to the switching power supply and the rectification circuit; an electricity storage unit connected to the power supply line; a voltage limit element configured to limit a voltage of the output line of the rectification circuit, and a control unit, power being fed to the control unit through the power supply line. The control unit is configured to detect a zero cross point based on the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsumi Inukai
  • Patent number: 8953041
    Abstract: An Engineer's View (EV) wireless video system for powered and unpowered model railroad engines is disclosed. The invention uses commercially available wireless spy cameras, powered by a custom power supply circuit which is compatible with either DC or DCC track systems. The present invention is compatible with all commercial model railroad gauge diesel engines including HO and N Gauge or may be factory installed. The EV system demonstrates a remarkably stable and realistic image of a model railroad layout. Moreover, the present invention may also provide a stable source of power to the engine where stalling could occur at points of track defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Johnson Bartlett, Sr., William Travis Bartlett
  • Patent number: 8947582
    Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The digital photographing apparatus includes a body unit and an exchangeable lens installed to the body unit, wherein the exchangeable lens includes: a power zoom performer for performing a power zoom operation; and an iris for adjusting an amount light penetrating through an imaging lens, the body unit includes: an image pickup device for generating an image signal by capturing the light; a shutter for controlling light exposure of the image pickup device; and a release controller for controlling operations of the shutter and the iris, and the power zoom operation is prohibited when the release controller starts to drive the shutter or the iris. Accordingly, the power zoom operation is stably controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Ishibashi, Masataka Hamada
  • Patent number: 8941775
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for obtaining a properly exposed strobe-illuminated image are provided. One method for doing so may include, for example, gathering image capture statistics during a first period when a strobe is not emitting light and during a second period when the strobe emits a preflash. These image capture statistics may include distinct image capture control statistics and luma values associated with the periods. Final image capture control statistics then may be determined based at least in part on the first luma value normalized to the first image capture control statistics and the second luma value normalized to the second image capture control statistics. Thereafter, the final image capture control statistics may be used to capture a properly exposed strobe-illuminated image when the strobe emits a main flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Haitao Guo, David Daming Kuo
  • Patent number: 8937678
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a calculation unit that calculates power consumptions related to a plurality of functions during a predetermined period for the respective functions; and a control unit that performs control to display data of the calculated power consumptions for the respective functions and countermeasures to be used to reduce the power consumptions related to a predetermined number of functions among the plurality of functions, on a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Fuji
  • Patent number: 8922708
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a processor configured to control a flash unit in an exposure time period of an image sensor array, to provide a first non-zero light intensity in a first portion of the exposure time period and to provide a second non-zero light intensity, different to the first light intensity, in a second portion of the exposure time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Ossi Kalevo, Mikko A. Ollila, Mikko J. Muukki
  • Publication number: 20140354282
    Abstract: A camera assembly for use in a MRI machine. The camera assembly includes a Faraday cage defining a shielded cavity and an optical path mount constructed of a highly stiff, dense, and non-electrically-conductive material in the shielded cavity. The camera imager and lens are mounted to the optical path mount. The camera assembly includes a capacitor-based power regulation circuit. The optical path mount is not subject to eddy currents because it is non-electrically-conductive. The capacitor-based power regulation circuit includes very little ferrous material and is within the shielded cavity, to reduce eddy currents. The resulting camera assembly reduces vibrations and shaking in the magnetic field environment of the MRI machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Todd P. Kusik, Brian S. R. Armstrong, Robert T. Barrows
  • Patent number: 8891002
    Abstract: A camera module having a flash that is provided therein. The flash may be an LED light source. The LED may come in a package that is generally rectangular, with the exception that one corner is flattened. The camera module includes a housing that receives the light source, an image sensor, and a lens. The housing includes mating features that receive the LED package, those features including a flattened corner so that the LED package can only be received within the housing when it is properly oriented. The housing also includes electrical terminals for connection to the LED that include springs. When the LED package is properly oriented and received within the housing, contact pads on the LED package and the electrical terminals on the housing are pressed together against the resilient force of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Prebesh Pavithran, Yeow Thiam Ooi, Khen Ming Goh, Haw Chyn Cheng
  • Patent number: 8891004
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for enabling a mobile terminal to drive a camera with low power. The mobile terminal applies power to an image sensor in response to a camera function execution request, initializes the image sensor, maintains the image sensor in a software standby state in which a streaming output of sensed data is interrupted, when a low power standby mode is set, and displays a null image on a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Pyo-Jae Kim, Young-Kwon Yoon, Yong-Gu Lee
  • Patent number: 8885094
    Abstract: An accessory which is controlled by a control signal supplied from a camera, includes: a terminal section having a plurality of terminals located adjacent to each other in an array that extends in an array direction, the plurality of terminals including at least a power terminal to which power is supplied from the camera and a signal input terminal to which the control signal is input from the camera; and a ground portion corresponding to the power terminal. The power terminal is disposed at a first end of the array the signal input terminal is disposed near a second end of the array opposite the first end, and the ground portion is disposed in a position further away from the power terminal than is the signal input terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Motoki, Akihiro Ozone, Akihiro Sugiyama, Kazuharu Imafuji
  • Patent number: 8872965
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that can reduce power consumption of the image pickup apparatus, and take high-definition moving images at high speed without bringing about decreases in recordable time and the number of still images taken. An image pickup processing unit is operated in a plurality of operation modes, and has an image pickup device and a plurality of processing units that process image pickup signals outputted from the image pickup device. An interval control circuit causes the image pickup processing unit to switch between a standby ON state and a standby OFF state in predetermined timing. A control signal is outputted to the interval control unit according to an operation mode of the image pickup processing unit. When the image pickup processing unit lies in a predetermined operation mode, a control signal for causing the interval control circuit to perform the switching is outputted to the interval control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Ise
  • Patent number: 8872972
    Abstract: A router module is arranged in a housing of a smart television. The router module is externally connected to a modem for surfing the Internet. The router module is electrically connected to a micro processing unit of the smart television. Therefore, the smart television is connected to the Internet through the router module. A wireless transmission chip of the router module is configured to process Internet signals. An antenna module is configured to wirelessly transmit the Internet signals, so that wireless network is shared to outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Nai-Chien Chang
  • Patent number: 8866963
    Abstract: There is set forth herein a terminal having an image sensor array and a plurality of operator selectable operating modes. The image sensor array can have an associated light source bank. The operator selectable operating modes can include at least one camera operating mode and at least one flashlight operating mode. In the at least one camera operating mode the image sensor array and light source bank can be controlled for optimization of frame capture. In the at least one flashlight operating mode the image sensor array and the light source bank can be controlled for optimizing illumination of an operators viewing area with reduced average power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Grunow, Jeffrey Baker, Matthew Skvoretz, Michael Pease, Scott Garmon
  • Publication number: 20140307161
    Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus having low power consumption includes a lens unit, an encoder sensor configured to detect a rotational state of the lens unit, a power supply controller configured to control power supply such that an operation of turning on the encoder sensor to generate a detection signal and an operation of turning off the encoder sensor are repeatedly performed, and a determiner configured to determine the rotational state of the lens unit from the detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Myung-won PARK, Dong-eui SHIN, Seung-han LEE, Ki-oh JUNG
  • Patent number: 8860878
    Abstract: A camera module includes an imaging sensor, a power feed electrode, a first conductive member, and a first sealing member. The imaging sensor includes a light-receiving surface receiving light gathered by a lens. The power feed electrode is formed to a surface including the light receiving-surface of the imaging sensor, and the power feed electrode is configured to make a power feed. The first conductive member is configured to electrically connect the power feed electrode and a drive electrode. The drive electrode is provided to a drive section configured to drive the lens in accordance with the power feed. The first sealing member is formed by sealing the first conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Iwafuchi, Toshihiro Furusawa, Yoshihito Higashitsutsumi
  • Patent number: 8860890
    Abstract: An electronic device and a control method thereof are disclosed, the electronic device including: an operation implementation unit conducting a predetermined operation; a first main controller controlling the operation of the operation implementation unit; an input reception unit receiving an input signal; a second main controller processing the input signal and being in the power saving state in the standby mode; and a subcontroller controlling the second main controller to process the input signal when the input signal is received in the standby mode, wherein the second main controller processes the received input signal according to control of the subcontroller, controls the first main controller to operate in the normal mode when the input signal corresponds to entering the normal mode, and returns to the power saving state in the standby mode when the input signal does not correspond to entering the normal mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-ick Jang, Chang-yong Kim, Jong-hyuk Jang, Jea-hee Han
  • Publication number: 20140300770
    Abstract: A camera communication unit is configured to change a voltage applied to a communication terminal used for a communication with the lens unit. The camera communication unit is configured to communicate with the lens unit using one of a first communication mode and a second communication mode, the first communication mode setting the voltage applied to the communication terminal to a first range and enabling the communication with the lens unit using a communication method of a first communication speed, and the second communication mode setting the voltage applied to the communication terminal to a second range that is located on a lower voltage side than the first range and enabling the communication with the lens unit using a communication method of a second communication speed higher than the first communication speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Izukawa
  • Patent number: 8856857
    Abstract: This technique relates to a receiving device, a receiving method, and a program that can demodulate transmitted signals with high accuracy. A receiving device of this disclosure includes: an amplifying unit that amplifies a received signal; an adjusting unit that adjusts gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with power of the signal; a demodulating unit that demodulates the amplified signal; and a detecting unit that detects an interval from the signal, information having the same content continuously appearing in the interval. The adjusting unit restricts the process of adjusting the gain of the amplifying unit in accordance with a result of the detection of the interval. This disclosure can be applied to receiving devices that receive broadcast signals compliant with DVB-C2 via a CATV network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kobayashi, Naoki Yoshimochi
  • Patent number: 8848099
    Abstract: If a setting device such as a focus switch happens to be changed during the time that a power supply is off, the user is notified of how the setting device has changed. When the power supply of a digital camera is turned off, the set state of the setting device at such time is stored. When the power supply is turned on, the set state of the setting device is detected and this set state is compared with the set state of the setting device that was in effect when the power supply was turned off. If the set state has been changed, a warning image is displayed and the set state that was in effect when the power supply was turned off and the set state currently in effect are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20140267811
    Abstract: Technologies are provided in embodiments for receiving an indication of an image processing service request, retrieve environmental information indicative of an environmental condition of an apparatus, retrieving operational information indicative of an operating condition of the apparatus, determining image processing software configuration information based, at least in part, on the image processing service, the environmental information, and the operational information, and causing configuration of at least one image processing software module based, at least in part, on the image processing software configuration information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Sheethal Bhat, Madhu S. Athreya, Yuh-Lin E. Chang
  • Patent number: 8830373
    Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging device that has a base and a plurality of image capture devices. The base includes a bottom portion and an elongate stem portion that is pivotally attached at one of its ends to the bottom portion. An arm is pivotally attached to the stem portion. The arm has an elongate flap pivotally attached to the arm's mid-portion. A plurality of image capture devices are embedded in at least one of the bottom portion, the stem portion, the arm and the flap. An additional embodiment of the image capturing system includes a housing, a light capture mechanism and an image display mechanism. The housing includes a base and a linkage having a plurality of elongate sections. The light capture mechanism simultaneously captures first and second images and is contained within at least one of the elongate sections. First and second lenses make up the light capturing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Pathway Innovations and Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ji Shen
  • Publication number: 20140247388
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8817293
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus for controlling power supply is provided. An image forming apparatus includes at least one cover unit to be mounted in the image forming apparatus, at least one replaceable unit to participate in an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus, a sensing unit to sense whether the at least one cover unit is opened or closed, and a main board unit to cut off the power supply to the at least one replaceable unit for a predetermined period of time when the at least one cover unit is opened or closed. Accordingly, stable operation is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jai-yeol Lee, In-gu Kwak
  • Patent number: 8817174
    Abstract: An information recording apparatus for recording information obtained from a sensor, comprises: a face detecting unit for detecting a face of a person among the information obtained from the sensor; a face detection switching unit for switching a control of the face detecting unit between valid and invalid; a face detection setup information obtaining unit for obtaining information of whether face detection set up by the face detection switching unit is valid or invalid; a face detection observation unit for observing on whether detection is made on the face or not, when the face detection is valid; a power-saving controller unit for executing a power-saving control; a recording unit for record the information inputted from the sensor onto a recording medium; a recording observation unit for observing on whether recording of the information is conducted or not by the recording unit; a memory unit for memorizing information necessary for controlling the information recording apparatus; and a controller unit fo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Consumer Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nozomu Shimoda
  • Patent number: 8817177
    Abstract: Provided are methods of controlling digital image processing apparatus, in which a communication method may be transitioned to burst communication when an amount of data for communication with an external device is great, digital image processing apparatuses to which the methods are applied, and communication systems including the digital image processing apparatuses. In the methods, according to a type or a state of an external device or an operating state of the digital image processing apparatus, when an amount of data to be transmitted is large, burst communication may be performed, and if the amount of data is not as large, single communication may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomonaga Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20140232877
    Abstract: A device having built-in digital data means is powered by an unlimited power source for a lamp-holder, LED bulb, or light device connected to unlimited power source by prongs or a base that can be inserted into a socket that would otherwise receiving a bulb. The device may take the form of a webcam having auto tracking functions and retractable prongs that plug directly into a wall outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20140232932
    Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards energy saving mechanisms of image sensor circuitry (e.g., in a camera). Image quality data, such as provided by an application, is processed to make energy consumption of image sensor circuitry more proportional to output image quality by controlling the operation of one or more controllable power saving mechanisms of the image sensor circuitry. Power saving mechanisms may include a frequency controlled clock, the ability to turn off unneeded components, an inter-frame standby mode that puts the image sensor circuitry into a standby mode between capturing sequential frames, selectable parallel analog chains having different energy usage properties and column circuitry that allows turning off circuitry corresponding to unneeded columns of the sensor array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert LiKamWa, Nissanka Arachchige Bodhi Priyantha, Matthai Philipose, Lin Zhong, Paramvir Bahl
  • Patent number: 8810719
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a circuit system, a camera sensing circuit, and an object sensing circuit. The circuit system is utilized for controlling an operation of the electronic apparatus. The camera sensing circuit is coupled to the circuit system and utilized for sensing at least a portion of a portrait of a user. The object sensing circuit is coupled to the circuit system and utilized for sensing whether any object(s) is/are near to the electronic apparatus. The operation of the object sensing circuit is different from the operation of the camera sensing circuit. The camera sensing circuit is used for determining whether to notify the circuit system to switch from a first operation mode to a second operation mode. The object sensing circuit is used for determining whether to notify the circuit system to switch from the second operation mode to the first operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: En-Feng Hsu, Ming-Tsan Kao
  • Patent number: 8804030
    Abstract: A battery assembly for providing a stable, quick release between an image recording apparatus and a structural support apparatus includes a housing defining a closed interior area for accommodating an energy cell. A threaded bore and a depression are defined in said housing, with the depression extending into the closed interior area. A mounting mechanism having a threaded post is provided for releasably engagaing with the depression such that an expansive mounting surface is provided when at least a portion of the mounting mechanism is engaged within the depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Anton/Bauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander P. Desorbo
  • Publication number: 20140218599
    Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention operates with supply of power from a main power supply, and comprises an imaging section having an image sensor for forming a subject image and outputting image data, a variable voltage conversion section, supplied with power from the main power supply, for converting to a designated voltage based on control signals, and outputting the designated voltage, a constant voltage section that receives output of the variable voltage conversion section and supplies a constant voltage signal to the image sensor, a noise level prediction section for predicting and outputting a noise level of image data of the image sensor, and a control section for calculating a voltage value input to the constant voltage section in accordance with output from the noise level prediction section, and designating an output voltage to the variable voltage conversion section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Satoru NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20140218600
    Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention operates with supply of power from a main power supply, and comprises an imaging section having an image sensor for forming a subject image and outputting image data, a variable voltage conversion section, supplied with power from the main power supply, for converting to a designated voltage based on control signals, and outputting the designated voltage, a constant voltage section that receives output of the variable voltage conversion section and supplies a constant voltage signal to the image sensor, an input section for setting operating mode of the imaging device, and a control section for obtaining a voltage value input to the constant voltage section in accordance with operating mode that has been set by the input section, and designating an output voltage to the variable voltage conversion section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Satoru NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20140198243
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, an opening-and-closing unit disposed on a side surface of the housing, and configured to be openable and closable to the housing, a hinge unit configured to have a cam groove formed thereon and to openably and closably couple the opening-and-closing unit with the housing, an electronic circuit board arranged inside the housing and having a switch which outputs a signal corresponding to a state of the switch, and a movable member that moves in conjunction with the cam groove formed in the hinge unit, along with the opening and closing of the opening-and-closing unit, the movable member being movable in a direction parallel to the side surface of the housing to change the state of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Takuo TANIGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8781316
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20140192259
    Abstract: The technology disclosed provides systems and methods for reducing the overall power consumption of an optical motion-capture system without compromising the quality of motion capture and tracking. In implementations, this is accomplished by operating the motion-detecting cameras and associated image-processing hardware in a low-power mode (e.g., at a low frame rate or in a standby or sleep mode) unless and until touch gestures of an object such as a tap, sequence of taps, or swiping motions are performed with a surface proximate to the cameras. A contact microphone or other appropriate sensor is used for detecting audio signals or other vibrations generated by contact of the object with the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Leap Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: David HOLZ
  • Patent number: 8773579
    Abstract: An accessory is an accessary controlled by a camera. The accessory includes an information holding section that holds predetermined information by which the camera determines whether or not the accessary requests a supply of power consumed in the accessory to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuharu Imafuji, Akihiro Ozone, Keiko Tsuchiya, Izumi Kumazawa
  • Patent number: 8773580
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device includes a pixel array unit that includes photoelectric conversion elements and in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in rows and columns that output, as pixel signals, electrical signals obtained by photoelectric conversion performed by amplifier elements to which pixel power supply voltage is supplied and that drive signal lines, a pixel power supply unit that generates the pixel power supply voltage from power supply voltage, the pixel power supply voltage being lower than the power supply voltage, and that supplies the pixel power supply voltage to the amplifier elements in the plurality of pixels, and a pixel signal read unit that reads pixel signals from the plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ebihara, Go Asayama
  • Publication number: 20140184898
    Abstract: A video conversion device, containing electronic circuitry for conversion of a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) signal fed through input terminal to a Serial Digital Interface (SDI) signal which is outputted through output terminals, is connected to a conventional video camera battery pack. The body has four L-shaped slideway formations to receive slides on a battery plate to form a push-on physical connection with the camera. One side of the body is recessed, with four lugs or slide formations complementary to the slideway formations, at the edges of the recess, to be fitted into the slideways formed in the base of the battery pack to the slideway slots in the conversion device, and the battery pack can be quickly fitted to the conversion device via a push-on connection. The battery pack supplies power to the circuitry of the conversion device through terminals which is then supplied to the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Tetsuwan Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ian Overliese, Jeromy Michael Young, Daniel John Elleson
  • Publication number: 20140184897
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication control unit configured to perform an enumeration process, and a charging unit configured to charge a battery unit with power supplied from an external device. If a voltage of the battery unit is higher than a predetermined voltage, the communication control unit allows to perform the enumeration process with power supplied from the battery unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Yasusaburo Degura, Yasuhiro Sato, Naoki Shimma
  • Publication number: 20140176790
    Abstract: A power supplying method and apparatus. The power supplying apparatus includes: a detection module, connected to a detection pin group of a camera module, and configured to generate a recognition signal according to a detected detection signal on the detection pin group of the camera module; a power supply recognition module, connected to the detection module, and configured to recognize a type of the camera module according to the recognition signal, to determine power supply information corresponding to the type of the camera module; a power-on control module, connected to the power supply recognition module and a power supply module, and configured to control a power supply time sequence of at least three power supply units and a power supply voltage of each of the power supply units, so that the at least three power supply units supply power to the camera module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: HUAWEI DEVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun SHEN, Wei Lv, Kangjie Chao, Yajun Pan