Patents Examined by Amy R Hsu
  • Patent number: 11659272
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus that includes one or more image sensors configured to capture a plurality of images and store the captured images in a memory. The apparatus also includes a circuitry that detects an input trigger and continues to capture new images in response to the trigger. The numbers of new images captured are equal in magnitude to half the magnitude of the capacity of the memory. The first new image captured after detecting the trigger is tagged as a reference image. In response to the number of new images captured, the sensors are deactivated and the reference image is displayed immediately on a display panel. On detecting an input operation, the apparatus displays a target image from the plurality of images captured in a quick and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Kosaka, Kenichi Yoneda, Hidehiro Komatsu, Tatsuya Hama, Miyuki Shirakawa, Keiichi Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 11647303
    Abstract: Imagers and associated devices and systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an imager includes a pixel array and control circuitry operably coupled to the pixel array. The pixel array includes an imaging pixel configured to produce a reset signal and a non-imaging pixel configured to produce a nominal reset signal. The control circuity is configured to produce an output signal based at least in part on one of (a) the nominal reset signal when distortion at the imaging pixel exceeds a threshold and (b) the reset signal when distortion does not exceed the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Espen A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 11647265
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a substrate, a housing, and an adhesive. The housing has opposing surfaces respectively opposing side surfaces of a first diagonal portion and second diagonal portion serving as a pair of diagonal portions of the substrate and encloses the substrate. The adhesive is positioned between the side surfaces of the first diagonal portion and the second diagonal portion of the substrate and the opposing surfaces of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Abe, Takahiro Okada
  • Patent number: 11635597
    Abstract: Compact folded lens systems are described that may be used in small form factor cameras. Lens systems are described that may include three lens elements with refractive power, with a light folding element such as a prism, located between a first lens element on the object side of the lens system and a second lens element, that redirects the light refracted from the first lens element from a first axis onto a second axis on which the other lens elements and a photosensor are arranged. The lens systems may include an aperture stop located behind the front vertex of the lens system, for example at the first lens element, and an optional infrared filter, for example located between the last lens element and a photosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yuhong Yao, Yoshikazu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 11637949
    Abstract: An image capture device includes a heatsink that absorbs thermal energy and a first component that generates thermal energy. The image capture device includes a second component that generates thermal energy and a first conductor that extends between the first component and the heatsink, and the first conductor moves thermal energy from the first component to the heatsink by conduction. The image capture device includes a second conductor that extends between the second component and the heatsink, and the second conductor has a portion perpendicularly extended relative to the first conductor. The second conductor moves thermal energy from the second component to the heatsink by conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Kielan C. Crow, Nicholas Vitale, Eduardo Hernandez Pacheco
  • Patent number: 11622173
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lens driving device including a first supporting framework, a second supporting framework, a lens barrel, a bracket assembly which is rotatably connected with the first supporting framework, the first supporting framework is rotatably connected with the second supporting framework; anti-shake magnets fixed on two adjacent first side walls; anti-shake coils fixed on two adjacent second side walls; a flexible printed circuit fixed at a peripheral side of the second supporting framework and electrically connected with the anti-shake coils; and metal sheets respectively opposite to and spaced from two anti-shake magnets and generating mutual magnetic attraction with the anti-shake magnets. Compared with the related art, the lens driving device of the present invention has a simple structure and low production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Changzhou AAC Raytech Optronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tianheng Ni, Rongfu Xie, Feng Yan, Gang Li, Suohe Wei
  • Patent number: 11606495
    Abstract: Provided is a control device that includes a calculation unit that calculates, on a basis of a result of capturing a subject image passed through a focus lens by using an imaging element including a plurality of phase difference detection regions, a focus position of each of the phase difference detection regions and a determination unit that determines a position of the focus lens on a basis of an average value of the focus positions of the phase difference detection regions calculated by the calculation unit and falling within a predetermined range from the focus position on an infinity side or macro side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Ohtsubo, Takeshi Akabane
  • Patent number: 11604332
    Abstract: The present technology relates to an imaging device and an electronic apparatus capable of adjusting a focus position and an image stabilization position with high accuracy. There are provided a lens that converges object light, an imaging element that photoelectrically converts the object light received from the lens, a circuit base that includes a circuit configured to output a signal received from the imaging element to an outside, an actuator that drives the lens with a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) waveform in at least either one of an X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction, and plural detection units that are so disposed as to face plural first coils included in the actuator, and detect magnetic fields generated by the first coils. The present technology is applicable to an imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuji Kimura, Yuki Urano
  • Patent number: 11601593
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for leveling and orienting a trail camera mounted to a stationary object such as tree. For example, a device for leveling and orienting a trail camera includes a housing element comprising a first cavity and a second cavity formed in an upper surface of the housing element, a compass mounted in the first cavity of the housing element, wherein the compass is configured for use in directionally orienting the trail camera in a target direction, and a bubble level mounted in the second cavity of the housing element. The housing element includes at least one flat surface which is placed against a flat surface of a trail camera housing to determine a level position of the trail camera housing using the bubble level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: John T. Buck
  • Patent number: 11588960
    Abstract: A method for assembling a camera device. The camera device has a first camera module including at least one objective device having an optical axis; an electrical heating element; and an electrically conductive contact region; a second camera module which is connectable to the first camera module and has an electrical energy supply for the heating element; and a deflectable connection element for the electrical contacting of the heating element via the contact region, the contacting being a function of an actuation position of an actuating element which is able to be mechanically coupled with the connection element and a connection between the first and the second camera module is established in that the first camera module and the second camera module are mutually fixed in position while the connection element is in a first deflection position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Eckert, Joachim Breidert, Joao Femando Nujo Carrascoza
  • Patent number: 11588959
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a duct; a fan that generates a flow of air in the duct; first, second, and third cooling targets; a first heat sink that absorbs heat of the first cooling target and includes first fins exposed in the duct; a second heat sink that absorbs heat of the second cooling target and includes second fins exposed in the duct; and a third heat sink that absorbs heat of the third cooling target and includes third fins exposed in the duct. The first, second and third fins extend in different directions from one another, as viewed in a direction of the flow of air in the duct, as far as each of the fins gets close to another fin with a predetermined distance apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Amano
  • Patent number: 11586099
    Abstract: An external camera for a vehicle and its method of manufacture involve providing a camera assembly comprising a lens assembly comprising a lens and a lens holder that houses at least a portion the lens assembly and defining an inner surface, forming an induction coil integrated in the inner surface of the lens holder, the induction coil being configured to generate heat energy to defrost the lens, providing a camera housing that houses the camera assembly, and housing the camera assembly within the camera housing to form the external camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Yew Kwang Low
  • Patent number: 11586100
    Abstract: An information handling system peripheral camera is built by inserting a subassembly into a cylindrical housing and enclosing the subassembly with a bezel at the front and cover at the rear. The cylindrical housing is extruded with aluminum to have seams formed along the length of the interior. The seams provide alignment of the subassembly and are machined at the front and rear to form threads that accept screws to couple the bezel and rear cover to the cylindrical housing. To hide the screws, a back plate couples over the rear cover and an opaque treatment is applied to a circumference of a cover glass placed over the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Peng Lip Goh, Celia Law, Deeder M. Aurongzeb
  • Patent number: 11588980
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the quality of photographs taken in low-light conditions by adjustment of shutter speed and digital gain based on a shutter prioritization value. Using a network of sensor, a digital camera processes various parameters, such as light level of the scene and movement of the camera or of subjects within the scene, to compute a shutter prioritization value. The value is then used to select the most appropriate shutter speed and digital gain combination from a constant exposure curve. Higher prioritization values correspond to faster shutter speeds and higher digital gain. Lower prioritization values correspond to lower shutter speeds and lower digital gain. In further embodiments, the shutter prioritization value may be manually customized by a user in order to produce artistic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Camden Ramsay
  • Patent number: 11582374
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reading device is a device for obtaining information for identifying a merchandise, and includes a housing, an imaging unit, a main illumination unit, and an auxiliary illumination unit. The housing includes a reading window having a property of transmitting light. The imaging unit is built in the housing and captures an image through the reading window. The main illumination unit illuminates an imaging target located on the opposite side of the imaging unit with the reading window interposed therebetween by emitting light outward the housing, and is arranged at the upper edge portion of the reading window. The auxiliary illumination unit illuminates the imaging target by emitting light outward the housing through the reading window, and is arranged inner side than the main illumination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Harada, Shinsuke Yajima, Yoshiya Yamada, Hidehiro Naito
  • Patent number: 11582388
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a camera actuator includes an actuator base, an autofocus voice coil motor, and an optical image stabilization voice coil motor. In some embodiments, the autofocus voice coil motor includes a lens carrier mounting attachment moveably mounted to the actuator base, a plurality of shared magnets mounted to the base, and an autofocus coil fixedly mounted to the lens carrier mounting attachment for producing forces for moving a lens carrier in a direction of an optical axis of one or more lenses of the lens carrier. In some embodiments, the optical image stabilization voice coil motor includes an image sensor carrier moveably mounted to the actuator base, and optical image stabilization coils moveably mounted to the image sensor carrier within the magnetic fields of the shared magnets, for producing forces for moving the image sensor carrier in a plurality of directions orthogonal to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aurelien R. Hubert, Qiang Yang, Douglas S. Brodie, Scott W. Miller, Shashank Sharma
  • Patent number: 11575815
    Abstract: A driving module includes a base, a first shiftable plate, a second shiftable plate and a carrier. A plurality of first rolling members are disposed between the first shiftable plate and the carrier, so that the first shiftable plate is movable relative to the base along a first direction. A plurality of second rolling members are disposed between the second shiftable plate and the first shiftable plate, so that the second shiftable plate is movable relative to the first shiftable plate along a second direction, and the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. A plurality of third rolling members are disposed between the carrier and the second shiftable plate, so that the carrier is movable relative to the second shiftable plate along a third direction, and the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: LARGAN DIGITAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin-An Chang, Ming-Ta Chou, Chen-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 11570334
    Abstract: A lens driving device includes a fixing bracket; first and second support frames; a rotation assembly including first and second rolling balls so that the fixing bracket and the first support frame are spaced apart from each other and form a rotational connection about a first direction, and the first and second support frames are spaced apart from each other and form a rotational connection about a second direction; a driving assembly for driving the fixing bracket to rotate relative to the first and second support frames about the first direction and for driving the first support frame to rotate relative to the second support frame about the second direction; a flexible circuit board; and first and second elastic support components. The lens driving device reduces the height of the overall structure, and effectively reduces the height of the lens driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Changzhou AAC Raytech Optronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tianheng Ni, Feng Yan, Suohe Wei
  • Patent number: 11554840
    Abstract: A buoyant camera device that is mechanically connectable to existing equipment to image underwater objects and underwater processes, and method of using the device to image the underwater objects and the underwater processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Fugro N.V.
    Inventor: Chad Pastor
  • Patent number: 11558535
    Abstract: A camera assembly for an interior of an automobile is disclosed. The camera assembly includes a lens, an image sensor, a printed circuit board, at least one illuminator, and a lens mount. The lens, image sensor and at least one illuminator are operatively connected to the printed circuit board. The lens mount includes at least one integrated heat sink configured to dissipate heat from the at least one illuminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Active Safety and Electronics US LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Rivas, Jeff Dudek