Having Stabilization System Patents (Class 396/55)
  • Patent number: 11463623
    Abstract: There is provided a notifying apparatus. A detecting unit detects a motion amount of an object from an image obtained through first shooting, the first shooting being carried out repeatedly at predetermined intervals of time. A converting unit converts the motion amount into a motion blur amount that will arise in second shooting, on the basis of the predetermined intervals of time and an exposure time used in the second shooting. A notifying unit makes a notification of motion blur on the basis of the motion blur amount. The notifying unit changes a form of the notification in accordance with a magnitude of the motion blur amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukiko Kubo, Hironori Kaida
  • Patent number: 11460557
    Abstract: An apparatus for distance measurement, having one or several optical detector modules and a readout module is provided. The optical detector modules each have a plurality of optical detector elements having one or several optical detectors and a counter indicating a count value, the optical detector elements each being in an active state or an inactive state. Each optical detector module has a timer element configured to determine a current time value and configured to continuously update the current time value, and a memory element for storing a plurality of time values stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Maik Beer, Olaf Schrey, Christian Nitta
  • Patent number: 11428909
    Abstract: A camera system including a telephoto lens module is provided. The telephoto lens module includes a first image sensor, a first assembly, and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a first driving mechanism and a reflecting member connected to the first driving mechanism. The first driving mechanism is configured to drive the reflecting member to rotate around a first axis and a second axis. The second assembly is disposed between the first assembly and the first image sensor, including a second driving mechanism and a first lens. The second driving mechanism is configured to drive the first lens to move along a third axis. The first, second, and third axes are not parallel to each other. When light enters the telephoto lens along the first axis, light is reflected by the reflecting member and through the first lens along the third axis to the first image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Chen-Hsien Fan, Cheng-Kai Yu, Chih-Wei Weng, Shu-Shan Chen
  • Patent number: 11422357
    Abstract: An optical system is provided and includes a fixed assembly, a movable element and a driving module. The fixed assembly has a main axis. The movable element is movable relative to the fixed assembly, and the movable element is connected to a first optical element. The driving module is configured to drive the movable element to move relative to the fixed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Che-Wei Chang, Chih-Wen Chiang, Chen-Er Hsu, Fu-Yuan Wu, Shou-Jen Liu, Chih-Wei Weng, Mao-Kuo Hsu, Hsueh-Ju Lu, Che-Hsiang Chiu
  • Patent number: 11422331
    Abstract: A camera module is disclosed, the camera module including a lens barrel including more than one sheet of lens receiving an optical image of an object, an actuator moving the lens barrel, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) formed with an image sensor at a bottom surface of the lens barrel for converting the optical image to an electrical signal, and a holder for supporting the lens barrel and the actuator and formed with a terminal electrically connected to the actuator, wherein an electrical contact point between the actuator and the terminal is formed with two or more tiers of coated layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young Taek Oh
  • Patent number: 11415860
    Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a camera module comprising: a movable element; a lens coupled to the movable element; a first substrate fixed to the bottom surface of the movable element; an image sensor disposed on the first substrate; a second substrate disposed below the first substrate; and a wire for connecting the second substrate to the movable element, wherein at least a part of the wire is made of a shape memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Taek Lee
  • Patent number: 11418712
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes: an imaging lens; an image capturing device main body including an imaging element that captures an optical image transmitting through the imaging lens; a first correction unit that performs correction of an image shake by a correction lens; and a second correction unit that performs correction of the image shake by the image capturing device main body. The image capturing device performs a control of causing the first correction unit and the second correction unit to share and correct the image shake and calculates a correction amount of each of the first correction unit and the second correction unit according to at least one of a temperature of the imaging lens or a temperature of the image capturing device main body in a case where correction of the image shake is performed by the first correction unit and the second correction unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Junya Kitagawa, Koichi Tanaka, Fuminori Irie
  • Patent number: 11412125
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus to which a plurality of accessory apparatuses are attachable includes a camera communicator configured to provide a communication path with each of the plurality of accessory apparatuses, and a camera controller configured to communicate with the plurality of accessory apparatuses via the camera communicator. The camera controller transmits a first request to the plurality of accessory apparatuses, receives first information corresponding to whether or not to stop a communication with the imaging apparatus from each of the plurality of accessory apparatuses that have received the first request, and controls a communication with each of the plurality of accessory apparatuses according to the first information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazumichi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 11402652
    Abstract: A retainer of a rotation support structure may include an outer protrusion on the outer circumference side of a spherical-object holding hole and an inner protrusion on the inner circumference side thereof. The outer protrusion may be in contact with a plate-holder circular arc wall of a plate-holder annular portion, and the inner protrusion may be in contact with a plate-roll annular wall of a plate-roll annular portion. When the plate-roll annular portion and the plate-holder annular portion shift with respect to the identical axis, the relative movement between the plate-roll annular portion and the plate-holder annular portion in the radial direction may be transmitted to a spherical object via the outer protrusion. Also, the relative movement may be transmitted to the spherical object via the inner protrusion, which makes the spherical object active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Takei
  • Patent number: 11405556
    Abstract: A signal processing device includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a first shake detection signal indicating a detection result of a lens shake detection unit included in an interchangeable lens and a second shake detection signal indicating a detection result of a camera shake detection unit included in a body unit and a determination unit configured to determine a correction amount which is used to correct the first shake detection signal based on the first shake detection signal and the second shake detection signal. The determination unit changes a process parameter for determining the correction amount in accordance with information regarding the camera shake detection unit or information regarding the second shake detection signal. The process parameter includes at least one of a restriction frequency and a gain for the correction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 11391917
    Abstract: Disclosed is a camera module. The camera module includes: a lens barrel disposed in a housing to receive a lens assembly; an elastic member in at least one of the housing and the lens barrel; a driving unit moving the lens barrel relative to the housing; and a sensor unit fixed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: In Jae Yeo
  • Patent number: 11381748
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor configured to acquire an image, an image-stabilization mechanism configured to reduce blur, a shutter apparatus including a front blade group and a rear blade group, and a control unit configured to provide control on image stabilization. The image sensor has a first mode for acquiring the image based on light passing through an area formed by the front blade group and the rear blade group, and a second mode for acquiring the image based on light passing through an area between an electronic front curtain of the image sensor and the rear blade group. In the first mode, the control unit provides the control on the image stabilization. In the second mode, the control unit determines whether or not to provide the control on the image stabilization, based on a shutter speed of the shutter apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuya Karibe
  • Patent number: 11363188
    Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure includes a method for operating a head-mounted display system that includes an imaging device. The method includes receiving an indication that an ambient light condition in an environment is below a lighting threshold. Responsive to the low lighting condition, an amount of motion of the head-mounted display relative to the environment is determined based on one or more signals received from an inertial measurement unit included in the head-mounted display system. An exposure time, frame rate, and a pixel-binning mode are automatically selected for the imaging device based on the determined amount of motion. Imagery is captured from the environment using the automatically selected exposure time, frame rate, and pixel-binning mode for the imaging device. The captured imagery is then displayed at the head-mounted display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Kirk Price, Christopher Douglas Edmonds, Michael Bleyer, Donald John Patrick O'Neil
  • Patent number: 11350018
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a camera having one or more bumper arrangements to cushion lateral movement of one or more camera components. In some embodiments, the bumper arrangement(s) may cushion lateral movement of a moveable platform as the moveable platform approaches a stationary structure. According to some embodiments, the bumper arrangement(s) may include one or more bumper features attached to (and/or defined by) the moveable platform and/or the stationary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shashank Sharma, Alfred N. Mireault, Nicholas D. Smyth, Zachary W. Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 11347134
    Abstract: A camera module includes a housing accommodating a lens module; a driving unit including a magnet disposed on the lens module and a coil disposed to face the magnet; a yoke to generate attractive force with the magnet; a first ball member disposed between the lens module and the housing, and pressed by a first pressing force; and a second ball member disposed between the lens module and the housing, and pressed by a second pressing force. A direction of the first pressing force is different than a direction of the second pressing force, and a point of action of a resultant force of the first pressing force and the second pressing force is located closer to one of the first ball member and the second ball member than the other of the first ball member and the second ball member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo Cheol Lim, Byung Woo Kang
  • Patent number: 11340470
    Abstract: An optical unit with a shake correction function may include an optical module having an optical element and an image pickup element, a movable body holding the optical module, a swing support mechanism swingably supporting the movable body, a fixed body supporting the movable body through the swing support mechanism, a shake correction drive mechanism structured to swing the movable body, and a stopper mechanism structured to restrict a movable range of the movable body. The stopper mechanism may include a spacer member in the movable body which includes a stopper protruded part extended to an opposite side to an object to be photographed with respect to the image pickup element, and a stopper member to abut with the stopper protruded part of the spacer member. The spacer member may be fixed to a member different from the optical module in the movable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Minamisawa
  • Patent number: 11343426
    Abstract: There is provided a notifying apparatus. A detecting unit detects a motion amount of an object from an image obtained through first shooting, the first shooting being carried out repeatedly at predetermined intervals of time. A converting unit converts the motion amount into a motion blur amount that will arise in second shooting, on the basis of the predetermined intervals of time and an exposure time used in the second shooting. A determining unit determines whether or not to make a motion blur notification on the basis of a predetermined notification condition. A notifying unit makes a notification of motion blur on the basis of the motion blur amount when it has been determined that the motion blur notification is to be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Shun Matsui
  • Patent number: 11330186
    Abstract: Provided is a biaxial tilting device, a camera device, and an electronic apparatus, which enable suppression of shaking of a camera unit. A biaxial tilting device includes: a frame body including a back plate opposed to a bottom surface of a member to be tilted across a space; a plurality of suspension springs made of a shape memory alloy, which are configured to connect the bottom surface and the back plate to each other; and a current supply control unit configured to supply currents to the plurality of suspension springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: New Shicoh Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kokichi Terajima
  • Patent number: 11310422
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a first correcting unit configured to correct image blur by driving at least one of a panning driver that rotates an imaging unit including an imaging optical system and an image sensor in the horizontal direction, and a tilting driver that rotates the imaging unit in the vertical direction; a shake detection unit configured to detect shake; a calculation unit configured to calculate an amount of image blur correction in accordance with the shake detected by the shake detection unit; and a determination unit configured to determine a driving range required by the panning driver or the tilting driver in order to correct an image blur, in accordance with the amount of image blur correction and a mechanical driving end of the panning driver or the tilting driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hidenori Higashi
  • Patent number: 11300803
    Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is provided. The optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed part, a movable part, a driving assembly, and a sensing assembly. The fixed part has a main axis. The fixed part includes a case and a bottom. The case and the bottom are arranged along the main axis. The movable part moves relative to the fixed part. The movable part may hold an optical element with an optical axis. The driving assembly drives the movable part to move relative to the fixed part. The sensing assembly senses a movement condition of the movable part relative to the fixed part. The sensing assembly includes a sensor. The sensor is disposed on the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Meng-Ting Lin, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 11286057
    Abstract: A gimbal for carrying a load includes a first frame configured to be coupled with the load, and a second frame rotatably coupled with the first frame. At least one of the first frame or the second frame includes a connecting segment and a movable segment movably coupled with the connecting segment. The movable segment is movable relative to the connecting segment to cause the at least one of the first frame or the second frame to extend or retract. The at least one of the first frame or the second frame includes a locking part disposed on one of the connecting segment and the movable segment. The locking part is configured to abut against the connecting segment or disengage from the connecting segment for placing the movable segment in a locked state or a movable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SZ DJI OSMO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rongjian Sun, Xifeng Zhao, Xin Yan, Tianhang Ma
  • Patent number: 11283999
    Abstract: Techniques described herein can address these and other issues by synchronizing the positioning of an adjustable lens in a camera assembly with the capture of an image frame by the image sensor and optimizing the position of the adjustable lens to reduce the amount of blur caused by translation of the camera assembly along a direction along the optical axis over the course of a frame. More specifically, techniques provide for moving the lens to a plurality of optimized positions, relative to the image sensor, over the course of a frame, to reduce motion blur in an image due to translation of the camera assembly in a direction of along the optical axis during the frame. Some embodiments may provide for “tight” synchronization in cases where the plurality of optimized positions are based on a time-dependent function that takes into account when each row of the image sensor is being exposed over the course of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Victor Kulik, Mehul Soman
  • Patent number: 11283973
    Abstract: Implementations generally increase the virtual resolution of a camera sensor. In some implementations, a method includes moving an image sensor in a predetermined pattern, wherein the image sensor includes an array of light collecting elements, and wherein each light collecting element of the sensor array cycles through a plurality of positions in the predetermined pattern. The method further includes capturing a plurality of samples of light at each light collecting element, wherein each light collecting element captures a plurality of the samples in a cycle of movement in the predetermined pattern. The method further includes converting each sample captured at each position into a value. The method further includes generating at least one image from an aggregate of values converted from the samples of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Dawson
  • Patent number: 11277565
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to optical devices and related methods that facilitate independent control of movement of lenses and image sensors in camera systems. In one example, an image sensor is movable independently of and relative to a lens, and the lens is movable independently of the image sensor. In one example, an optical device includes a lens, and an image sensor disposed below the lens. The image sensor is movable relative to the lens. The optical device includes a plurality of magnets disposed about the lens, a plurality of vertical coil structures coiled in one or more vertical planes, and one or more horizontal coil structures coiled in one or more horizontal planes. The plurality of vertical coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the image sensor relative to the lens. The one or more horizontal coil structures are configured to, when powered, move the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Quang Le, Zhigang Bai, Xiaoyong Liu, Zhanjie Li, Kuok San Ho, Rajeev Nagabhirava
  • Patent number: 11275254
    Abstract: An Optical Image Stabilization unit includes a wire connecting a housing to a holder module, a bobbin disposed inside the outer blade, a spring member disposed at the outer blade to support a movement of the bobbin in a direction along an optical axis, a first coil disposed at a periphery of the bobbin, a magnet moving the bobbin relative to the holder module by interacting with the first coil, a second coil moving the holder module relative to the housing by interacting with the magnet, a first solder portion disposed at a distal end of the wire to couple the wire to the housing, a second solder portion disposed at the other distal end of the wire to couple the wire to the holder module, and a buffer portion disposed at a part of the wire by being distanced from at least one of the first solder portion and the second solder portion to restrict a movement of the holder module relative to the housing by being coupled to at least one of the housing and the holder module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sangyun Oh
  • Patent number: 11268808
    Abstract: A detection device adapted to detect lens surface and a stitching interferometer including the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: The Institute of Optics and Electronics, The Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Dachun Gan, Fuchao Xu, Xin Jia, Tingwen Xing
  • Patent number: 11264000
    Abstract: A display control device controls display of a virtual image which is superimposed on foreground of a vehicle by projection of a display light image from an optical unit to a projection area. The display control device sets a projection position of the display light image which is projected in the projection area on the basis of a relative position of a superimposition object on which the virtual image is superimposed, obtains a measurement information from one vehicle height sensor measuring a displacement in a vertical direction occurring in the vehicle, obtains a gradient information indicating a gradient of a road on which the vehicle travels on the basis of three-dimensional map data, and corrects the projection position of the display light image on the basis of the measurement information and the gradient information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsuke Shibata, Masayuki Imanishi, Norio Samma, Takeshi Hato, Takeshi Kawashima, Sei Iguchi, Hiroto Banno, Daisuke Takemori
  • Patent number: 11263166
    Abstract: An optical image stabilization (OIS) circuit includes a first OIS circuit configured to operate as a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus master with respect to a single sensor, read sensor data from the single sensor, and store the read sensor data, and configured to transmit a control code in a first SPI slave operation mode prior to a second SPI slave operation mode, and provide the sensor data in the second SPI slave operation mode, while operating as an SPI slave; and a second OIS circuit configured to operate as a SPI master with respect to the first OIS circuit, read the control code from the first OIS circuit, and store the control code in a first SPI master operation mode, and further configured to read and store the sensor data in a second SPI master operation mode subsequent to the first SPI master operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gyu Won Kim, Kyoung Joong Min
  • Patent number: 11259195
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for security camera drone communication coupling to control and computing station. In some implementations, a first drone and a second drone are configured to monitor a property. A base station is configured to communicate with the first drone and the second drone. The first drone is configured to determine the first drone is unable to communicate with the base station and able to communicate with the second drone. Based on determining the first drone is unable to communicate with the base station and able to communicate with the second drone, the first drone is configured to determine the first drone is able to communicate with the second drone, transmit, to the second drone, a data packet and instructions to transmit the data packet to the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Ilja Nevdahs, Agris Kipurs, Konstantin Othmer
  • Patent number: 11258974
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to transmit an image obtained by an image sensor to an external device via a communication circuit, and cause the external device to execute a predetermined image processing on the image. The controller obtains information indicating recommendation or non-recommendation for the execution of the predetermined image processing on the image by the external device, based on a state of at least one of an imaging optical system and the image sensor when capturing the image, and transmits an execution request for the predetermined image processing on the image to the external device via the communication circuit, if the obtained information indicates the recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kunihiro Shirai
  • Patent number: 11243451
    Abstract: Disclosed is a camera module capable of overcoming a design limitation on a structure for auto-focusing and handshake compensation attributable to the thickness of the camera module provided in a small-sized camera device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyungjoo Kang, Salkmann Ji, Samnyol Hong
  • Patent number: 11246221
    Abstract: An optical unit may include a movable body having an optical module, a fixed body, a support mechanism which turnably supports the movable body with respect to the fixed body with one or a plurality of directions intersecting an optical axis direction as a direction of a turning axis, and a flexible wiring board whose one end is connected with a connection part provided in the movable body and which is provided with a flat face region facing the optical axis direction. The flat face region is disposed on a side in a first intersecting direction intersecting the optical axis direction with respect to the movable body and is provided with a curved part curved without overlapping in the optical axis direction and is structured so that at least a part of the flat face region is overlapped with a position of the turning axis in the optical axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Minamisawa
  • Patent number: 11245828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module, the module including: a PCB; an image sensor mounted on the PCB and formed with an image pickup device; a base mounted on the PCB and including a plated portion formed at a lower center with an opening mounted with an IR filter; a lower spring plate formed with a conductive material; a spacer arranged on an upper surface of the lower spring plate and forming a staircase structure by a rib wrapping a periphery of the lower spring plate to supportively apply a pressure to the lower spring plate; a lens actuator including a bobbin, and a yoke; an upper spring plate coupled to an upper surface of the lens actuator; and a cover attached to an upper surface of the upper spring plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jungsik Lee
  • Patent number: 11223766
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator configured to shift an image sensor along multiple axes. Some embodiments include a magnet and coil arrangement. Some embodiments include a position sensing arrangement. Some embodiments include a flexure arrangement. Some embodiments include a coil structure and coil carrier assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shashank Sharma, Scott W. Miller
  • Patent number: 11221461
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking focus of an adjustable variable focus lens-based imaging system are disclosed. An example method includes identifying an initial focus position of an adjustable variable focus lens assembly and determining focusing parameters corresponding to that focus position. The focusing parameters are compared to a lens behavior model and a new, compensated focus position of the lens assembly is determined correcting for changes in lens assembly performance. A small window focusing sweep range, between forward and aft positions, may also be adjusted based on the lens behavior model to better identify the compensated focus position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Vinogradov, David D. Landron, Christopher W. Brock
  • Patent number: 11223754
    Abstract: An optical component driving mechanism includes a holder, a frame, a casing, a base, a first elastic member, a second elastic member and a driving assembly. The holder is for holding an optical component. The frame is elastically connected to the holder. The base is fixedly connected to the casing. The first elastic member has a first outer connecting portion and a first inner connecting portion. The second elastic member has a second outer connecting portion and a second inner connecting portion. The driving assembly is configured to drive the holder to move relative to the frame. The first and second outer connecting portions are disposed on the frame, the first and second inner connecting portions are disposed on the holder, and there is no elastic member disposed between the holder and the base for connecting the base or the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chun Kao, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 11216961
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems that analyze feature points of digital images to selectively apply a pixel-adjusted-gyroscope-alignment model and a feature-based-alignment model to align the digital images. For instance, the disclosed systems can select an appropriate alignment model based on feature-point-deficiency metrics specific to an input image and reference-input image. Moreover, in certain implementations, the pixel-adjusted-gyroscope-alignment model utilizes parameters from pixel-based alignment and gyroscope-based alignment to align such digital images. Together with the feature-based-alignment model, the disclosed methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and systems can use a selective image-alignment algorithm that improves computational efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in generating enhanced digital images from a set of input images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ADOBE INC.
    Inventors: Seyed Morteza Safdarnejad, Chih-Yao Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11194120
    Abstract: A lens device includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor, a lens, a cam ring, a first gear, a second gear, and a controller. The cam ring is configured to drive the lens in a direction of an optical axis of the lens. The first gear is configured to transmit power generated by the first electric motor to the cam ring. The second gear is configured to transmit power generated by the second electric motor to the cam ring. The controller is configured to, when controlling the cam ring to stop rotating, first stop a rotation of the first electric motor and then stop a rotation of the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Honjo, Takashi Koyama
  • Patent number: 11190687
    Abstract: There is provided an image blur correction control apparatus for correcting image blur of an image capturing apparatus through sharing with a second image blur correction control apparatus in accordance with a predetermined sharing rule. In a case where a first characteristic of the first detector is better than a second characteristic of a second detector included in the second image blur correction unit, a first deciding unit decides a first cutoff frequency based on shake information detected by the first detector, a transmitting unit transmits the first cutoff frequency to the second image blur correction control apparatus as a cutoff frequency to be used by the second image blur correction control apparatus, and a filtering unit performs filter processing on the shake information detected by the first detector. The first cutoff frequency is applied in the filter processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 11190688
    Abstract: An image blur correction device includes a motion detection unit and detects a motion of panning, tilting, and camera shake. A motion determination unit determines a motion of an imaging apparatus based on an output of the motion detection unit. A high-pass filter (HPF) removes a low-frequency component from the output of the motion detection unit and a low-pass filter (LPF) removes a high-frequency component from an output of the HPF. A swing-back time period detection unit detects a period of time during which swing-back occurs based on the output of the LPF and the output of the motion determination unit. A gain control unit controls a gain to be multiplied by the output of the LPF based on the output of the detection unit and the output of the motion determination unit. A subtraction processing unit subtracts an output of the gain control unit from the output of the HPF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Yasuda
  • Patent number: 11190085
    Abstract: A driving mechanism for driving an optical element is provided, including a fixed module, a movable module, and a drive assembly disposed on the fixed module and the movable module. The drive assembly includes a magnet and a coil for moving the movable module relative to the fixed module along a first axis. Specifically, the central axis of the magnet extends through a part of the coil and is offset from the center of the coil, wherein the central axis is perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventors: Chen-Chi Kuo, Sin-Jhong Song
  • Patent number: 11190691
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor configured to capture an object image, an image stabilizing unit that includes a coil, a magnet that faces the coil, and a yoke that contacts the magnet, and moves the image sensor for an image stabilization by electrifying the coil, and a magnetic flux shielding member made of a magnetic material and disposed in an area between the image stabilizing unit and an exterior surface of the image pickup apparatus, through which a magnetic flux generated from the magnet moves toward outside of the image pickup apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuaki Yamana
  • Patent number: 11187916
    Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a support structure and an image sensor mounted on a carrier that is suspended on the support structure by at least one plain bearing that allows movement of the carrier and the image sensor relative to the support structure in any direction laterally to the light-sensitive region of the image sensor. An actuator arrangement comprising plural shape memory alloy wires is arranged to move the carrier and the image sensor relative to the support structure for providing optical image stabilisation of the image captured by the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE MECHATRONICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Benjamin David Brown
  • Patent number: 11181750
    Abstract: A coil unit may include a coil in a substantially rectangular frame shape; and a coil holding member. A thickness direction of the coil may be perpendicular to a long side of the coil and a short side of the coil. An outer peripheral face of the coil holding member may include an abutting face in a flat shape with which the coil is abutted. A protruded part may be formed formed so as to protrude from the abutting face to an outer side of the coil holding member. A protruded part end face parallel to the abutting face may be formed on a tip end side of the protruded part in a protruding direction of the protruded part. A distance between the abutting face and the protruded part end face may be equal to a thickness of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Minamisawa, Kazuhiko Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 11175493
    Abstract: A camera module includes a lens base, a lens group, and a switching mechanism. The lens base defines a through hole. The lens group is received within the through hole. The switching mechanism includes a switching base, an optical path conversion member, and a driving member. The switching base is mounted on the lens base and defines a light guide cavity communicating with the through hole. The switching base defines a front aperture and a rear aperture. The front aperture and the rear aperture communicate with the light guide cavity. The optical path conversion member includes a reflective surface. The driving member is mounted within the light guide cavity. The driving member drives the optical light conversion member to rotate to cause the reflective surface to reflect light entering through the front aperture or the rear aperture to the lens group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: TRIPLE WIN TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Jie Ding, Shin-Wen Chen, Jing-Wei Li, Jian-Chao Song, Shuai-Peng Li
  • Patent number: 11178329
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for image signal processing. For example, methods may include determining a sequence of orientation estimates based on sensor data from one or more motion sensors; based on the sequence of orientation estimates, invoking a mechanical stabilization system to reject motions of an image sensor occurring within a first operating bandwidth with an upper cutoff frequency; receiving an image from the image sensor; based on the sequence of orientation estimates, invoking an electronic image stabilization module to correct the image for rotations of the image sensor occurring within a second operating bandwidth with a lower cutoff frequency to obtain a stabilized image, wherein the lower cutoff frequency is greater than the upper cutoff frequency; and storing, displaying, or transmitting an output image based on the stabilized image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Enke, Stepan Moskovchenko, Benjamin P. Tankersley, Adam Fenn, Nenad Uzunovic
  • Patent number: 11170485
    Abstract: An approach is provided for determining quality assessment of cross view feature correspondence using bundle adjustment techniques. The approach, for example, involves retrieving a plurality of annotated images that are labeled with one or more feature correspondence labels. The approach also involves performing a bundle adjustment process on the plurality of annotated images to compute a three-dimensional (3D) location and a residual error of a feature corresponding to the one or more feature correspondence labels. The approach further involves flagging the one or more feature correspondence labels as potentially incorrect based on determining that the residual error is greater than an error threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: David Johnston Lawlor, Anish Mittal
  • Patent number: 11159728
    Abstract: A camera module has a magnet which is held by a magnet holder included in an optical device part together with a lens holder and which is used in common as a magnet in collaboration with a first coil to move an imaging device and the lens holder relative to each other in a direction of an optical axis, a magnet in collaboration with a second coil to move the imaging device and the optical device part relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, and a magnet of which a magnetic force is detected by a Hall device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Moriya, Masayoshi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 11156905
    Abstract: A control method for a gimbal is provided. The control method includes determining an acceleration of a base of the gimbal and controlling a movement response speed of the gimbal according to the acceleration of the base to allow an attitude adjustment of a camera of the gimbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI OSMO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tie Su, Paul Pan
  • Patent number: 11134197
    Abstract: Provided is an image blur correction device, including a driven member configured to hold a correction target member; a plurality of actuators configured to move a driven member within a plane; a first movable member configured to guide a movement of the driven member in a first direction; a second movable member configured to guide a movement of the driven member in a second direction different from the first direction; and a fixing member configured to movably hold the driven member, the first movable member, and the second movable member, wherein the fixing member is sandwiched at least between the driven member and the first movable member or between the driven member and the second movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinsuke Yoshida, Shunsuke Ninomiya