Having Flash Built Into Camera Patents (Class 396/176)
  • Patent number: 11871108
    Abstract: A method and system for continuously supplying power to an image capture device during an image capture session are disclosed. The image capture device includes an integrated internal battery located internal to the image capture device and a removable battery connected to the image capture device. Power is provided to the image capture device from the removable battery. When the removable battery is disconnected from the image capture device, power is provided to the image capture device from the integrated internal battery. When a new removable battery is connected to the image capture device, power is provided to the image capture device from the new removable battery. Power is continuously supplied to the image capture device from the integrated internal battery while the removable battery is disconnected and replaced with the new removable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Shiva Kumar Belavadi Mallegowda, Naveen Chinya Krishnamurthy, Kevin Hinge, Rajesh Madhur, Joseph Tucker
  • Patent number: 11841749
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display module and a backlight module. The display module is provided with a first mounting hole. A first light-shielding adhesive portion is formed in the first mounting hole. A second mounting hole is formed on the backlight module. The backlight module is attached to the display module, so that the first mounting hole is communicated with the second mounting hole to form a mounting space. A second light-shielding adhesive portion connecting the first light-shielding adhesive portion to the backlight module is formed in the second mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Min Liu
  • Patent number: 11813160
    Abstract: A method and system provide an ophthalmic device. The ophthalmic device includes an ophthalmic lens having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, at least one diffractive structure and at least one base curvature. The at least one diffractive structure for provides a first spherical aberration for a first focus corresponding to at least a first focal length. The at least one base curvature provides a second spherical aberration for at least a second focus corresponding to at least a second focal length. The first spherical aberration and the second spherical aberration are provided such that the first focus has a first focus spherical aberration and the second focus has a second focus spherical aberration. The first focus spherical aberration is opposite in sign to the second focus spherical aberration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Myoung-Taek Choi, Xin Hong, Yueai Liu
  • Patent number: 11656535
    Abstract: A shoe device of an accessory that secures necessary functions and mechanical strength when the accessory is used with attaching to an electronic apparatus and that improves convenience during use when the accessory is used without attaching to an electronic apparatus. An engagement member is attachable to and detachable from an accessory shoe device of an electronic apparatus by sliding in a first direction. A holding member holds the engagement member. An attachment part is provided in the engagement member or the holding member and allows attachment of a member different from the accessory shoe device. A connection member has connection terminals arranged in a second direction that intersects perpendicularly with the first direction and is arranged in a front of the holding member in the first direction. The attachment part is provided behind the connection terminals in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Okano, Kenji Ishii, Keita Hirayama
  • Patent number: 11544722
    Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising: connecting, by a part scanner, to a blockchain platform; outputting a user interface, the user interface including at least a first input component and a second input component; capturing an image of a surface of a part; outputting the image in the user interface; generating a surface descriptor based on the image; when the first input component is activated, attempting to store, in the blockchain platform, an authentication record that is generated based on the surface descriptor, and outputting, in the user interface, an indication of an outcome of the attempt to store the authentication record in the blockchain platform; and when the second input component is activated, attempting to authenticate the part based on the surface descriptor and outputting, in the user interface, an indication of an outcome of the attempt to authenticate the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Wagner, Benjamin Golden, Matthew T. Young
  • Patent number: 11496658
    Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a light-emitting module comprising: a substrate; a light source which is arranged on the substrate and emits laser light; a holder arranged on the substrate; a diffuser lens arranged in the holder and over the light source; and a diffuser ring for supporting the diffuser lens, wherein the diffuser lens comprises a plurality of microlenses, and the holder comprises an opening formed above the diffuser lens and a stopping protrusion for inhibiting the diffuser lens from being separated through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kang Yeol Park, Hee Se Lee, Sung Phil Kim
  • Patent number: 11363203
    Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus comprises: a first obtaining unit that obtains orientation information of an image capturing apparatus; a determining unit that, on the basis of the orientation information, determines a reference position of an image sensor included in the image capturing apparatus; and a calculating unit that calculates a correction amount for performing image stabilization by moving a position of the image sensor from the reference position in a plane intersecting with an optical axis. The reference position is different between when the orientation information indicates that the image capturing apparatus is in a first orientation and when the orientation information indicates that the image capturing apparatus is in a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masafumi Kimura, Toshifumi Urakami
  • Patent number: 11290627
    Abstract: A lighting device that can prevent the progress of minute cracks generated in a flexible substrate or the occurrence of minute cracks themselves, and the flexible substrate. A flexible substrate, that electrically connect a light emitting portion movable relative to a main body portion of the lighting device, has a soldering portion that is soldered to the light emitting portion at one end, a connection portion that is connected to the light emission control portion at another end, a communication portion that connects the soldering portion and the connection portion, and two xenon wires and two trigger wires that are arranged in the communication portion in a longitudinal direction. In the communication portion, of the four wires, the two xenon wires are arranged between the two trigger wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koichi Odagaki, Jiro Yamamoto, Katsuhiro Doshin
  • Patent number: 11280957
    Abstract: A glass light guide plate body has a light incident surface, a light reflecting surface and a light emitting surface. The light incident surface is adapted to direct light from an LED strip disposed about a perimeter surface of the light incident surface into the glass light guide plate body. A light reflective surface extending across the upper surface of the glass light guide plate body reflects the light directed upwards through the glass light guide plate body downwards back through the glass light guide plate body towards a light-emitting surface. The light reflective surface is provided with a reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Tiejun Wang
  • Patent number: 11115570
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a finder unit including a finder rotation unit movable between two states, a retracted state and a protruded state. The finder rotation unit is rotatably held in the protruded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keita Iwai, Ryoji Okuno, Hidetoshi Kei, Jiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11061300
    Abstract: A flash housing for photographic purposes and method for controlling a flash light is disclosed. The flash housing comprises a flash forming element arranged to generate a flash light. The flash housing further comprises a lens element having a substantially circular cross-section and being arranged to let at least part of the generated flash light out of the flash housing so as to obtain the flash. The flash housing further comprises a zoom element rotatably arranged at least partly along the circumference of the lens element. The zoom element is operatively connected to the flash forming element so as to control movement of the flash forming element by manual rotation of the zoom element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: PROFOTO AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Emil Stenbacka, Johan Anséhn
  • Patent number: 10996543
    Abstract: An LED light is operated in both continuous steady output and, as desired, a periodic high power burst of light that drives the LED beyond its rated output for short periods. A single cost effective circuit to perform both types of control delivers highly regulated output under both high power burst mode and continuous mode while maintaining maximum feedback resolution in the primary (continuous) output mode. Active elements are used to switch the signals from conventional current sensing elements through a controlled scaling network before joining the rest of the regulating circuit. This results in ability to produce a high efficiency, well-regulated, fast rise and fall, rectangular average peak value waveform, electric current pulse to power a single or combination of LEDs to a high output level, effecting a transition between a constant lighting level and a higher output, pulsed duration lighting level for photographic and motion image capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Light & Motion Industries
    Inventors: David William Tolan, Brooks Pattrick Lame, Alejandro Cota, Daniel T. Emerson
  • Patent number: 10785353
    Abstract: A mobile phone camera extension-and-retraction device (100) and a mobile phone, wherein, the mobile phone camera extension-and-retraction device (100) comprises a driving unit (1), a reversing gear mechanism (2), a connecting drive mechanism (3), a control module and a shell (4), the driving unit (1) is controlled to rotate forwardly or reversely by the control module, thereby driving the first planetary pinion (22) or the second planetary pinion (23) of the reversing gear mechanism (2) to mesh with the second drive gear (31) of the connecting drive mechanism (3), and driving the rack member (32) for straightly reciprocating movement, such that the mobile phone camera fixedly connected to the rack member (32) extends or retracts automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN ZHAOWEI MACHINERY & ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ping Li, Fenyong Nan, Dong Xin
  • Patent number: 10761260
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display device which allows reducing luminance unevenness around a non-display region even in a case where the non-display region is provided in a given position. A liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal panel; a front polarizer and a back polarizer each having a polarizer opening; and a backlight unit having a unit opening. The backlight unit includes: a light guide plate; a light source provided on an end surface of the light guide plate; and edge parts respectively surrounding (i) an outer periphery of the backlight unit and (ii) the unit opening. A reflection member is provided on a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the edge part surrounding the unit opening which portion is on a side opposite to the light source, the reflection member reflecting scattered light which has been scattered by the edge part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuhisa Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10575424
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to hermetic electrical connectors used in hard disk drives. The hermetic electrical connector includes a barrier structure having a first plurality of connecting pads disposed on a first surface of the barrier structure and a second plurality of connecting pads disposed on a second surface of the barrier structure opposite the first surface. A plurality of conductors is disposed within the barrier structure, and each conductor is coupled to a connecting pad of the first plurality of connecting pads and a corresponding connecting pad of the second plurality of connecting pads. The barrier structure further includes a dielectric material between the first and second surfaces, and one or more layers embedded in the dielectric material. The addition of the layers helps choke the helium gas flow, thus improving sealing of the electrical connector while maintaining high-speed electrical transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yuta Onobu, Takako Hayakawa, Kimihiko Sudo, Seong-Hun Choe, Takehito Nagata, Yuji Soga, Nobumasa Nishiyama, Kazuhiro Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 10437201
    Abstract: An actuator system designed to avoid load position hunting. The system may eliminate a voltage drop of resistance of connecting wires between a load (e.g., a motor) and a power source, by removing current flow through the wires. A command source may provide a command voltage for controlling the load relative to a ground at the power source. However, the voltage may be different relative to a ground at the load. A switch may break a connection between the power source and the load, thus removing the potential difference between the grounds. After the command voltage is entered at the load, the switch may remove the break of the connection between the power source and the load. During the break, a power storage module, such as a capacitor, may provide a current flow to the load. The power storage module may be replenished with current when the break is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Ondrej Ficner
  • Patent number: 9966568
    Abstract: Provided is an organic light emitting display apparatus. The organic light emitting display apparatus includes: a substrate; a display unit disposed on the substrate; an encapsulation layer covering the display unit; an integrated circuit device disposed on an outer portion of the display unit on the substrate; and a transparent protection unit (window) disposed on the encapsulation layer and separated from the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Yong Jeong, Mu-Gyeom Kim
  • Patent number: 9869922
    Abstract: An optical lens system for photographing an object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an object image forming member for forming an image of the object, a light source for providing light to the object, optical lenses, an aperture stop area, and a switching aperture disposed in the aperture stop area. The switching aperture includes a base plate having, in the center thereof, an opening for an image to be taken, a blade having, in the center thereof, a pin hole for an image to be magnified such that a magnified image corresponding to the object is formed, and a variable connection member bent or straightened according to power supply to induce light incident from the object to form a photographed image via the opening for an image to be taken or form a magnified image via the pin hole for an image to be magnified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Sunggoo Cho
  • Patent number: 9625788
    Abstract: A flash illumination device for use with an electronic apparatus is provided and includes a connection unit and at least one organic light-emitting diode unit. The electronic apparatus includes a video shooting component or a display screen. The connection unit electrically connects with the electronic apparatus. The organic light-emitting diode unit is coated on a lateral surface of the connection unit and electrically connected to the electronic apparatus through the connection unit. The organic light-emitting diode unit starts under the control of the electronic apparatus and emits instantaneous light or persistent light, which is conductive to low power consumption and characterized by surface emission, while the video shooting component is capturing an image, so as to provide supplemental lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Chau-Lun Chang
  • Patent number: 9578188
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for photo and/or video platform, and more particularly to systems and methods for a photo and/or video enterprise platform. In an embodiment, a network connected system comprises a touch screen computing device coupled to an image capture apparatus, a ring flash and a local storage. The computing device receives information from a content management system, provides a user interface at the touch screen display to display information and receive input from users, controls the image capture apparatus and the ring flash to capture image of the users, stores the capture image content captured by the image capture apparatus in the local storage, and uploads the capture image content to the content management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: FOXTALES STORYBOOTH LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Kircher, Joshua P. Hubberman
  • Patent number: 9413968
    Abstract: A camera apparatus and a wireless communication terminal including the camera apparatus are described. The camera apparatus includes: a camera main body; and a viewfinder unit including an elastic member. The elastic member is retracted when the viewfinder unit is retracted into the camera main body and is extended when the viewfinder unit is extended outward in an extending direction from the camera main body. The viewfinder unit includes: an object lens; an ocular movable in a direction different from the extending direction of the viewfinder unit; and a mirror that reflects a first optical signal that passes through the object lens toward the ocular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Shirono
  • Patent number: 9237275
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relates to cameras and flash photography, and to modulating intensity of light over time and space to subjects in an associated composition. As the composition of a photograph is created, subjects in the composition are metered and flash illumination is determined. A mask is created from an array of filters. The mask is a pattern of opacity of the filters, with the pattern modulating output of the flash. The mask pattern is applied to an associated flash head so that an exposure of the composition is made with the masked flash. Exposure of the subjects in the composition is balanced through a selective illumination of the subjects by the varied intensity created through the mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony C. Spielberg
  • Patent number: 8923012
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a modular visualization display panel. The modular visualization display panel includes a first module having at least one surface and a connection to electrical ground. The modular visualization display panel also includes a second module having at least one surface with a plurality of raised contact nodes arranged on the one surface of the second module such that when in contact with the one surface of the first module electrostatic discharge energy is directed over at least one of the raised contact nodes to the one surface of the first module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Kaufman, Keith O. Satula
  • Patent number: 8913886
    Abstract: A photographic device includes a base, a camera lens module, a circuit component and multiple light-emitting components. The base has an installation surface. The camera lens module is movably installed on the installation surface of the base. The circuit component is installed on the installation surface of the base. The light-emitting components are electronically disposed on the circuit component. At least two of the light emitting components have different optical axis directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Vivotek, Inc.
    Inventor: Shang-Yu Huang
  • Publication number: 20140347555
    Abstract: A small light-emitting device is provided. A light-emitting device which is less likely to produce a shadow is provided. A structure including a switching circuit for supplying a pulsed constant current and a light-emitting panel supplied with the pulsed constant current has been conceived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Hirakata, Nobuharu OHSAWA, Hisao IKEDA, Kazuhiko FUJITA, Akihiro KAITA
  • Patent number: 8891954
    Abstract: A device for detachably coupling with a camera. The device includes a mount configured to detachably couple with a hot shoe of the camera. The mount includes a resilient retaining feature protruding from a bottom surface of the mount and configured to physically contact a bottom surface of the hot shoe such that the mount is pushed upwards within the hot shoe to securely retain the mount within the hot shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: ExpoImaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Baker, Erik Sowder
  • Patent number: 8855480
    Abstract: A camera module comprises an housing and at least two metal plating layers. The housing comprises a base and two platforms. The base includes a bottom surface, a top surface and an outer wall surface. A receiving hole configured to receive a lens device may be formed in the base, the receiving hole may pass through the base in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface. The two platforms may be positioned above the top surface of the base and may have different heights. The metal plating layers extends on the outer wall surface of the base. A first end portion of each of the two metal plating layers extends to the top surface of the corresponding platform and the other end portion of the each metal plating layer extends to the bottom surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Xiao Jun Song
  • Publication number: 20140219646
    Abstract: An electronic device may contain a camera, a camera flash, and a display in a housing. The camera flash or the display may provide illumination while capturing images with camera. The camera flash may be formed from light guiding structures that receive camera flash light from a light source. The camera flash may be located under a speaker port mesh. A speaker port may contain a camera and a camera flash. Light guiding structures may have a ring shape with an opening. A speaker port, camera, or button may be located within the opening. A button may have an opaque portion in which a transparent light guiding structure for a camera flash is embedded. Camera flash structures may produce camera flash light to capture images and can serve as a status indicator to indicate when a message is received or other state change is detected during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Lee E. Hooton, Kelvin Kwong
  • Patent number: 8733956
    Abstract: Example cameras having illumination assemblies are disclosed. A disclosed camera includes an illumination holder disposed on a main body of the camera; a flash mounted on the illumination holder; an auxiliary light source mounted on the illumination holder adjacent to the flash; and a light transmission cover formed of a light transmitting material coupled to the illumination holder to cover the flash and the auxiliary light source, the illumination holder including a transfer light blocking hole at a location corresponding to a position between the flash and the auxiliary light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-wook Kim
  • Patent number: 8687954
    Abstract: A flash lens and a flash module employing the same. The flash lens includes a lens unit including an incident surface, a reflecting surface, and a light-emitting surface; and a lens seating portion disposed at a lower portion of an edge of the light-emitting surface, extending and protruding from the reflecting surface, and including a pattern formed in a lower surface thereof. In addition, the flash module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the flash lens and a light emitting diode (LED) chip integrally formed with the flash lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-sung You, Cheon-ho Park, Sung-kyong Oh, Kwan-young Oh
  • Publication number: 20140079381
    Abstract: A light focusing device for detachably coupling to a camera with a built-in flash. The device comprises a mount for detachably coupling to the camera; a housing coupled with the mount, the housing configured to enclose the built-in flash when the built-in flash is an enabled position; and a lens coupled with the housing such that light generated by the built-in flash is focused by the lens such that intensity of the light is increased farther away than what the built-in flash is able to do on its own.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Expolmaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. BAKER, Erik SOWDER
  • Publication number: 20140079382
    Abstract: A light focusing device for detachably coupling to a camera with a built-in flash. The device comprises a mount for detachably coupling to the camera; a housing coupled with the mount, the housing configured to enclose the built-in flash when the built-hi flash is an enabled position and comprising an alignment verification window; and a lens coupled with the housing such that light generated by the built-in flash is focused by the lens such that intensity of the light is increased farther away than what the built-in flash is able to do on its own. One or more spacers are included to adjust the height of the housing with respect to the flash for proper alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ExpoImaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Baker, Erik Sowder
  • Publication number: 20140044427
    Abstract: A photographic device includes a base, a camera lens module, a circuit component and multiple light-emitting components. The base has an installation surface. The camera lens module is movably installed on the installation surface of the base. The circuit component is installed on the installation surface of the base. The light-emitting components are electronically disposed on the circuit component. At least two of the light emitting components have different optical axis directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: VIVOTEK INC.
    Inventor: Shang-Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 8648956
    Abstract: An image capture device and a dustproofing method thereof. The image capture device comprises a switch module, optical-component adaptor module, optical-component adaptor detecting module, mask module, power detecting module and controlling module. The switch module switches the image capture device on or off and produces an on signal or off signal correspondingly. The optical-component adaptor detecting module detects whether a removable optical-component is connected with the optical-component adaptor module and produces a detecting signal. The power detecting module measures the residual power in the image capture device and produces a residual power signal. The controlling module, according to the on signal, off signal, detecting signal and the residual power signal controls the mask module to shield or un-shield the photosensor. Therefore, when the image capture device is powered off or during replacement of removable optical-components, the mask module shields the photosensor to render it dustproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Chao-Yi Lin, Ding-Shang Hsu
  • Patent number: 8447180
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, a display unit configured to display an image acquired from the image sensor, and a control unit configured to perform a live view display of an image of an object on the display unit for a user to observe the object and to perform photographing after a self-timer setting time elapses from when a photographing start operation is performed, wherein the control unit compares, when performing the live view display, time required for charging a flash and the self-timer setting time, and if the self-timer setting time is longer than the time required for charging the flash, the control unit does not cause a charging operation of the flash to be performed before starting to count the self-timer setting time and causes the charging operation of the flash to be performed after starting to count the self-timer setting time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Watazawa
  • Publication number: 20130121677
    Abstract: A flash structure for the camera function of a handheld electronic device having at least a camera module as well as an image sensor and a camera lens contained in the camera module, comprising an outer cover, an annular reflector, at least a light diffuser, and one or a plurality of fixed light-emitting elements which are light emitting diodes or electronic flashes to provide continuous or intermittent supplemental light source. The center of the annular reflector passes through the camera lens and is formed on the motherboard of the handheld electronic device, and is arranged with a through-slot. The one or the plurality of light-emitting elements are embedded in the through-slot of the annular reflector, arranged around the camera lens, and electrically connected to the motherboard. The light diffuser is disposed outside the annular reflector, outside the light-emitting element and positioned around the camera lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Yang-Shan Yeh, Chi-Wei Tao
  • Patent number: 8406618
    Abstract: A camera according to the present invention includes a camera body where an image pickup mechanism is mounted, and a strobe unit is provided in the camera body. A wiring board to which a lead wire to be electrically connected to the strobe unit is connected, and a capacitor connected to the wiring board to feed power to the strobe unit are incorporated in the camera body. The wiring board and the capacitor are provided in a vertically movable manner in the camera body, and a cantilever portion for biasing the wiring board and the capacitor downward, and a lower projection portion for receiving movement of the wiring board and the capacitor due to a biasing force of the cantilever portion are provided in the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizo Kobayashi, Tomochika Teranaka
  • Patent number: 8391703
    Abstract: A lens unit is detachably connected via a communication interface with a camera body having a strobe and constituting a camera device. The lens unit is configured to include an optical system including a lens; an imaging unit including an image sensor which photo-electrically converts light from a subject having transmitted through the lens; an image processor which generates image data from an output of the imaging unit; and a strobe controller which controls a flash operation of the strobe provided in the camera body in accordance with a release signal from the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Shitomi
  • Patent number: 8364032
    Abstract: A portable device has a rear facing camera assembly and a front facing display assembly that includes at least a protective cover layer, a display stack that includes a plurality of display components arranged in a plurality of interconnected layers, the display stack providing an imaging service, and a flat support chassis arranged to provide support for the display stack. In the described embodiment, a protective cover can wrap around and protect at least the rear portion of the portable device without adversely affecting an image capture process carried out by the rear facing camera assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chong Yip Chow, Hongqin Zhang, Shizhe Shen, Michael DiVincent
  • Patent number: 8314880
    Abstract: An image-capturing system includes: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a subject; and an illumination device that illuminates the subject. The image-capturing device includes a control unit that calculates a light quantity needed to illuminate the subject based upon at least, either an exposure time or an aperture value and image-capturing sensitivity. The illumination device includes a current-controlled light emission unit that emits light used to illuminate the subject and a light emission control unit that controls the light emission unit so as to emit light in the light quantity calculated by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Matsui
  • Patent number: 8306412
    Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and camera apparatus upon which can be executed an improved method enable a modular camera to be used in conjunction with a flash. In one implementation, compensation parameters that are intended for use in a non-flash situation are overwritten with compensation parameters that are configured to compensate for the combined effects of the camera and the flash and are used by an embedded compensation routine executed on the camera. In another implementation, an image signal is processed by the embedded compensation routine using the original compensation parameters, but if it is determined that the image signal is a flash image signal, the image signal is further processed by the embedded compensation routine employing an additional set of parameters which compensate the image signal for the effect of the flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Marc Drader, Michael Purdy, Ken Wu
  • Patent number: 8301024
    Abstract: A camera flash comprises a light guide arranged to extract light at least through one surface; and one or more light sources arranged, in use, to emit light into the lightguide. Each light source is an LED or a laser diode. The camera flash is connectable, in use, to drive circuitry, the drive circuitry being for driving the light source(s) to emit a pulse of light. The waveguide spreads out the light from the light source(s), so that a flash of light from the camera flash does not present a safety risk, while minimizing loss of the light from the light source(s). The camera flash can thus provide a high overall optical output, spread over an extended area (as defined by the waveguide). The lightguide may for example be disposed around a camera module of a mobile telephone camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jonathan Mather, Andrew Kay, David James Montgomery, James Rowland Suckling, Emma Jayne Walton, Yasunori Kanazawa, Yukio Watanabe, Hirofumi Oda, Taro Sugita
  • Patent number: 8294380
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a flash controller for a camera is configured with a plurality of flash control channels that each control a value of a current through a light source. The value and timing of the current is controlled responsively to control words received by the plurality of flash control channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Bairanzade
  • Publication number: 20120251090
    Abstract: A camera including a main body, a lens and a flashlight module is provided. The main body has an image capturing unit. The lens is disposed on the main body at a position corresponding to the image capturing unit for guiding lights to the image capturing unit. The flashlight module includes a first light source and second light sources. The first light source is disposed on the main body and has a first emitting area. The second light sources are disposed on the main body and surround the first light source. Each second light source has a second emitting area. The second emitting areas surround the first emitting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Pin Lu, Yi-Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20120229700
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a circuit board, and a camera module. The camera module includes a camera unit, a flash device, and a protective cover. The camera unit records and stores images, and the protective cover protects the camera unit and the flash device. The protective cover includes an opening, a light hole, and a separation portion located between the opening and the light hole. The light from the flash device is diffused and passes through the light hole. The camera unit and the flash device are separated by the separation portion to prevent the light of the flash device from entering camera unit through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: MING-CHUN HSIUNG
  • Patent number: 8249442
    Abstract: A flash unit includes a flash device operable to emit flash, a storage member operable to store the flash device, a cover with which the storage member is covered from above, and to which the flash device is attached, a first link member that is turnably connected to the storage member at one end and turnably connected to the cover at another end, and a retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yasuda, Tetsuya Mori
  • Patent number: 8203625
    Abstract: An image capture device according to the present invention includes: an optical system for producing a subject's image; an imager with multiple photodiodes, which reads an electrical signal representing the intensity of light that has been incident on each photodiode from the photodiode, thereby generating an image signal representing the subject's image; a controller, which acquires sensitivity information by photometry in order to adjust the sensitivity of the imager to light and which selects one of multiple methods for reading the electrical signal from each photodiode according to the sensitivity information acquired; and a driver for driving the imager by the reading method selected. The multiple reading methods include a mixing reading method, by which the electrical signals supplied from the photodiodes are added together and then output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Furuya, Eiji Anno, Yuichi Suzuki, Tomoaki Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20120148225
    Abstract: A portable device has a rear facing camera assembly and a front facing display assembly that includes at least a protective cover layer, a display stack that includes a plurality of display components arranged in a plurality of interconnected layers, the display stack providing an imaging service, and a flat support chassis arranged to provide support for the display stack. In the described embodiment, a protective cover can wrap around and protect at least the rear portion of the portable device without adversely affecting an image capture process carried out by the rear facing camera assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chong Yip Chow, Hongqin Zhang, Shizhe Shen, Michael DiVincent
  • Patent number: 8184900
    Abstract: A technique for detecting large and small non-red eye flash defects in an image is disclosed. The method comprises selecting pixels of the image which have a luminance above a threshold value and labeling neighboring selected pixels as luminous regions. A number of geometrical filters are applied to the luminous regions to remove false candidate luminous regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Mihai Ciuc, Florin Nanu, Stefan Petrescu, Adrian Capata, Constantin Vertan, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi, Eran Steinberg
  • Publication number: 20120114323
    Abstract: A flash lens and a flash module employing the same. The flash lens includes a lens unit including an incident surface, a reflecting surface, and a light-emitting surface; and a lens seating portion disposed at a lower portion of an edge of the light-emitting surface, extending and protruding from the reflecting surface, and including a pattern formed in a lower surface thereof. In addition, the flash module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the flash lens and a light emitting diode (LED) chip integrally formed with the flash lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Jae-sung YOU, Cheon-ho Park, Sung-Kyong Oh, Kwan-young Oh