Miscellaneous Patents (Class 396/661)
  • Patent number: 11614215
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a pixel array of light-emitting pixels arranged next to one another. The pixel array includes light-emitting pixels with different pixel shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: OSRAM OLED GMBH
    Inventors: Robert Regensburger, Stefan Groetsch, Ulrich Frei, Peter Brick
  • Patent number: 11157217
    Abstract: A method for evaluating a print quality of a printed document that is printed by a printer is provided. The printer comprises a pre-print image scanner, a post-print image scanner, and a printhead disposed between the pre-print image scanner and the post-print image scanner. The method comprises generating a pre-printing image of a print media, generating the printed document, generating a post-printing image of the printed document, generating a validation image by comparing the post-printing image with the pre-printing image, and comparing the validation image with the source image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: DATAMAX-O'NEIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jose Fernando Sanchez Gutierrez, Ronald Schwallie, Thomas Axel Jonas Celinder, H Sprague Ackley
  • Patent number: 10819895
    Abstract: An imaging control unit of the disclosure includes a first converter that performs analog-digital conversion operation in a first conversion period on the basis of a pixel signal supplied from a first pixel included in a first region of an imaging section, a second converter that performs the analog-digital conversion operation in a second conversion period on a basis of a pixel signal supplied from a second pixel included in a second region that is different from the first region, of the imaging section, and a controller that controls a time length of the first conversion period to become shorter than a time length of the second conversion period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kousuke Kamino
  • Patent number: 10610097
    Abstract: A component for a mobile computer device, such as a smartphone, can be secured to the housing of the mobile computer device. The component can deflect the light of a built-in light source of the mobile computer device with an optical element and optionally filter the same, or can provide its own light source to improve the option of measuring eccentric photorefraction using the mobile computer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignees: Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH, Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Tobias Breuninger, Frank Schäffel, Siegfried Wahl, Karsten Lindig, Arne Ohlendorf, Jesús-Miguel Cabeza-Guillén
  • Patent number: 10245728
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes at least one three-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) camera configured to monitor a safety-critical area. An evaluation unit is configured to activate a safety function upon an entrance of at least one of an object and a person into the monitored area and to suppress the activation of the safety function where at least one clearance element is recognized as being present on the at least one of the object and the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: PMDTECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Javier Massanell, Thomas May, Manfred Strobel
  • Patent number: 10005780
    Abstract: The present invention provides an advantageous production method of an imidazole derivative, which is suitable for industrial production. Compound (VI) is produced by reacting compound (I) with a Grignard reagent or a magnesium reagent, and a lithium reagent, and then reacting the resulting compound with compound (V).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
    Inventors: Yoichi Kawabata, Yasuhiro Sawai, Kazuaki Kanno, Naotaka Sawada
  • Patent number: 9968176
    Abstract: An image processing method including: determining whether an operation mode of a system is a control mode for still image display or a view mode for video display; and performing processing in accordance with the operation mode. Processing in the control mode includes: specifying a specific video frame image including a suitable image of a subject of image processing, from among video frame images of a video constituted of a plurality of video frame images each including an image of the subject; displaying the specific video frame image as a still image; and receiving control related to image processing from a user. Processing in the view mode includes: performing image processing with respect to each video frame image that is input, one video frame image at a time; and displaying the result of image processing for the user to view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroto Tomita, Phu Nguyen, Tadanori Tezuka
  • Patent number: 9946151
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for producing a mask and a mask obtained by this method. The mask is configured to shield light during an exposure of a product. The method includes steps of: producing a composite membrane, wherein the composite membrane includes a first protection layer, a bonding layer, a shielding layer and a second protection layer stacked in sequence; only cutting the first protection layer, the bonding layer and the shielding layer of the composite membrane, wherein a cutting line corresponds to a shape of an area to be exposed of the product; removing the first protection layer and cut portions of the bonding layer and the shielding layer which have a same shape as that of the area to be exposed; attaching the formed composite membrane onto a base substrate of an open mask, and removing the second protection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaolei Zhang, Seiji Fujino, Xiaohu Wang
  • Patent number: 9809152
    Abstract: A smart light assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That smart light assembly includes an electronic sensing device dedicated to the smart light assembly, an adjustable beam light source and a controller directly connected to the adjustable beam light source. A smart lighting system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Thomas Remillard, Michael Bryan VanBelle
  • Patent number: 9794475
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may allow for dynamic image capture based on biometric data. An example device may include an image-capture device and a control system configured to: cause the image-capture device to capture video data; receive biometric data, which may be generated synchronously with the video data, from one or more sensors; while the image-capture device is capturing video data, control at least one image-capture setting of the image capture device based, at least in part, on the biometric data. The at least one image-capture setting affects the captured video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Basheer Tome, Hayes Solos Raffle
  • Patent number: 9544462
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing unit, an image processing unit, a database, a display unit, a coordinate acquisition unit, a shooting parameter decision unit and a control unit. The image capturing unit acquires image data. The image processing unit performs image processing. The database includes a relationship between a sensitivity word pair and a change in a control parameter. The display unit displays an operation position together with the sensitivity word pair. The coordinate acquisition unit decides a value corresponding to the sensitivity word pair as a selected value. The shooting parameter decision unit decides a value of a shooting parameter based on the selected value. The control unit controls the image capturing unit or the image processing unit based on the value of the shooting parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Maruyama, Tomomi Nakajima, Kensei Ito, Naoki Fujii, Osamu Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9433065
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a light emitting diode array, and a time of flight ranging system. A logic circuit determines a distance to an object using the time of flight ranging system and controls the light emitting diode array based upon the distance to the object. A receptacle is coupled to the logic circuit, and sized and configured to fit within and be powered from a light bulb socket. In some applications, the logic circuit may activate the light emitting diode array when the object is less than a threshold distance away from the lighting system and deactivate the light emitting diode array when the object is greater than the threshold distance away from the lighting system. In further applications, the logic circuit may activate the light emitting diode array at a duty cycle that varies based upon the distance to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Raynor
  • Patent number: 9407815
    Abstract: Aspects provide for location and time aware photographic scene matching and recommendations by identifying a location of a target scene displayed within a field of view of an electronic display screen of a camera device. A repository is searched for picture(s) related to the identified location and indicated in a social network as attractive. Recommendation information is generated from picture(s) retrieved from the repository search as related to the identified location and indicated in the social network as attractive. Thus, the camera device electronic display screen is driven to present the recommendation information within the field of view of the target scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Craig M. Trim
  • Patent number: 9255699
    Abstract: Motion sensing dock lighting systems are disclosed. An example lighting system for use at a loading dock where a material handling device is used to load or unload a vehicle parked at the loading dock includes a motion sensing system to be spaced apart from the material handling device. The motion sensing system is to provide an operation signal in response to the material handling device undergoing a change in travel direction within the vehicle. The example lighting system also includes a lamp to be operatively connected in signal communication with the motion sensing system so as to receive the operation signal from the motion sensing system. The lamp is to have a first illuminating mode and a second illuminating mode, and the lamp is to switch between the first illuminating mode and the second illuminating mode in response to the operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron J. Wiegel, Jason Dondlinger, Joe Korman, Lucas I. Paruch, Ronald P. Snyder, Andy Olson, Charles Waugaman, Matthew McNeill
  • Patent number: 9055215
    Abstract: An image capture device (1) includes: a storage unit (19) that stores a plurality of discriminators corresponding to a plurality of photographing environment types, respectively; an acquisition unit (42) that sequentially acquires images; a selection unit (41) that selects a specific discriminator from among a plurality of discriminators that corresponds to the plurality of photographing environments, respectively; and a detection unit (43) that detects an image of a subject in images sequentially acquired by the acquisition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masanori Ishihara
  • Patent number: 9041809
    Abstract: A periphery monitoring apparatus capable of photographing a vicinity of a vehicle without impairing the outer appearance of the vehicle includes a light source configured to be provided in the vehicle for illuminating the periphery of the vehicle, and a camera photographing a condition of the periphery of the vehicle with an optical axis changed by a mirror toward the underside of the circumferential edge of the vehicle illuminated by at least a portion of light irradiated from the light source reflected by the mirror configured to be disposed on the outer side of the circumferential edge of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hidehiko Miyoshi, Kazuya Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130315578
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating lenticular prints, generally for use as postcards, in which an historical photograph is interlaced with a contemporary photograph. In order to provide a more accurate illusion of morphing between photographs, the photographer determines the approximate position and orientation of the original camera lens, the approximate equivalent focal length and f-stop (i.e., lens aperture) of the original lens. He may also attempt to duplicate other parameters of the original photograph, such as the time of day and time of year, as well as other physical conditions such as cloud cover and snowfall. No matter how hard a photographer may try, some historical photographs will be impossible to simulate, as certain conditions may be impossible to replicate. Natural processes or man-made changes, such as new buildings or the destruction of old buildings may either preclude or hamper complete simulation of the original photograph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Kemal Arin, Goktan N. Goktas
  • Patent number: 8510855
    Abstract: An image distribution apparatus capable of preventing a third party from knowing that a photographer is away from a specific place, based on information indicative of shooting date and time or a shooting location, which is stored in a manner associated with an image shot by the photographer. A blog server receives an image from an camera-equipped cellular phone. The image has location information added thereto which is indicative of a location where the cellular phone existed during shooting processing of the image. The blog server stores the image, and determines whether a location indicated by the location information is within a predetermined area. The blog server permits distribution of the image via a network if the location is determined to be within the predetermined area, but inhibits distribution of the image if the location is not determined to be within the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroto Oka
  • Publication number: 20110229121
    Abstract: A camera lens holder configured to hold a camera lens when the lens is not attached to a camera body. The camera lens holder includes a back plate and an adapter plate associated with the back plate. The back plate and adapter plate may be movably connected with a hinge. The lens holder also includes a lens mount configured to engage with a camera lens associated with the adapter plate. The camera lens holder may include a lens release mechanism to selectively prohibit or allow the removal of a camera lens which has been engaged with the lens mount. Also disclosed is a lens holding system and a method of holding a spare camera lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: PRESS THREE PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.
    Inventor: Riley Kimball
  • Patent number: 7970136
    Abstract: A roll of label stock includes a plurality of first regions suitable for being printed on by thermal printing. The first regions are blank. The label stock also includes a plurality of pre-printed color images, each associated with a respective one of the first regions. A stamp printer that prints postage indicia on the label stock refrains from printing an image thereon, but would print images on another type of label stock that does not include pre-printed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Blumberg, David W. Beckstrom, Thomas J. Foth, David K. Asano, Ian A. Siveyer
  • Patent number: 7953316
    Abstract: The invention as presently conceived discloses an apparatus that provides the dual function of protecting the contents of a camera bag as well as providing an elevated platform, specifically for a photographer. The apparatus resembles a conventional step-stool with a single step; however, it has two adjustable straps capable of securing a large camera bag containing multiple cameras and accessories to a bottom surface of the stool. The stool's rigid structure and design protects the bag and its contents from damage. The top of the stool surface is covered with a semi-cushioning, non-stick surface to prevent slippage. When functioning as only a stool, it allows a photographer to have additional height when shooting photographs, or serve as a small chair to sit upon when waiting for a photographic opportunity, or as a small work table to place camera parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Bryan Mamaclay
  • Patent number: 7899322
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes the following elements. A photographing unit photographs an object. A position detecting unit detects the position of the photographing apparatus. A direction detecting unit detects the direction of the photographing apparatus when the object is photographed. An angle-of-view detecting unit detects the angle of view of the photographed image. A recommended-composition information obtaining unit obtains recommended-composition information including a recommended angle of view of the image photographed at the detected position and a recommended direction. An angle-of-view comparing unit compares the detected angle of view with the recommended angle of view. An angle-of-view adjusting unit adjusts the angle of view in accordance with the result of the comparison. A direction comparing unit compares the detected direction with the recommended direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomonori Masuno, Shinichiro Gomi, Masaru Suzuki, Yusuke Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100322617
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multimedia multifunctional photo kiosk combination device, wherein a multimedia device is structured from a display interface and an access device. The access device is structured from a housing and a connector module, and the connector module is structured from a control circuit board and a connector circuit board. The control circuit board is embedded into a side of the housing, and the control circuit board and the connector circuit board are mutual connected using a connector interface to provide electric conductance therebetween. Accordingly, when the connector circuit board is damaged, then the connector circuit board is directly separated from the control circuit board, thereby achieving convenient extraction and facilitating use by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Hsien-Rong Liang
  • Publication number: 20100310246
    Abstract: In a camera system with a variable aperture, variations can be used to tune a variety of optical parameters otherwise incapable of being tuned within the structural limitations of the camera system or to optimize tradeoffs between competing factors such as diffraction limits and lens aberrations. For example, the variable aperture can be used to avoid overexposure or underexposure of an image due to improper illumination of an object. The variable aperture can be used to tune hyperfocal distance, enabling an accurate focus of an object to be obtained even if the camera lens is incapable of auto-focusing. In a camera with a lens having a focal length that varies with radial position from the lens center, the variable aperture can achieve the effect of auto-focus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Scott P. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100202771
    Abstract: A CPU 20 of a lens device 10 controls an iris 22 based on iris control commands which are supplied from a CPU 40 of a camera body 12 by serial communication. In doing this, the CPU 20 changes a proportional gain for proportionally controlling the iris according to the communication interval between the control commands, to an appropriate value so that the controlled object operates smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Chikatsu Moriya, Hiroshi Mizumura
  • Patent number: 7729611
    Abstract: In order to detect a position of an optical recording medium on which printing is performed, it is provided an optical sensor provided with include a photo emitter operable to emit light and a photo receiver operable to receive light and output a first signal in accordance with an amount of the received light. The optical sensor is transported to a position above a marker provided on the tray. Light is emitted from the photo emitter to irradiate the marker. Light reflected from the marker is received by the photo receiver. A reference value is determined based on a first value of the first signal outputted when the marker is irradiated. A predetermined calculation is executed with respect to the reference value to determine a threshold value. The optical sensor is transported above the tray, while emitting light from the photo emitter and comparing the first signal outputted from the photo receiver with the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Niioka, Eiichi Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7720373
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image pickup apparatus which includes an image pickup unit, a first optical member, a film, a second optical member, and a luminosity correcting filter. The image pickup unit includes an image sensor. The first optical member is operatively attached to the image pickup unit and formed of a birefringent crystal material. The film is disposed between the first optical member and an image pickup optical system and formed of an organic material. The second optical member is operatively attached to a first side of the film. The luminosity correcting filter is operatively attached to a second side of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuo Konno
  • Patent number: 7715708
    Abstract: An optical sensor is transported to a position above a marker on a tray, where it irradiates the marker and measures the reflected light so as to obtain a reference value. A threshold value is determined based on the reference value. The optical sensor is transported above the tray, while emitting light and measuring reflected light. The measured amount is compared with the threshold value. A marker position is identified based on the comparison and the threshold value. A start print position is based on the marker position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Niioka
  • Publication number: 20100091254
    Abstract: A light guide of the tapered-waveguide type includes an input slab (30) for expanding a projected image between an input end and an output end (40); and a tapered output slab (10) arranged to receive rays from the said output end of the input slab, and to emit them at a point on its face that corresponds to the angle at which the ray is received. The taper is calculated so that all rays injected into the input end undergo the same number of reflections before leaving the output face. The thickness of the input slab light guide (30) is greater in the transverse direction away from the centre line C, so that light travelling at the critical angle from the input face of the slab waveguide towards the output waveguide (10) bounces the same number of times in the input slab, regardless of its fan-out angle, in order to further reduce image distortion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Travis, Timothy Andrew Large, Neil Emerton
  • Publication number: 20100074613
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes the following elements. A photographing unit photographs an object. A position detecting unit detects the position of the photographing apparatus. A direction detecting unit detects the direction of the photographing apparatus when the object is photographed. An angle-of-view detecting unit detects the angle of view of the photographed image. A recommended-composition information obtaining unit obtains recommended-composition information including a recommended angle of view of the image photographed at the detected position and a recommended direction. An angle-of-view comparing unit compares the detected angle of view with the recommended angle of view. An angle-of-view adjusting unit adjusts the angle of view in accordance with the result of the comparison. A direction comparing unit compares the detected direction with the recommended direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Tomonori MASUNO, Shinichiro GOMI, Masaru SUZUKI, Yusuke NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 7630630
    Abstract: A person image correcting apparatus, a person image correcting method, and a person image correcting program that allow reproducing face colors of a plurality of images on which persons are photographed, with appropriate colors and densities, and performing appropriate correction for the entirety of the images, regardless of whether the plurality of images are shot under identical shooting conditions or under different shooting conditions, are proposed. The person image correcting apparatus includes a face region extracting unit for extracting a face region from the plurality of person images that are inputted, an identical shooting condition determining unit for determining whether or not the plurality of person images are shot under identical shooting conditions, and an image correcting unit for correcting at least one of color and density of the person images based on a result of determination of the identical shooting condition determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Kagaya
  • Patent number: 7568847
    Abstract: A nose pad for camera includes a base plate, at least one projecting portion mounted to the base plate, and a sheet portion mounted to an edge of the base plate at an edge of the sheet portion and extending obliquely upwardly over the base plate and the sheet portion. The projecting portion has an arc shape so that the nose pad can fit a contour of a nose. The sheet portion is designed to have a reasonable space in between the sheet portion and the projecting portion, so that the nose of the user can softly touch the camera when the nose pad is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Takashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 7546028
    Abstract: An inclination angle adjusting mechanism includes a mounting plate to which an image pickup device is mounted; a reference member holding the mounting plate; through-holes formed in the mounting plate; screw bearing seats projecting from the reference member; adjustment screws screwed into female screw holes formed in the screw bearing seats, respectively, and head portions of the adjustment screws being in contact with the mounting plate; and a biasing device so as to bring the mounting plate into contact with back surfaces of the adjustment screws. Maximum tightening positions of the adjustment screws are defined by engagement of back surfaces of the head portions with ends of the screw bearing seats, wherein the mounting plate remains not in contact with the reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nomura, Shinya Suzuka, Ken Endo
  • Patent number: 7525697
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a white balance processing apparatus including: white balance processing means for effecting white balance processing on a taken image based on a set white balance value; storage means for storing white balance values employed in the white balance processing of past taken images; and employed value setting means for setting a white balance value employed in the past, stored in the storage means as the white balance value for the taken image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Suekane, Hiroyuki Watanabe, Akira Yukitake, Koh Yokokawa
  • Patent number: 7515827
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes a storage device for storing a silhouette image; an image sensor for capturing a first image of an object, the first image including a first object image and a first background image; a comparison module for comparing the first object image with respect to the silhouette image to obtaining a base difference; and a correction module for correcting position of the first object image with respect to the first image to obtain a second image of the object according to the base difference. The second image includes a second object image incorporating with the silhouette image to define a first difference that is smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Way Chen
  • Patent number: 7512326
    Abstract: Artificial foliage is described for use in camouflaging underwater structures, and/or for serving as cover vegetation which attracts aquatic life. A preferred version of the artificial foliage includes an elongated stem having shoots (e.g., leaves and/or branches) extending therefrom, a ballast weight connected to one of the stem ends, and a float and/or tensioning line connected to the opposite stem end for supporting the stem at least partially upright in the water above the ballast. The ballast may take a variety of forms, such as a conventional fishing sinker, sinkable structures such as bait traps or anchors, or an underwater camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: John T. Eldredge, Charles L. Eldredge, Michael J. Laqua
  • Publication number: 20080002970
    Abstract: A solderable CCM (Compact Camera Module) contains a main board, a CCM base and a lens module. The CCM base is placed on the main board. The lens module is disposed in the CCM base. A thermal insulating gap covers the CCM base to prevent the high temperature of the SMT (Surface Mount Technology) process from affecting the optical properties of the lens module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Wen Cheng
  • Patent number: 7209653
    Abstract: Photographic images of local area events are efficiently provided. Each of a plurality of laboratories obtains photographic images of events in their local areas and uploads the images to a management server. The management server stores the images, correlated with area specifying data that specifies the location of the laboratory which has uploaded them. A user transmits the zip code of an area in which an event for which he desires photographic images was held, via an Internet television set. The management server searches for images uploaded by a laboratory in an area that matches the transmitted zip code, and transmits the images to the Internet television set. The user selects desired images. Then, the management server generates and transmits an output command that causes a laboratory to print the images selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Umeda
  • Patent number: 7190895
    Abstract: A photographic imaging system and method for brachytherapy device verification is disclosed. The method involves receiving an order from a customer; loading a container with materials according to the order to create a loaded container; making a photographic image of the loaded container; and using the photographic image to verify that the order and the loaded container match. The verification system employs an order form, a photographic imaging device and apparatus for associating information with the photographic image to provide verification that an order has been filled correctly. Also disclosed is a brachytherapy system including at least one container containing radioactive brachytherapy materials, an order form and at least one photographic image of said at least one container showing the radioactive brachytherapy materials. The brachytherapy system of the invention ensures easy, safe and essentially error-free verification that orders for brachytherapy materials have been properly filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Theragenics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew T. Groves, Jack C. White, James C. Cauthen
  • Patent number: 7187859
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards adhering a contact lens button on a fixture for use in shaping, forming and/or otherwise configuring a contact lens. For example, in accordance with one exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a combination of adhesive materials are used to adhere the lens to the fixture. For example, a first layer of water soluble adhesive is placed on the lens button. A second layer of non-water soluble adhesive is then placed on the first layer, and the button is mounted to the fixture. Both layers are subsequently removable by placing the button in a water bath, dissolving the water soluble layer and likewise separating the water insoluble layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Paragon Vision Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Hank Stute
  • Patent number: 7171115
    Abstract: An index print of photographic images is created on a CD containing digital data representing those images. Photographic images are digitized to produce digital image data which is stored on the CD. This digital image data is also used to create an index print containing thumbnail images of all of the photographs stored on the CD. The index print is then affixed to the top surface of the CD either by being printed on a label that is adhered to the disk surface, or by being printed directly on the surface of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James A. Truc, Cal Wright
  • Patent number: 7068928
    Abstract: A photographic imaging apparatus includes a housing defining an interior cavity, an opening at one end of the housing to allow light to enter the interior cavity, and a photographic imaging substrate located within the interior cavity opposite from the opening for receiving the light entering the interior cavity through the opening, the photographic imaging substrate including a light passing substrate, a photosensitive agent capable of producing oxygen in the presence of light, and precursor gas, the photosensitive agent being supported on the light passing substrate away from the opening, and exposable to light that has passed through the light passing substrate from the opening, and an oxidizable surface positioned in close association with the photosensitive agent, the oxidizable surface is chemically reactive, the reaction being enhanced by electric current, to yield a visual change or image upon exposure to oxygen produced by the photosensitive agent upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Carl M. Mohrin
  • Patent number: 7043157
    Abstract: Improved index prints for photofinishing services are provided where the imagettes are grouped by event or subject matter. Permanently attached index print labels incorporating these and other features are provided for digital still image storage devices are also provided. A magnifying storage case which allows easier viewing of the index prints is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dale F. McIntyre, William C. Archie
  • Publication number: 20040252993
    Abstract: Infrared camera 5, infrared luminescence equipment 2, and shutter synchronous luminescence drive 7 are arranged in mirror case 6 at the back side of cold mirror 3, infrared luminescence equipment 2 synchronizes with shutter operation of the infrared camera 5 by the shutter synchronous luminescence drive 7, to do intermittent luminescence operation. And clear and exact stable photography picture is obtained without being influenced by disturbance light, without a driver and a fellow passenger who are a photographic subject having sense of incongruity in any way, without making them conscious of existence of an infrared camera also.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Hidenori Sato
  • Patent number: 6829433
    Abstract: An electrostatic actuator includes first and second electrode portions disposed at predetermined intervals, each electrode portion including one or more series of electrodes arranged successively in a predetermined direction; a slider disposed between the first and second electrode portions and having electrode portions at side faces opposed to the first and second electrode portions, the slider being movable in the predetermined direction; an electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit configured to detect electrostatic capacitances between each series of electrodes of the first and second electrode portions and the electrode portions of the slider; and a driving circuit configured to drive the slider in the predetermined direction by applying voltages between selected series of electrodes of one of the first and second electrode portions and the electrode portions of the slider, said selected series of electrodes being selected based on a detected result of the electrostatic capacitance detecting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Akihiro Kasahara
  • Publication number: 20040234261
    Abstract: Improved index prints for photofinishing services are provided where the imagettes are grouped by event or subject matter. Permanently attached index print labels incorporating these and other features are provided for digital still image storage devices are also provided. A magnifying storage case which allows easier viewing of the index prints is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Dale F. McIntyre, William C. Archie
  • Patent number: 6793413
    Abstract: A nose pad for a camera includes a flat sheet portion and at least one projecting portion projecting from a front surface of the flat sheet portion. The projecting portion has an inclined surface at one side thereof so that when the nose pad is attached to the camera, a nose of a user can be put on the inclined surface to immovably hold the camera supported with hands. When a shutter switch is pushed, the camera can be held properly without moving the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Takashi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6778776
    Abstract: There is disclosed a photo-stimulable imaging film restoration apparatus comprised of a housing defining a chamber for a light source and having an opening for a translucent plate member having a front surface including a member for positioning proximate the plate member imaging film for restoration and facile removal by grasping side portions of an imaging film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Air Techniques, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgar Alzner, Eddy Paultre
  • Publication number: 20040156630
    Abstract: A method comprises the step of reading multi level data of reference of each of colors from a printed paper on which images are printed to be good. The multi level data of reference are converted into two level data of reference so that two level data of images of reference can be reproduced in a memory from the two level data of reference. The method further comprises the step of reading multi level data of inspection of each of colors from a printed paper which is fed when inspecting. The multi level data of inspection are converted into two level data of inspection so that two level images of inspection can be reproduced in the memory from the two level data of inspection. The method further comprises the step of comparing the two level images of inspection with the two level images of reference for inspection of stained parts and blurred parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshio Tsukamoto, Akira Kurachi
  • Publication number: 20040146294
    Abstract: A plurality of sheet feed units 11, 12, . . . have the same circuit structure with each other. One ends of sensors 113 through 116 which detect whether there is a sheet and the size of the sheet are connected in parallel with sensors which are disposed to other units via communication lines, and also with input ports of a CPU 101 of a main printer section 10. On the other hand, the other ends of the sensors are connected with a transistor 103a which is disposed to the main printer section 10. For instance, as the CPU 101 switches a port SELL to the H level, the transistor 103a turns on and voltages at the input ports of the CPU 101 change in accordance with the states of the sensors 113 through 116, i.e., the state of sheet feed unit 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junji Shirokoshi