Simultaneous Recording Of Single Subject Patents (Class 396/333)
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Patent number: 10771706Abstract: An electronic device includes a camera, a memory storing first unit information and second unit information to be used to move a lens driving part, and a processor. The first unit information is configured such that the camera causes a first focus sharpness variation and the second unit information is configured such that the camera causes a second focus sharpness variation. The processor is configured to receive a signal for adjusting a focus associated with an external object by using the camera, to verify a state of the electronic device associated with the reception of the signal, to select corresponding unit information among the first unit information and the second unit information, based at least partly on the state, and to move the lens driving part depending on the corresponding unit information to adjust the focus associated with the external object.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seung Han Lee, Jong Hoon Won, Pyo Jae Kim, Young Kwon Yoon, Jong Hyeok Chun
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Patent number: 10547828Abstract: Dense field imagers are disclosed which are configured to provide fused and/or stitched light field data for a scene. A dense field imager can include a plurality of imaging elements configured to be joined into image blocks or facets that each provides light field data about a scene. The dense field imager can include a plurality of facets in a fixed or modular fashion such that the dense field imager is configured to fuse and/or stitch light field data from the plurality of facets. The facets can be mounted such that one or more facets are non-coplanar with other facets. The facets can be configured to provide light field data with overlapping fields of view. Accordingly, the dense field imager can provide dense field data over a field of view covered by the plurality of facets.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: RED.COM, LLCInventor: James H. Jannard
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Patent number: 10095085Abstract: A mobile terminal includes: a terminal body; and a camera module provided at one side of the terminal body, wherein the camera module includes: a first lens assembly; a second lens assembly provided below the first lens assembly; a diaphragm disposed between the first and second lens assemblies, and having its aperture changed; and an actuator disposed close to the first lens assembly, and configured to reciprocate the first lens assembly, wherein the diaphragm includes: a first blade having a through hole therein; a second blade having a through hole therein, and configured to change an aperture of the diaphragm by a relative motion with respect to the first blade; a link member coupled to end parts of the first and second blades, and configured to move the first and second blades by being rotated; and a motor coupled to one side of the link member, and configured to rotate the link member.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jongpil Kim, Yongho Lee, Gunseek Oh
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Patent number: 9769365Abstract: Dense field imagers are disclosed which are configured to provide fused and/or stitched light field data for a scene. A dense field imager can include a plurality of imaging elements configured to be joined into image blocks or facets that each provides light field data about a scene. The dense field imager can include a plurality of facets in a fixed or modular fashion such that the dense field imager is configured to fuse and/or stitch light field data from the plurality of facets. The facets can be mounted such that one or more facets are non-coplanar with other facets. The facets can be configured to provide light field data with overlapping fields of view. Accordingly, the dense field imager can provide dense field data over a field of view covered by the plurality of facets.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: RED.COM, INC.Inventor: James H. Jannard
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Patent number: 9635275Abstract: A method and a system for forming an image of a scene are provided. The method includes capturing an image of the scene by exposing an image sensor to radiation from one part of the EM spectrum using one aperture and to radiation from another part of the EM spectrum using another aperture having a different size than the first aperture. Simultaneously with capturing the image, the scene is illuminated with radiation from the second part of the EM spectrum. The image is then formed on the basis of image data generated by the radiation from the first part of the EM spectrum and image data generated by radiation from the second part of the EM spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: DUAL APERTURE INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD.Inventor: Andrew Augustine Wajs
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Patent number: 9373023Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for standoff facial and ocular acquisition. Embodiments of the invention address the problems of atmospheric turbulence, defocus, and field of view in a way that minimizes the need for additional hardware. One embodiment of a system for acquiring an image of a facial feature of a subject includes a single wide field of view sensor configured to acquire a plurality of images over a large depth of field containing the subject and a post processor coupled to the single sensor and configured to synthesize the image of the facial feature from the plurality of images.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: SRI INTERNATIONALInventor: David Stoker
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Patent number: 9020336Abstract: A rotating mirror digital streak camera including means to convert an image presented to a roughly cylindrical image plane into a plurality of discrete zones, a sensor being adapted to capture the image data associated with each such zone, and a means to assemble the collected data to reconstruct the original image that is swept across the image plane as an essentially uninterrupted image.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Cordin Company, Inc.Inventors: Ronald S. Leahy, Joseph W. Ovellette, Steve H. Holtman, William L. Larkin
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Patent number: 9001261Abstract: A method for characterizing an optical focusing defect of an image capture instrument is based on contrast values. Said contrast values are calculated for two images of a same scene portion, captured in respective overlapping length segments of two image sensors. To this end, the sensors are mounted in an image capture instrument so that the overlapping length segments between the sensors are situated at different heights along a focusing direction perpendicular to said sensors.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignees: Airbus Defence and Space SAS, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales C N E SInventor: Pierre-Luc Georgy
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Patent number: 8718463Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Koji Kamiya, Seiji Sato, Tomoyasu Katsuyama
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Patent number: 8666241Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventors: James Cameron, Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell, Ronnie Allum
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Patent number: 8526802Abstract: An image capture system that is capable of capturing images of both small and large target objects includes a collapsible frame and at least one image capture device. The frame is free-standing and adapted to support the image capture device over a generally flat surface, on which a target object can also be supported. The image capture device can be activated to capture an image of the target object for subsequent viewing, storage, retrieval, processing, etc. The collapsible frame is constructed of a plurality of structural components adjustably connected together in a unique configuration that enables the entire frame to be transformed between a stored configuration when not in use, and a deployed configuration during use. The stored configuration is substantially more compact than the deployed configuration, which allows the frame to be easily transported between different locations.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Alex Starns
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Patent number: 8478123Abstract: An array camera may be formed from an array of lenses, an array of corresponding apertures, and an array of corresponding image sensors. The array of apertures may be configured so that some image sensors receive light through apertures of different size than other image sensors. Providing apertures of smaller size increases the F/# of an array camera and increases the depth-of-field in a captured image. The array of image sensors may include a near-infrared image sensor. Providing an image sensor array with a near-infrared image sensor may enhance depth information in captured images or increase night vision capabilities of an array camera. Combining an array of image sensors that includes a near-infrared sensor with an array of apertures having different aperture diameters may allow increased depth-of-field imaging, enhanced extraction of depth information from an image, improved night vision, enhanced image clarity or other improvements.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Aptina Imaging CorporationInventors: Dongqing Cao, Qun Sun, Juanqing Chen
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Patent number: 8406619Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Vincent Pace & James CameronInventors: James Cameron, Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell, Ronnie Allum
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Patent number: 8401381Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Vincent Pace & James CameronInventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
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Patent number: 8351780Abstract: An imaging system to collect image data relating to a conical liquid film and its hollow conical spray emanating from an injector with a central spray axis includes a light source for emitting light into the film and spray generated by the injector; and a detector array located downstream from the injector along the central spray axis for panoramically detecting instantaneously for the entire film and spray the emitted light which has interacted with the spray to produce the image data.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Carsten Ralf Mehring
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Patent number: 8326142Abstract: The present invention is an optical image system having at least a first camera including a first lens and at least a second sensor including a second lens. The system also includes at least one beam splitter for transmitting an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation of at least a first band of wavelength to a focal plane array of the first camera and reflecting an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation of at least a second band of wavelength to a focal plane array of the second camera. The first lens is positioned behind the beam splitter for focusing the beam of the first band of wavelength onto an image at the focal plane array of the first camera and the second lens is positioned behind the beam splitter for focusing the beam of the second band of wavelength onto the image at the focal plane array of the second camera.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: SRI InternationalInventors: Arnold Kravitz, Jongjin George Kim, Sergey Gershtein
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Patent number: 8238741Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: James Cameron & Vincent PaceInventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
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Patent number: 8238738Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a plenoptic camera which captures information about the direction distribution of light rays entering the camera. Like a conventional camera, this plenoptic camera includes a main lens which receives light from objects in an object field and directs the received light onto an image plane of the camera. It also includes a photodetector array located at the image plane of the camera, which captures the received light to produce an image. However, unlike a conventional camera, the plenoptic camera additionally includes an array of optical elements located between the object field and the main lens. Each optical element in this array receives light from the object field from a different angle than the other optical elements in the array, and consequently directs a different view of the object field into the main lens. In this way, the photodetector array receives a different view of the object field from each optical element in the array.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Adobe Systems IncorporatedInventor: Todor G. Georgiev
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Publication number: 20120189293Abstract: An array camera may be formed from an array of lenses, an array of corresponding apertures, and an array of corresponding image sensors. The array of apertures may be configured so that some image sensors receive light through apertures of different size than other image sensors. Providing apertures of smaller size increases the F/# of an array camera and increases the depth-of-field in a captured image. The array of image sensors may include a near-infrared image sensor. Providing an image sensor array with a near-infrared image sensor may enhance depth information in captured images or increase night vision capabilities of an array camera. Combining an array of image sensors that includes a near-infrared sensor with an array of apertures having different aperture diameters may allow increased depth-of-field imaging, enhanced extraction of depth information from an image, improved night vision, enhanced image clarity or other improvements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Inventors: Dongqing Cao, Qun Sun, Juanqing Chen
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Patent number: 8073322Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology are designed for creation of a photographic image comprising an upper and lower portion from two rolls of film whereby the picture is created by simultaneous exposure within a single camera housing, or emulation thereof. This is accomplished in one embodiment by wrapping two rolls of film around a spool, one above the other, such that the rolls pull off the reel in parallel and onto a single take-up spool. Thus, when the shutter opens, both rolls of film are simultaneously exposed, and an image forms half on one and half on the other. In another embodiment, a camera comprises two film chambers (which may be a single chamber with divider adapting the chamber to hold two rolls of film), one above the other, and a roll is loaded into each film chamber. Embodiments may be used to breathe new life into discontinued film formats, such as 70 mm film cameras by using two 35 mm rolls of film.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Evan Morris Cohen
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Patent number: 8023817Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kotaro Kashiwa, Kazuyuki Marukawa, Yukihiro Ohzeki
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Publication number: 20110200319Abstract: The present invention is an optical image system having at least a first camera including a first lens and at least a second sensor including a second lens. The system also includes at least one beam splitter for transmitting an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation of at least a first band of wavelength to a focal plane array of the first camera and reflecting an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation of at least a second band of wavelength to a focal plane array of the second camera. The first lens is positioned behind the beam splitter for focusing the beam of the first band of wavelength onto an image at the focal plane array of the first camera and the second lens is positioned behind the beam splitter for focusing the beam of the second band of wavelength onto the image at the focal plane array of the second camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Arnold Kravitz, Jongjin George Kim, Sergey Gershtein
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Patent number: 7933512Abstract: There is disclosed stereographic camera system including first and second cameras including respective first and second lenses. A convergence mechanism may set a convergence angle by rotating at least the first camera about a first pivot axis. A first pivot shift mechanism may adjust the position of the first camera such that the first pivot axis passes through a nodal point of the first lens.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Inventors: Patrick Campbell, Vincent Pace
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Publication number: 20110076004Abstract: An imaging system includes an offset focal array including a plurality of photosensitive elements disposed at different focal lengths from at least one lens to output an image simulating an orthogonal view of an oblique coverage area. In further embodiments, the photosensitive elements are arranged in layers positioned substantially equal to the focal lengths of one or more focusing lenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Frederick V. Petitti
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Patent number: 7899321Abstract: 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 controller may determine a convergence based on the focal length. The 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, the convergence distance, and a distance to an object in the scene.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventors: James Cameron, Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell, Ronnie Charles Allum
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Patent number: 7877007Abstract: An omni-directional stereo camera and a control method thereof. The omni-directional stereo camera includes two or more omni-directional cameras, and a supporting member installed within a shooting range between the omni-directional cameras to interconnect the omni-directional cameras and including compensation patterns formed at the surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sukjune Yoon, Kyung Shik Roh, Woosup Han, Seung Ki Min
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Patent number: 7856180Abstract: Stereo photographs and panoramic photographs can be taken separately without enabling cameras to rotate relative to a casing in which the cameras are placed. A camera device capable of selectively photographing panoramic images and stereo images includes a casing (1D) fixed with a photographic lens (11D), and a casing (1U) that is fixed with a photographic lens (11U) and that moves relative to the casing (1D) while facing the casing (1D); wherein in cases in which the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are disposed in open, mutually spaced apart positions by relative movement of the case (1U), the optical axes of the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are placed in positions capable of photographing stereo images; and in cases in which the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are disposed in closed, mutually proximal positions by relative movement of the case (1U), the optical axes of the photographic lenses (11D) and (11U) are placed in positions capable of photographing panoramic images.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Makoto Chishima
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Patent number: 7826736Abstract: A camera comprising a first imaging part for capturing IR image data of a first field of view, said first imaging part comprising IR optics, a second imaging part for capturing visible light data of a second field of view at least partially overlapping the first field of view, said second imaging part comprising visible light optics, a laser pointer for providing a laser dot in the second field of view, and means for adjusting the first and second field of view relative to each other in dependence of the focusing distance of the first or second imaging part. The camera is arranged to determine the distance z between the camera and an object being imaged by means of the distance d, using the stored relationship. The distance z may be used to align the IR image and the visible light image.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: FLIR Systems ABInventors: Katrin Strandemar, Malin Ingerhed
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Patent number: 7746568Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with three non-collinear apertures to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Janos Rohaly, Douglas P. Hart, Thomas J. Brukilacchio
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Patent number: 7693413Abstract: A camera system has: cameras; and an information-processing device connected through a communication network with the cameras, which acquires a shot image from the cameras. Each camera includes: an image-pickup part taking an image of a subject; and an image-pickup synchronizing part mutually synchronizing an image-pickup timing of the camera with an image-pickup timing of another camera.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takahiko Sueyoshi, Michimune Kohno, Yuji Ayatsuka, Junichi Rekimoto
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Patent number: 7689117Abstract: A photography system includes: camera modules, which output, for individual pixels, picture data in synchronization with pixel clocks and which are arranged so that the light receiving directions of light receiving devices match; a camera control apparatus, which supplies an operating clock to the camera modules with a phase difference of half a cycle, and which generates a phase difference of half a cycle in picture data output by the camera modules; an output synthesizing apparatus, which synthesizes, in a time division manner, picture data output by the camera modules; and an image processing apparatus, which employs information about a distance between the camera modules for the reconstruction of a single picture, using the picture data synthesized by the output synthesizing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Tai Yanazume
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Patent number: 7689116Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile camera optical lens system which assures a wide view angle by dividing a view angle into two or more view angles, and simultaneously achieves the thinness of the mobile camera optical lens system by providing separate off-axis lens systems respectively corresponding to the split view angles.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ho Sik You, Seok Ho Song, Ho Seop Jeong, Sang Hyuck Lee, Hye Ran Oh
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Patent number: 7686454Abstract: A data processing unit calculates image conversions parameters corresponding to each partial image, geometrically converts photographed partial images on the basis of a current partial image based on the calculated image conversion parameters, and combines them to generate a mosaic image. Also, a display device displays each current partial image, and at least part of the generated mosaic image.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Akihiko Iketani, Noboru Nakajima, Tomokazu Sato, Sei Ikeda, Masayuki Kanbara, Naokazu Yokoya
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Patent number: 7676146Abstract: An electronic camera includes: (a) a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor; a first lens for forming a first image on the first image sensor; and a first lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the first lens responsive to a first focus detection signal; and (b) a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor; a second lens for forming a second image on the second image sensor; and a second lens focus adjuster for adjusting focus of the second lens responsive to a second focus detection signal. A processing stage (a) selects the sensor output from the first imaging stage and uses the sensor output from the second imaging stage to generate the first focus detection signal, (b) selects the sensor output from the second imaging stage and uses the sensor output from the first imaging stage to generate the second focus detection signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: John N. Border, Russell J. Palum, Wilbert F. Janson, Jr., Kenneth A. Parulski, Keith A. Jacoby
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Patent number: 7657173Abstract: An optical lens system of a mobile camera is provided. The lens optical system includes: an optical lens in which bilaterally symmetrical off-axis lens systems corresponding to the divided view angles are integrally formed and arranged in parallel on the same plane, the optical beams incident at the divided view angles being transmitted through the respective off-axis lens systems; and an image sensor for receiving the optical beams transmitted through the off-axis lens systems, the image sensor being bisected into a green light receiving region and a mixed light receiving region of red and blue colors. Accordingly, the mega resolution can be achieved using the optical lens having the height of VGA grade. Moreover, as the whole length of the optical lens system in the mega optical system is greatly reduced, the camera optical system can have the slim profile.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang Hyuck Lee, Ho Seop Jeong, Ho-Sik You
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Publication number: 20100020187Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a plenoptic camera which captures information about the direction distribution of light rays entering the camera. Like a conventional camera, this plenoptic camera includes a main lens which receives light from objects in an object field and directs the received light onto an image plane of the camera. It also includes a photodetector array located at the image plane of the camera, which captures the received light to produce an image. However, unlike a conventional camera, the plenoptic camera additionally includes an array of optical elements located between the object field and the main lens. Each optical element in this array receives light from the object field from a different angle than the other optical elements in the array, and consequently directs a different view of the object field into the main lens. In this way, the photodetector array receives a different view of the object field from each optical element in the array.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventor: Todor G. Georgiev
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Publication number: 20090297137Abstract: Apparatus operable to change direction of an optic axis of a camera, the apparatus comprising: a sphere configured so that at least one camera is mountable therein and having a region through which light may enter the sphere and be collected by the at least one camera; and at least one motor operable to rotate the sphere about the center of the sphere to orient the optic axis in a desired direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Allan C. Entis
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Patent number: 7623778Abstract: A photographic system of plural photographic devices includes a master device, which is a device that is instructed to prepare for the photographing, is provided. The master device includes a request section that requests photographic condition information from another device; a receiving section that receives the photographic condition information; a first setting section that computes photographic condition information for use in the entire photographic system using the received photographic condition information and photographic condition information acquired by itself, and sets the computed photographic condition information as its own photographic condition information; a provision section which provides the computed photographic condition information to the other device; a first photograph execution section which executes the photographing based on the set photographic condition information; and an instruction section which instructs execution of the photographing to the other device.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Shinichi Fujimoto
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Patent number: 7620309Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a plenoptic camera which captures information about the direction distribution of light rays entering the camera. Like a conventional camera, this plenoptic camera includes a main lens which receives light from objects in an object field and directs the received light onto an image plane of the camera. It also includes a photodetector array located at the image plane of the camera, which captures the received light to produce an image. However, unlike a conventional camera, the plenoptic camera additionally includes an array of optical elements located between the object field and the main lens. Each optical element in this array receives light from the object field from a different angle than the other optical elements in the array, and consequently directs a different view of the object field into the main lens. In this way, the photodetector array receives a different view of the object field from each optical element in the array.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Adobe Systems, IncorporatedInventor: Todor G. Georgiev
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Publication number: 20090136222Abstract: A method and system for photographing moving pictures using a plurality of photographing apparatuses are provided. As part of the method and system, a master photographing apparatus is synchronized to at least one slave photographing apparatus and the master photographing apparatus captures moving pictures and transmits a moving picture capturing start signal to the slave photographing apparatus, upon receipt of a moving picture capturing request from a user. The slave photographing apparatus captures moving pictures according to the moving picture capturing start signal and transmits the captured moving pictures to the master photographing apparatus, and the master photographing apparatus displays the moving pictures transmitted by the slave photographing apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Sang-Hoon LEE
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Patent number: 7496293Abstract: A versatile camera that operates in various visibility conditions, such as daylight and poor visibility conditions, the camera including at least two sensors that capture images in a scene and provide a digital representation of the captured images, each sensor having a particular operational wavelength, and an optical and routing module that receives incoming rays from the scene and routes the incoming rays toward the two sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Elbit Systems Ltd.Inventors: Hanan Shamir, Yossi Yaeli
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Patent number: 7493037Abstract: A matching adjustment between left and right screens is easily and accurately performed in a digital stereo camera and/or a digital stereo video camera at or after the time of photographing. A stereo viewfinder 3 of a digital stereo camera 1 comprises a pair of left and right liquid crystal displays and eyepiece lenses 10. Aspect ratios of left and right image display regions of the liquid crystal displays is made narrower than aspect ratios of image capture regions of image capture devices and horizontal scrolling is performed symmetrically. Images on the image capture devices are horizontally scrolled, while finder images are viewed in a stereoscopic manner with both eyes, so that perspective of a stereoscopic image changes and an optimally scrolled image data can be photographed. Scroll adjustment can be performed on image data after being photographed, and stereo photographs giving an optimal stereoscopic feeling can be printed from edited image data.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Minoru Inaba
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Patent number: 7440691Abstract: A computer includes a photographing unit for photographing every time a turn table is rotated and acquiring images of the photographing target from a plurality of photographing devices; a coordinate-system setting unit for setting a coordinate system; position of an extracted feature point of the photographing target being defined as reference of the coordinate system; a viewpoint-parameter calculation unit for calculating viewpoint parameters on the basis of the coordinate system set by the coordinate-system setting unit and camera parameters such as focal lengths of the photographing devices, the viewpoint parameters including position data of the photographing devices and direction data of the photographing devices are oriented; and a correspondence-data storage unit for storing the images and the viewpoint parameters being made correlated with each other, the images being acquired by the photographing unit, the viewpoint parameters being calculated by the viewpoint-parameter calculation unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Fumiko Beniyama, Toshio Moriya
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Patent number: 7403710Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus that corrects an image blur by using a plurality of images acquired by image capturing means. The apparatus comprises: blur detection means that detects a blur amount between the plurality of images; image composition means that performs the composition of the plurality of images using the detected blur amount; acquisition means that acquires, based on a difference value between the plurality of images and a threshold value thereof, region data for separating the image into regions by changing the threshold value; and display means that selectably displays the region data for each threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Osamu Itokawa
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Patent number: 7333725Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for accurately synchronizing a plurality of sensors, as well as for providing accurate timing information (e.g. timing metadata) associated with the synchronized data capture. According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus includes a synchronization circuit that stores a counter having a value corresponding to the delay characteristics of an associated sensor. The counter is used to provide a synchronization pulse to the associated sensor which is offset from a desired synchronization time by an amount that will compensate for the delay characteristics. In one example, one counter is provided for each associated sensor, allowing a high degree of accuracy in synchronization among a plurality of sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, the synchronization pulses are locked onto and derived from a pulse received from a GPS receiver.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: L-3 Communications Sonoma EO, Inc.Inventor: Brian E Frazier
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Publication number: 20070160361Abstract: A photography system includes: camera modules, which output, for individual pixels, picture data in synchronization with pixel clocks and which are arranged so that the light receiving directions of light receiving devices match; a camera control apparatus, which supplies an operating clock to the camera modules with a phase difference of half a cycle, and which generates a phase difference of half a cycle in picture data output by the camera modules; an output synthesizing apparatus, which synthesizes, in a time division manner, picture data output by the camera modules; and an image processing apparatus, which employs information about a distance between the camera modules for the reconstruction of a single picture, using the picture data synthesized by the output synthesizing apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: July 12, 2007Inventor: Tai Yanazume
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Publication number: 20070147825Abstract: An optical lens system of a mobile camera is provided. The lens optical system includes: an optical lens in which bilaterally symmetrical off-axis lens systems corresponding to the divided view angles are integrally formed and arranged in parallel on the same plane, the optical beams incident at the divided view angles being transmitted through the respective off-axis lens systems; and an image sensor for receiving the optical beams transmitted through the off-axis lens systems, the image sensor being bisected into a green light receiving region and a mixed light receiving region of red and blue colors. Accordingly, the mega resolution can be achieved using the optical lens having the height of VGA grade. Moreover, as the whole length of the optical lens system in the mega optical system is greatly reduced, the camera optical system can have the slim profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Hyuck Lee, Ho Seop Jeong, Ho-Sik You
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Patent number: 7106511Abstract: An optical imaging system and method for achieving a large depth of field without decreasing the relative aperture of an imaging lens. The imaging system has a light source for sequentially illuminating an object to be imaged with light of different ones of a plurality of wavelengths, and an imaging lens that has a focal length that varies with the wavelength of the light that illuminates the object. For each wavelength of light by which the object is illuminated, the imaging lens will image a different object plane onto an image receiving unit, and the image receiving unit will capture one well-focused, high resolution image of the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Annette C. Grot, Shalini Venkatesh
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Patent number: 7092627Abstract: A shooting system of the present invention comprises a silver-salt camera unit shooting on a silver-salt photosensitized material, an electronic image pickup unit which is detachably combined with the silver-salt camera unit and in which a solid image pickup element is embedded, and a control unit which is combined with the electronic image pickup unit instead of the silver-salt camera unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seimei Ushiro
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Patent number: 6915073Abstract: A stereo camera with an automatic convergence adjusting device is provided. A stereo-image is captured by a CCD through a stereo adapter. A fiducial light beam in a plane of symmetry which includes a perpendicular bisector line of a segment between the viewpoints of the right and left parallax images, is projected onto a subject from light-emitting equipment. A fiducial spot produced by the fiducial light beam is imaged on both the right and left parallax images and the image loci of the fiducial spot are detected. The convergence of the stereo adapter is adjusted with reference to the image loci of the fiducial mark.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventor: Shuzo Seo