Patents Examined by Ahmed A Berhan
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Patent number: 11102458Abstract: The present application discloses active/inactive state detection methods, where the method is performed by a monitoring and detecting system, and includes the following: monitoring a distance between an object and a target object within a distance detection range; when the distance between the object and the target object satisfies a first predetermined condition, sending a first instruction to an image acquisition system corresponding to the distance detection range, so as to activate the image acquisition system to obtain an image in an image acquisition area of the image acquisition system; and determining a state of the target object based on a recognition result obtained by performing object recognition on the image in the image acquisition area, where the state of the target object includes an active state and/or an inactive state.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Advanced New Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhe Han, Xiaobo Zhang, Sihai Yao, Jun Wu
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Patent number: 11102432Abstract: An imaging device includes: a first image sensor comprising first pixels that receive incident light, and that include a first and second photoelectric conversion units that are arranged in a first direction; and a second image sensor including second pixels that receive light that has passed through the first image sensor, and that include a third and fourth photoelectric conversion units that are arranged in a second direction that is different from the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Akira Izumi
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Patent number: 11094041Abstract: A method includes determining, using at least one processor, a depth of range of focus for a scene. The method also includes determining, using the at least one processor, multiple layers associated with the scene based on the depth of focus range, where each layer is associated with image data having a different range of disparity values. The method further includes blending, using the at least one processor, the layers to produce an image having a Bokeh effect in a foreground and a background, and focused image data within the depth of focus range. The multiple layers include at least a first layer associated with the foreground, a second layer associated with the depth of focus range, and a third layer associated with the background.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: George Q. Chen
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Patent number: 11095815Abstract: Provided is an image processing apparatus which generates a wide dynamic range (WDR) image using an image sensor. The image processing apparatus includes: an image sensor which outputs image data having a plurality of image channels; a mode setting unit which changes a photographing mode from a first mode in which a first number of sub-images are synthesized to a second mode in which a second number of sub-images are synthesized, based on luminance of the output image data; a register setting unit which changes a register value of the image sensor according to the second mode; and an image signal processor (ISP) which generates a result image by synthesizing the second number of sub-images from the image data according to the changed register value, wherein the second number of sub-images have different exposure times.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chang Min Lee
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Patent number: 11095824Abstract: A finder display unit displays a live view image based on a captured image generated by an imaging unit. A digital signal processing unit detects a movement vector between frames in the live view image for a predetermined portion in the captured image. A digital signal processing unit changes a display range of the live view image on the finder display unit based on the detected movement vector of a peripheral portion in the captured image.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Takeshi Misawa, Michio Cho, Shigeru Kondou, Atsushi Misawa, Shunsuke Miyagishima, Nanae Sakuma
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Patent number: 11082602Abstract: Some embodiments include a camera voice coil motor (VCM) actuator that includes an additive coil structure for shifting a lens along one or multiple axes. The additive coil structure may include a base portion configured to couple with a lens carrier and at least partially surround a perimeter of the lens carrier. In various examples, the additive coil structure may include folded portions that individually include a respective coil that is located proximate a respective magnet. According to various embodiments, the additive coil structure may be formed using an additive process.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Brodie, Aurelien R. Hubert, Scott W. Miller, Shashank Sharma
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Patent number: 11082628Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a method for reducing artefacts caused by the presence of flicker during capture of a video. A sequence of frames of the video are captured, the frames each comprising a plurality of predefined regions each comprising a plurality of pixels. A time-varying oscillation of the flicker is characterized based on variations, across the sequence of frames, of data relating to pixel intensities in at least one said region. Based on the characterizing of the time-varying oscillation of the flicker, a flicker correction is applied to a frame of the video.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignees: Apical Ltd, ARM LimitedInventors: Ozgur Tasdizen, Alexey Kornienko
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Patent number: 11076103Abstract: A method for image capture includes determining an exposure range and setting at least one camera parameter to capture an underexposed image outside the exposure range. The underexposed image is processed using a neural network to recover image details. Image defects due to camera or object motion blur can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2019Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: SPECTRUM OPTIX INC.Inventors: Kevin Gordon, Darcy Daugela, Martin Humphreys
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Patent number: 11076104Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to perform good illumination and obtain a good captured image when a plurality of users each having a camera-equipped portable information terminal device gather in the same place. A camera-equipped portable information terminal device is provided with: an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject; a first illumination means for illuminating the subject; a first communication unit that communicates with other portable information terminal devices; and a first control unit that controls the imaging unit and the first communication unit. The first control unit transmits a light emission instruction signal to the other portable information terminal devices via the first communication unit, and causes a second illumination means of each of the other portable information terminal devices to emit light in tandem with an imaging operation of the imaging unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: MAXWELL, LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Shimizu, Motoyuki Suzuki, Yasunobu Hashimoto, Tomonori Nomura, Kazuhiko Yoshizawa
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Patent number: 11076106Abstract: To provide an observation system and a light source control apparatus capable of more efficiently generating observation light to be used for special observation different from normal observation, and enabling the special observation to be more efficiently performed. An observation system includes: a plurality of light sources that emits light of different wavelength bands that can be combined to generate white light; an optical system that irradiates an observation object with first light that includes light emitted from some of the plurality of light sources; an imaging device that captures an image of the observation object irradiated with the first light; and a light source control unit that controls the quantity of the first light on the basis of the luminance of a pixel corresponding to a predetermined wavelength band in the captured image.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hirotaka Muramatsu, Takashi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 11070742Abstract: A processor of a camera for capturing a time-lapse is configured to acquire a first frame of the time-lapse; calculate an exposure setting for a second frame of the time-lapse; and acquire the second frame of the time-lapse using the exposure setting. The exposure setting prevents a flickering effect in the time-lapse. The exposure setting is determined using one or more preview images that are previewed in a time gap between the first frame and the second frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: GoPro, Inc.Inventors: Nicolas Bessou, Romain Gounelle
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Patent number: 11070718Abstract: Open-loop or feed-forward image stabilization systems and related techniques are provided to improve the accuracy and reliability of imaging systems. An open-loop or feed-forward image stabilization system includes a fast steering mirror assembly, an angular motion sensor, and a logic device. The fast steering mirror assembly adjusts a propagation direction of an optical path for an imaging system. The angular motion sensor is configured to measure and provide an angular motion of the imaging system. The logic device is configured to provide open-loop or feed-forward control for the fast steering mirror assembly by determining a compensating angular offset for the fast steering mirror assembly based, at least in part, on the received angular motion of the imaging system, and by controlling the fast steering mirror assembly to adjust the propagation direction of the optical path for the imaging system according to the determined compensating angular offset.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: FLIR SURVEILLANCE, INC.Inventors: Mitch G. Barton, Charles Rush, Sheldon Johnson
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Patent number: 11070771Abstract: The present application discloses active/inactive state detection methods, where the method is performed by a monitoring and detecting system, and includes the following: monitoring a distance between an object and a target object within a distance detection range; when the distance between the object and the target object satisfies a first predetermined condition, sending a first instruction to an image acquisition system corresponding to the distance detection range, so as to activate the image acquisition system to obtain an image in an image acquisition area of the image acquisition system; and determining a state of the target object based on a recognition result obtained by performing object recognition on the image in the image acquisition area, where the state of the target object includes an active state and/or an inactive state.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Advanced New Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhe Han, Xiaobo Zhang, Sihai Yao, Jun Wu
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Patent number: 11064120Abstract: An imaging-element inclination adjustment mechanism including at least one adjustment member attached to an imaging-element unit in a manner that a position of the adjustment member is adjustable relative to the imaging-element unit, the imaging-element unit holding an imaging element; at least one support member secured to a housing; and at least one securing member engaged with the adjustment member and attached to the support member. The position of the adjustment member is adjusted relative to the imaging-element unit to adjust a position of the imaging-element unit relative to the support member. The support member supports the imaging-element unit via the adjustment member at each of at least three positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Ando
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Patent number: 11064141Abstract: An image sensor may include an array of image pixels. Control circuitry coupled to the array of pixels may be configured to operate the image pixels in an overflow mode of operation, in which each pixel generates an overflow image signal and a complete image signal from a single exposure time period. The overflow image signals and the complete image signals from the pixels may be used to generate a high dynamic range image. While the floating diffusion region in each pixel is not in use, control circuitry may control that pixel to generate a reference signal at the floating diffusion region indicative of pixel-specific dark signal noise. Processing circuitry may mitigate for dark signal non-uniformity across the pixels by correcting the complete image signals using the reference signal to remove dark signal noise in the complete image signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Minseok Oh, Tomas Geurts, Richard Scott Johnson, Kai Shen
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Patent number: 11050935Abstract: An electronic device includes a first device housing and a second device housing, with a hinge coupling the first device housing to the second device housing such that the first device housing is pivotable about the hinge relative to the second device housing between a closed position and an axially displaced open position. At least one inertial motion unit is situated in the first device housing and determines an orientation of the first device housing in three-dimensional space, delivering the same in an orientation determination signal. An inertial motion unit adjustment engine, activated by at least one predefined condition of electronic device, can apply at least one correction factor to the orientation determination signal when activated to create a modified orientation determination signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: John Gorsica, Eric Hefner, Jenna Zylema, Igor Kovalenko
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Patent number: 11050955Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device, a method for driving the solid-state imaging device, and an electronic apparatus, the solid-state imaging device being capable of expanding the dynamic range without deteriorating the image quality. The solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array section having a plurality of unit pixels and a drive section. Each of the unit pixels includes a first photoelectric conversion section, a second photoelectric conversion section which is less sensitive than the first photoelectric conversion section, a charge storage section configured to store charges generated by the second photoelectric conversion section, a charge-voltage conversion section, a first transfer gate section configured to transfer charges from the first photoelectric conversion section, and a second transfer gate section configured to combine the potential of the charge-voltage conversion section with the potential of the charge storage section.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Yorito Sakano, Isao Hirota, Motonobu Torii, Masaaki Takizawa, Junichiro Azami, Motohashi Yuichi, Atsushi Suzuki
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Patent number: 11044432Abstract: An imaging device comprises a first pixel. The first pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element to convert incident light into electric charge, and a first transfer element and a second transfer element to transfer the electric charge. The first transfer element is coupled between the photoelectric conversion element and the second transfer element. The first pixel includes a reset element coupled to the second transfer element, a floating diffusion, and an amplification element coupled to the floating diffusion to amplify a voltage of the floating diffusion. The floating diffusion is coupled between the second transfer element the amplification element.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Shin Kitano
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Patent number: 11039051Abstract: An integrated image sensor and lens assembly comprises a lens barrel holding camera lenses coupled to a lens mount. The lens mount is further coupled to an image sensor substrate that has an image sensor lying on an image plane. The optical distance between lenses and the image sensor is tuned such that the focal plane of the lenses coincides with the image plane. Due to thermal expansion, this optical distance may vary thereby to cause the focal plane of the lenses to shift away from the image plane. The integrated image sensor and lens assembly further comprises spacers that couple one or more lens elements to the lens barrel. The spacers and the lens elements are configured such that the optical distance is maintained to be constant or substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: GoPro, Inc.Inventor: Emilio Graff
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Patent number: 11039052Abstract: The present invention provides a camera module and a molding circuit board assembly, circuit board and application thereof, the circuit board comprising a digital circuit unit, an analog circuit unit and a substrate. The digital circuit nit and the analog circuit unit are respectively formed on the substrate, and the digital circuit unit and the analog circuit unit are conductively connected to each other, wherein at least one part of the analog circuit unit has a safe distance from the digital circuit unit, so as to prevent an electromagnetic wave generated by a circuit of the digital circuit unit from interfering with an electrical signal transmitted and processed by the analog circuit unit, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the transmission and the processing of the electrical signal by the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Mingzhu Wang, Duanliang Cheng, Fengsheng Xi, Bojie Zhao, Takehiko Tanaka, Zhen Huang, Zhenyu Chen, Nan Guo