Plural Camera Arrangement Patents (Class 396/325)
  • Patent number: 11343425
    Abstract: A control apparatus 220 controls the in-focus positions of a plurality of image capturing apparatuses that perform image capturing from a plurality of directions in order to generate a virtual-viewpoint image. Specifically, the control apparatus 220 obtains an image capture parameter related to image capturing by one or more image capturing apparatuses included in an image capturing apparatus group 100. The control apparatus 220 controls on the basis of the obtained image capture parameter, the in-focus position of a target image capturing apparatus corresponding to the image capture parameter such that the distance from the target image capturing apparatus to the in-focus position of the target image capturing apparatus is shorter than the distance from the target image capturing apparatus to a point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichiro Uno
  • Patent number: 11240479
    Abstract: A stereoscopic video playback device is provided that processes original stereoscopic image pairs taken using parallel-axis cameras and provided for viewing under original viewing conditions by scaling and cropping to provide new viewing condition stereoscopic video on a single screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas Routhier
  • Patent number: 11039120
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a plurality of imaging bodies and an imaging control unit. Each of the imaging bodies includes a first optical element capable of imaging a range including a hemisphere that is centered at an optical axis and oriented in a first direction of the optical axis, and a second optical element capable of imaging a range including a hemisphere that is centered at the optical axis and oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The imaging bodies are arrayed in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The imaging control unit causes the plurality of imaging bodies to perform imaging in a synchronous manner, and acquires a captured image from each of the imaging bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichiro Yokota, Hirokazu Takenaka, Tamon Sadasue
  • Patent number: 10955738
    Abstract: A holographic photographing system, a holographic display system, a stereoscopic photographing system and a display method are provided. M photographing devices are distributed on a same circumference at equal intervals, and an included angle between two adjacent photographing devices to a center of circle is 360/m. At a top end of a vertical portion of an L-shaped frame, each of the photographing devices is at equal intervals provided with: an intermediate photographing mechanism, a left photographing mechanism and a right photographing mechanism, a left driving servo motor and a right driving servo motor, a guide post and a vertical driving servo motor, and a driving lead screw connected to a driving shaft. The support plate moves up and down along the guide post to drive the left driving mechanism and the right driving mechanism to move up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: TIANJIN CRDT FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM LTD.
    Inventor: Tianyi Xing
  • Patent number: 10940381
    Abstract: A golf swing training system includes light source(s) configured to emit light beam(s), one or more sensors configured to sense the emitted light beam(s) from the light source(s), one or more feedback indicators configured to indicate the path of the golf club and/or an angle of a club face of the golf club, and a control circuit in communication with the one or more feedback indicators and the one or more sensors. The control circuit is configured to receive one or more signals from at least one of the sensors, and in response to receiving the one or more signals, turn on at least one of the feedback indicators to output the audible sound or light to indicate the path of the golf club and/or the angle of the club face of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Timothy John Huether
  • Patent number: 10915009
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a compound-eye camera module and an electronic device in which a plurality of monocular camera modules can be fixed together by a connecting member more effectively. In the compound-eye camera module, a camera-side positioning portion for positioning formed on a camera-side reference surface of each of the monocular camera modules and a member-side positioning portion for positioning formed on a member-side reference surface of the connecting member are fitted together, to connect the plurality of monocular camera modules together, whereby the plurality of monocular camera modules can be fixed together by the connecting member more effectively. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a compound-eye camera module in which a plurality of CMOS image sensors is connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Tokunaga, Seiya Tsuzaki, Yuuji Kishigami
  • Patent number: 10917623
    Abstract: A stereoscopic video playback device is provided that processes original stereoscopic image pairs taken using parallel-axis cameras and provided for viewing under original viewing conditions by scaling and cropping to provide new viewing condition stereoscopic video on a single screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: INNOVATIONS MINDTRICK INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas Routhier
  • Patent number: 10824876
    Abstract: In an object, for example, a pilotless flying object detection system, an omnidirectional camera as a first camera images a monitoring area. A microphone array acquires audio of the monitoring area. A monitoring apparatus uses the audio data acquired by the microphone array to detect a pilotless flying object which appears in the monitoring area. A signal processor in the monitoring apparatus superimposes a discrimination mark, obtained by converting the pilotless flying object into visual information, on image data of the monitoring area when displaying the image data of the monitoring area captured by the omnidirectional camera on a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsumoto, Shintaro Yoshikuni
  • Patent number: 10602122
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a monocular stereoscopic camera for capturing a stereoscopic image of an object, and the monocular stereoscopic camera according to the present invention has: a first imaging lens assembly; a half mirror for reflecting a portion of light rays which have passed through the first imaging lens assembly while allowing the remaining light rays to pass through; a first camera including a third imaging lens assembly for imaging the light rays which have been reflected by the half mirror; a second camera including a third imaging lens assembly for imaging the light rays which have passed through the half mirror; and a second imaging lens assembly arranged on an optical axis between the first imaging lens assembly and the half mirror or on an optical axis between the half mirror and the third imaging lens assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: YEON SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Do-Yeon Pyo
  • Patent number: 10533853
    Abstract: A method of using a photogrammetry system to produce a three-dimensional image representation includes placing an object in the photogrammetry system, illuminating only a plurality of polarized lights, capturing a polarized image capture set of the object using a plurality of cameras while only the plurality of polarized lights are illuminated, and sending the polarized image capture set to the at least one computer processor. The method further comprises illuminating only a plurality of non-polarized lights, capturing a non-polarized image capture set of the object from the plurality of cameras while only the non-polarized lights are illuminated, and sending the non-polarized image capture set to the at least one computer processor. The method still further comprises using the at least one computer processor to generate a three-dimensional image representation of the object includes comparing the polarized image capture set and the non-polarized image capture set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Matthew Hart, Kirby Brian Johnson
  • Patent number: 10404899
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a camera module for obtaining a first image, the camera module having at least one port, each of the at least one ports being associated with an attachment position for receiving a second camera module for obtaining a second image; a processor for detecting a position of a second camera module and providing, to an image processing controller, information relating to at least one of the position of the second camera module and the first image obtained by the camera module; and a memory for storing the information relating to at least one of the position of the second camera module and the first image obtained by the camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Enrico Henrik Rantala, Esa Tuomaala, Mika Kasslin, Janne Marin, Olli Alanen, Muninder Veldandi, Mark Wagner, Fred Simon
  • Patent number: 10341635
    Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging method includes: acquiring a convergence disparity value, which corresponds to a screen position at which a viewer is looking, from an original disparity map corresponding to first and second images that correspond to different viewing angles; generating a disparity transformation model based on the convergence disparity value and viewer-related information; transforming the original disparity map into a transformed disparity map based on the disparity transformation model; and synthesizing the first and second images into a stereoscopic image based on the transformed disparity map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Tian-Sheuan Chang, Yi-Chun Chen, Jen-Hui Chuang
  • Patent number: 10027948
    Abstract: Camera related methods and apparatus which are well suited for use in capturing stereoscopic image data, e.g., pairs of left and right eye images, are described. Various features relate to a camera rig which can be used to mount multiple cameras at the same time. In some embodiments the camera rig includes 3 mounting locations corresponding to 3 different directions 120 degrees apart. One or more of the mounting locations may be used at a given time. When a single camera pair is used the rig can be rotated to capture images corresponding to the locations where a camera pair is not mounted. Static images from those locations can then be combined with images corresponding to the forward direction to generate a 360 degree view. Alternatively camera pairs or individual cameras can be included in each of the mounting locations to capture video in multiple directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: NextVR Inc.
    Inventors: David Cole, Alan McKay Moss
  • Patent number: 9928595
    Abstract: A system includes cameras; a rotating stage, which has an axis of rotation; one or more computer-readable media; and one or more processors that are coupled to the one or more computer-readable media, the rotating state, and the cameras. Also, the one or more processors are configured to cause the system to control the cameras to capture respective images of a calibration target in a first pose, wherein the calibration target is mounted on the rotating stage; control the rotating stage to rotate through a predetermined angular increment to a second pose; control the cameras to capture respective images of the calibration target in the second pose; and calculate a transformation between two of the cameras based on the respective images of the calibration target in the first pose, on the respective images of the calibration target in the second pose, and on the predetermined angular increment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Manuel Martinello, Mahdi Nezamabadi, Evan Levine
  • Patent number: 9894345
    Abstract: A stereoscopic 3D camera system includes a first camera, which has a first optical axis, and a second camera, which has a second optical axis; a beam splitter; and a mirror. The camera system is arranged to be re-configurable between a first configuration, in which the first optical axis is incident on the beam splitter, and a second configuration, in which the first optical axis is incident on the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Jacob Ezra
  • Patent number: 9323062
    Abstract: A split unit capable of providing a stereoscopic image having less laterality is provided. The split unit includes: a beam splitter which transmits first imaging light as a part of light incident on an incident surface of the beam splitter, and reflects second imaging light as another part of the light incident on the incident surface; and a reflecting member which reflects the second imaging light reflected by the beam splitter. At least one of a reflectance of the reflecting member and a beam splitting characteristic of the beam splitter is set based on the following formulae: T=d/(1+d) R=1?T where T (0?T?1) is a transmittance of the beam splitter, R (0?R?1) is a reflectance of the beam splitter, and d (0?d?1) is a reflectance of the reflecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Nagaishi, Hiroaki Shimazaki, Kenjiro Tsuda, Takashi Masuno, Osamu Kajino
  • Patent number: 9058521
    Abstract: A simultaneous localization and map building method of a mobile robot including an omni-directional camera. The method includes acquiring an omni-directional image from the omni-directional camera, dividing the obtained omni-directional image into upper and lower images according to a preset reference to generate a first image, which is the lower image, and a second image, which is the upper image, extracting feature points from the first image and calculating visual odometry information calculating visual odometry information to track locations of the extracted feature points based on a location of the omni-directional camera, and performing localization and map building of the mobile robot using the calculated visual odometry information and the second image as an input of an extended Kalman filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Suk June Yoon, Kyung Shik Roh, Seung Yong Hyung, Hyo Seok Hwang, Sung Hwan Ahn
  • Patent number: 9024996
    Abstract: A pan-tilt mechanism for a video conferencing camera may be provided. The pan-tilt mechanism may comprise a base, a bracket, a tilt motor, and a pan motor. The tilt motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to tilt along a horizontal axis. The pan motor may be fixed to the base and may be configured to cause the bracket to pan about a vertical axis without affecting the tilt of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Håvard Hoelsæter
  • Patent number: 8965195
    Abstract: To enable satisfactory simultaneous and widely varied pictures to be obtained, for example, by allowing a common user to obtain an overall picture while the common user performing desired image capturing, or the like. A first image capturing device image-captures a subject to record this image, and also transmits a trigger signal to a second image capturing device. The second image capturing device image-captures an image to record this image in accordance with the trigger signal. Thus, the first and second image capturing devices enable both of an overall image and a zoomed image to be obtained with simultaneous timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Kashiwa, Kazuyuki Marukawa, Yukihiro Ohzeki
  • Patent number: 8879899
    Abstract: A stereoscopic beam splitter having cameras with submersible lenses, such that the entire apparatus is filled with water when submerged. Submersible lenses designed to capture high-quality images underwater are utilized, allowing an underwater three-dimensional stereoscopic camera apparatuses to forgo a sealed housing with window port traditionally found in underwater stereoscopic beam splitter systems. The lack of a sealed housing and window port allows for drastically improved underwater image capturing performance and greater pressure caused by deeper water, in addition to making said apparatuses lighter and more compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Pawel Achtel
  • Patent number: 8817160
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same are provided. The mobile terminal detects an object in which a ghost may appear through a preview image of an image acquired using a dual camera. The mobile terminal may display an indicator for identifying the detected object. Accordingly, a higher quality high dynamic range (HDR) image can be more efficiently acquired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Choonggun Lee, Seobkeun Lee, Jongseok Park
  • Patent number: 8787748
    Abstract: To enable satisfactory simultaneous and widely varied pictures to be obtained, for example, by allowing a common user to obtain an overall picture while the common user performing desired image capturing, or the like. A first image capturing device image-captures a subject to record this image, and also transmits a trigger signal to a second image capturing device. The second image capturing device image-captures an image to record this image in accordance with the trigger signal. Thus, the first and second image capturing devices enable both of an overall image and a zoomed image to be obtained with simultaneous timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Kashiwa, Kazuyuki Marukawa, Yukihiro Ohzeki
  • Publication number: 20140193144
    Abstract: A camera rig system is provided for 3D stereo photography. The system includes a first camera mount configured to removably hold a first camera module having a first optical axis being oriented horizontally. The system also includes a second camera mount configured to removably hold a second camera module having a second optical axis being oriented vertically and orthogonal to the first optical axis. The system further includes a mirror assembly configured to receive an incoming light and transmit a first portion of the incoming light to the first camera module and reflect a second portion of the incoming light to the second camera module. The mirror assembly has a first rotational axis, and the mirror assembly independently controls a rotational movement around the rotating axis and a linear movement along at least one of the first optical axis and the second optical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Leonard Coster
  • Patent number: 8754928
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus with photographing function is disclosed. The electronic apparatus comprises a central processing unit, a first lens module, and a second lens module. The first lens module and the second lens module are electronically connected to the central processing unit. The first lens module may obtain a first image of a target, and the second lens module may obtain a second image of the target. There is a viewing angle difference between the first image and the second image. The central processing unit may be activated for processing the first image and the second image to form a 3D image by adjusting the second lens module to an acting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chin Wu, Yao-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 8743179
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact type 3D image photographing apparatus which adjusts a convergence angle with respect to a subject using two lenses in order to photograph a stereoscopic image. The compact type image photographing apparatus includes a housing; a first actuator having a first lens and disposed in the housing so as to be moved left and right; a second actuator having a second lens, disposed in the housing so as to be moved left and right, and disposed to be spaced apart from the first actuator; a left/right driving part which is disposed at each of the first and second actuators so as to move the first actuator or the second actuator left and right when power is applied; an image sensor which is disposed at each lower side of the first and second actuators so as to photograph a subject through the first and second lenses; and a control part which is disposed at a lower side of the image sensor so as to control power supplied to the left/right driving part, the first actuator and the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hysonic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Wook Ryu, He-Won Jung, Jae-Kyu Shim, Hye-Kyoung Ji
  • Patent number: 8718463
    Abstract: An adapter for controlling a first camera and a second camera, which exhibit differing operating characteristics, in a three-dimension (3D) camera imaging system. The adapter provides a camera control signal to the first camera to control operation of the first camera. The adapter converts the camera control signal to a second camera control signal utilizing information from the first and the second cameras indicative of imaging states of the cameras, and provides the second camera control signal to the second camera to control operation of the second camera. The conversion compensates for the differing operating characteristics of the first and second cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Kamiya, Seiji Sato, Tomoyasu Katsuyama
  • Patent number: 8666241
    Abstract: A stereographic camera system and method of operating a stereographic camera system are disclosed. The stereographic camera system may include a left camera and a right camera including respective lenses having a focal length and a focus distance, an interocular distance mechanism to set an intraocular distance between the left and right cameras, and a controller. The controller may receive inputs indicating the focal length and the focus distance of the lenses. The controller may control the intraocular distance mechanism, based on the focal length and focus distance of the lenses and one or both of a distance to a nearest foreground object and a distance to a furthest background object, to automatically set the interocular distance such that a maximum disparity of a stereographic image captured by the left and right cameras does not exceed a predetermined maximum disparity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: James Cameron, Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell, Ronnie Allum
  • Patent number: 8644701
    Abstract: “A camera platform for three dimensional photography comprises a first support wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a fastening end, and a second support wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a fastening end. The first and second support walls are connected substantially at right angles to each. The inner surface of the first support wall and the inner surface of the second support wall define a quadrant. A fixed camera connector for a first camera is formed on the outer surface of the first support wall, and an adjustable camera connector for a second camera is formed on the outer surface of the second support wall. A beam splitter support frame outside the quadrant between the outer surface of the first support wall and the outer surface of the second support wall supports a beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Truality, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Pizzo, Hector Ortega
  • Patent number: 8639109
    Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging apparatus includes: an objective optical system that forms a subject as a real or virtual image. Light beams of the subject, emitted in different paths of the objective optical system by independent optical systems, are imaged again as a parallax image, which is converted into an image signal. A control unit moves a front-side principal point of each of the imaging optical systems, so that the ratio of the length of a perpendicular line from that front-side principal point to the optical axis of the objective optical system with respect to the length of a line connecting the point at which the perpendicular line and the optical axis intersect and the focal point of the objective optical system becomes constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Sunao Aoki, Masahiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8562515
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope and a receiver. The capsule endoscope has plural image pickup units for endoscopic imaging by passing a gastrointestinal tract in a body. The receiver for wireless communication with the capsule endoscope receives and stores image data from the capsule endoscope. The receiver includes a data analyzer for retrieving position relationship data expressing a position relationship of the image pickup units to a target region in the gastrointestinal tract. A CPU of the receiver produces a command signal according to the position relationship data for determining a number of frames of imaging per unit time for respectively the plural image pickup units. The capsule endoscope includes a CPU for controlling operation of the plural image pickup units according to the command signal from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Naoyuki Nishino
  • Patent number: 8547443
    Abstract: High dynamic range imaging includes creating a high dynamic range image file for a subject image captured from a first angle. The high dynamic range image file is created by an image capturing device and is stored on the image capturing device. High dynamic range imaging also includes receiving, at the image capturing device over a communications network, a second high dynamic range image file for the subject image captured from a second angle. The second high dynamic range image file is subject to an authorization requirement. High dynamic range imaging further includes creating, by the image capturing device, a composite high dynamic range image file by combining elements of both of the high dynamic range image files, and generating, by the first image capturing device, a three-dimensional high dynamic range image from the composite high dynamic range image file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Steven Tischer
  • Patent number: 8514291
    Abstract: A digital photo frame includes a display module, a frame body and a stereo camera module. The frame body is includes a plurality of sides connected end to end. The sides are mounted around the display module. The stereo camera module includes two cameras and an image combination chip. The two cameras are configured for capturing two respective images of an object from two different viewing angles. The image combination chip is configured for combining the images captured by the two cameras to form a three-dimensional image. The two cameras are slidable along one of the sides of the frame body. The display module is capable of displaying the three-dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Tsorng Chang
  • Patent number: 8478122
    Abstract: An image taking system includes an optical path splitting element that splits beams coming from an object into transmitted beams and reflected beams and first and second lens apparatuses into which the two bundles of beams split by the optical path splitting element enter. Each of the first and second lens apparatuses has an image blur reduction unit that shifts an object image in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, a vibration detector that detects vibration of the lens apparatus, a command signal generator that generates a command signal for driving the image blur reduction unit, a driving unit that drives the image blur reduction unit, and a communication unit that sends/receives image stabilization information to/from the other lens apparatus. The command signal generator of the second lens apparatus generates a command signal based on the image stabilization information obtained from the first lens apparatus through the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaomi Kanayama
  • Patent number: 8416284
    Abstract: A stereoscopic image capturing apparatus includes a first image acquisition unit including a first image formation lens unit forming an image of an object, and a first image sensor having a plurality of capturing pixels to receive the image formed by the first formation lens unit, and a second image acquisition unit including a second image formation lens unit forming a image of the object, a first lens array unit having a plurality of lenses to receive the image formed by the second image formation lens, and a second image sensor having a plurality of capturing pixels to receive the formed image through the first lens array unit. The second image acquisition unit is disposed at a distance in a horizontal direction from the first image acquisition unit when viewed from the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Momonoi, Yuki Iwanaka
  • Patent number: 8406619
    Abstract: There is disclosed stereographic camera system including a left and a right camera including respective lenses, plural mechanisms to synchronously set a focal length of the lenses, to synchronously set a focal distance of the lenses, to set a convergence angle between the left and right cameras, and to set an intraocular distance between the left and right cameras. A distance measuring device may be used to measure the distance to an extreme object. A controller may cause an interocular distance and a convergence angle between the left and right cameras to be set based on a maximum allowable disparity, the focal length of the lenses, and a convergence distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Vincent Pace & James Cameron
    Inventors: James Cameron, Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell, Ronnie Allum
  • Patent number: 8401381
    Abstract: A platform for a stereographic camera system, a stereographic camera, and a method for operating a stereographic camera. The platform may include a base and a fixed camera mounting plate attached to the base, the fixed camera mounting plate defining a line of sight. A first linear motion mechanism mounted to the base may be configured to adjust a first distance, normal to the line of sight, between the line of sight and a first rotation axis. A second linear motion mechanism mounted to the base may be configured to adjust a second distance, normal to the line of sight, between the line of sight and a second rotation axis. A movable camera mounting plate may be rotatably coupled to the first linear motion mechanism at a first rotation axis and rotatably coupled to the second linear motion mechanism at a second rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Vincent Pace & James Cameron
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Patent number: 8391705
    Abstract: A camera system includes an optical assembly including a folded optic, the folded optic including a transparent support substrate, a first lens surface on a first surface of the transparent support substrate, and a second lens surface on the first surface of the transparent support substrate, at least one of the first and second lens surfaces including a replication material, and a sensor configured to receive light from the optical assembly that has been incident on both the first and second lens surfaces sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Digitaloptics Corporation East
    Inventors: Gal Shabtay, Pavel Reshidko, Ephraim Goldenberg, Paul Elliott
  • Patent number: 8369701
    Abstract: To enable satisfactory simultaneous and widely varied pictures to be obtained, for example, by allowing a common user to obtain an overall picture while the common user performing desired image capturing, or the like. A first image capturing device image-captures a subject to record this image, and also transmits a trigger signal to a second image capturing device. The second image capturing device image-captures an image to record this image in accordance with the trigger signal. Thus, the first and second image capturing devices enable both of an overall image and a zoomed image to be obtained with simultaneous timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Kashiwa, Kazuyuki Marukawa, Yukihiro Ohzeki
  • Publication number: 20130011128
    Abstract: “A camera platform for three dimensional photography comprises a first support wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a fastening end, and a second support wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a fastening end. The first and second support walls are connected substantially at right angles to each. The inner surface of the first support wall and the inner surface of the second support wall define a quadrant. A fixed camera connector for a first camera is formed on the outer surface of the first support wall, and an adjustable camera connector for a second camera is formed on the outer surface of the second support wall. A beam splitter support frame outside the quadrant between the outer surface of the first support wall and the outer surface of the second support wall supports a beam splitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen Pizzo, Hector Ortega
  • Publication number: 20120308221
    Abstract: A stereographic camera and a method of operating a stereographic camera are disclosed. The stereographic camera may include a left camera and a right camera having respective lenses and an interface for receiving a selection of a selected preset operating mode from a plurality of preset operating modes. A preset parameter memory may store a plurality of preset parameter sets, each of the plurality of preset parameter sets associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of preset operating modes, each of the plurality of preset parameters sets including an assumed minimum object distance and an assumed extreme object distance. An interocular distance mechanism may set an interocular distance between the left camera and the right camera based on, at least in part, the assumed minimum object distance and the assumed extreme object distance associated with the selected operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Patent number: 8319938
    Abstract: There is disclosed a stereographic camera system including a first camera and a second camera including respective first and second lenses. A zoom mechanism may synchronously set focal lengths of the first and second lenses to a selected focal length of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20120288266
    Abstract: A platform for a stereographic camera system, a stereographic camera, and a method for operating a stereographic camera. The platform may include a base and a fixed camera mounting plate attached to the base, the fixed camera mounting plate defining a line of sight. A first linear motion mechanism mounted to the base may be configured to adjust a first distance, normal to the line of sight, between the line of sight and a first rotation axis. A second linear motion mechanism mounted to the base may be configured to adjust a second distance, normal to the line of sight, between the line of sight and a second rotation axis. A movable camera mounting plate may be rotatably coupled to the first linear motion mechanism at a first rotation axis and rotatably coupled to the second linear motion mechanism at a second rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20120263448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to method for collinearly aligning focal points of multiple cameras, comprising directing a first light plane to hit a scenery in a first bright shape, and directing a second light plane to hit a scenery in a second bright shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Marco Winter
  • Publication number: 20120201528
    Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging apparatus includes: an objective optical system that forms a subject as a real or virtual image. Light beams of the subject, emitted in different paths of the objective optical system by independent optical systems, are imaged again as a parallax image, which is converted into an image signal. A control unit moves a front-side principal point of each of the imaging optical systems, so that the ratio of the length of a perpendicular line from that front-side principal point to the optical axis of the objective optical system with respect to the length of a line connecting the point at which the perpendicular line and the optical axis intersect and the focal point of the objective optical system becomes constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Sunao Aoki, Masahiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8238741
    Abstract: There is disclosed a platform for a stereographic camera system, a stereographic camera, and a method for operating a stereographic camera. The platform may include a first linear motion mechanism and a second linear motion mechanism. A camera mounting plate may be rotatably coupled to the first linear motion mechanism at a first rotation axis and rotatably coupled to the second linear motion mechanism at a second rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: James Cameron & Vincent Pace
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Patent number: 8213786
    Abstract: A method of performing fast autofocus (AF) in a digital image processing apparatus having a plurality of lenses mounted therein. By dynamically setting AF search start positions and AF search directions by using current AF position information, fast AF may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-seok Song
  • Publication number: 20120163789
    Abstract: Afforded is an optical element holder allowing high-accuracy stereo images to be taken. The holder includes: a rectangular parallelepiped beam splitter (5) having a rectangular incident surface (12); a pair of mutually opposing holding members (8) into which end portions of the beam splitter along the x-axis are fitted; and a base portion (9) and screws (10) that press on the holding members (8), drawing them toward each other. Each of the holding members (8) has a flat surface portion covering a lateral surface of the beam splitter (5), and a peripheral wall portion standing along the periphery of the flat surface potion. A width, along the x-axis, whereby the peripheral wall portion and a first light-exit surface opposing the incident surface (12) of the beam splitter (5) overlap is greater than a width, in the same orientation, whereby the incident surface (12) and the peripheral wall portion overlap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Masuno, Tatsuro Juri, Kenjiro Tsuda, Hiroaki Shimazaki, Yuji Nagaishi
  • Publication number: 20120163788
    Abstract: Stereoscopic imaging device that can take stereo images with the parallax between the left and right eyes being accurately established is afforded. The stereoscopic imaging device (11) includes: an optical branching device having an incident surface (35), a beam-splitter part (33) that splits light from the incident surface into two directions, an extension part (36), and a reflection part (38) that reflects at least a portion of the light bent by the beam splitter part (33) and bends the reflected light in the y-axis positive direction; a first camera (31) that takes left-eye images; and a second camera (32) that takes right-eye images. The respective optical axes of the optical system of the first camera (31) and of the optical system of the second camera (32) are parallel to the y-axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Masuno, Tatsuro Juri, Hiroaki Shimazaki, Kenjiro Tsuda, Yuji Nagaishi
  • Patent number: 8180214
    Abstract: A camera platform for three dimensional photography comprises a first support wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a fastening end, and a second support wall having an inner surface, an outer surface and a fastening end. The first and second support walls are connected to each other along at least a part of their respective fastening ends so as to be substantially at right angles to each other. The inner surface of the first support wall and the inner surface of the second support wall define a quadrant. A fixed camera connector is formed on the outer surface of the first support wall for connecting to a first camera, and an adjustable camera connector is formed on the outer surface of the second support wall for connecting to a second camera. A beam splitter support frame is provided for holding a beam splitter, and the beam splitter support frame is located outside the quadrant between the outer surface of the first support wall and the outer surface of the second support wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen Pizzo, Hector Ortega
  • Patent number: 8170412
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for acquiring stereoscopic images. A first camera may be mounted to a first convergence plate, the first convergence plate coupled to a first plate via a first XY slide and a first pivot displaced from the first XY slide. A distance between the first plate and a second plate may be adjusted to set an interocular distance between the first camera and a second camera. The first convergence plate may be rotated about the first pivot to set, at least in part, an angle of convergence between the first camera and the second camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: James Cameron, Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell