Patents Examined by Gims Philippe
  • Patent number: 9667864
    Abstract: An image converter partially enlarges and reduces a panorama image. The image converter inputs a panorama image, enlarges/reduces the panorama image, such that an enlargement ratio changes continuously in a continuous area of the panorama image. In the image enlargement/reduction, the panorama image is enlarged and reduced such that a width, in the longitudinal direction of the panorama image, of the panorama image after the enlargement/reduction fits into the original panorama image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Morimura, Qinhe Wang, Mikio Morioka
  • Patent number: 9667841
    Abstract: A processor executes a program and reduces reference and comparative images to reduced reference and comparative images, in a ratio of ½, by setting a pixel signal value of each pixel in each image using pixel signal values for each of four pixels in each of the images. The processor specifies (i) a first corresponding point similar to a first feature point included in the reduced reference image, from the reduced comparative image, using a first filter for 3×3 pixels, and (ii) a second corresponding point similar to a second feature point in the reference image, corresponding to the first feature point, from the comparative image, using a second filter for 5×5 pixels, on the basis of a position of the first corresponding point specified in the reduced comparative image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kawai, Naoki Sumi
  • Patent number: 9667972
    Abstract: When compression encoding processing of an image is performed in units of macroblocks using a pipeline structure, an application of a skip mode or the like according to MPEG4AVC to compression encode an encoding target block requires motion vectors and the like of adjacent blocks of the encoding target block. However, depending on a structure of the pipeline stages, the motion vectors may not be determined. In such cases, the skip mode cannot be applied to compression encode the encoding target block. This problem can be solved by (i) calculating all motion information candidates, of the encoding target block, corresponding to all motion information selectable by a previous block of the encoding target block, and (ii) selecting, as the motion information of the encoding target block in the skip mode, the motion information corresponding to the motion information determined for the previous block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Amano, Takeshi Tanaka, Masaki Maeda, Kenjiro Tsuda, Masayasu Iguchi, Youji Shibahara
  • Patent number: 9661326
    Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for entropy-encoding and entropy-decoding an image. The method for entropy-encoding an image includes operations of arithmetically encoding a binary value of a current coding symbol, by using a probability of a predefined binary value which is determined based on previously-coded symbols that are encoded before the current coding symbol; and updating the probability of the predefined binary value by using a plurality of scaling factors, according to the binary value of the current coding symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Alexander Alshin, Elena Alshina
  • Patent number: 9649980
    Abstract: Captured images obtained beforehand by imaging ranges corresponding to peripheries of a vehicle, or processed images generated to correspond to the captured images are stored to be associated with stored road information of a preset area. A superimposed area having a clarity lower than a preset clarity threshold is set in a captured image of a periphery of the vehicle. A superimposition image is extracted among the stored images, the superimposition image being an image of a range corresponding to the captured image. A superimposed image is generated by superimposing an image in an area in the extracted superimposition image corresponding to the superimposed area on the captured mage. A video generated from the superimposed image is displayed at a position visible from a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seigo Watanabe, Norimasa Kishi, Takura Yanagi, Yoshiro Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 9654772
    Abstract: Techniques for coding data, such as, e.g., video data, include coding a first syntax element, conforming to a particular type of syntax element, of a first slice of video data, conforming to a first slice type, using an initialization value set. The techniques further include coding a second syntax element, conforming to the same type of syntax element, of a second slice of video data, conforming to a second slice type, using the same initialization value set. In this example, the first slice type may be different from the second slice type. Also in this example, at least one of the first slice type and the second slice type may be a temporally predicted slice type. For example, the at least one of the first and second slice types may be a unidirectional inter-prediction (P) slice type, or a bi-directional inter-prediction (B) slice type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Liwei Guo, Muhammed Zeyd Coban, Xianglin Wang, Marta Karczewicz
  • Patent number: 9654805
    Abstract: A method for encoding an image having been cut up into partitions. The method includes: predicting data of a current partition based on an already encoded and then decoded reference partition, generating a predicted partition; determining residual data by comparing data relating to the current partition with the predicted partition, the residual data associated with various digital data items. Prior producing a signal containing the encoded information, performing the following steps: determining, from the predetermined residual data, a subset containing residual data capable of being modified; calculating the value of a function representative of the residual data; comparing the calculated value with a value of at least one of the digital data items; based on the comparison, modification or non-modification of at least one of the residual data items of the subset; and, in the event of a modification, entropy encoding the at least one modified residual data item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Dolby International AB
    Inventors: Felix Henry, Gordon Clare
  • Patent number: 9642513
    Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: EndoChoice Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Levy, Moshiko Levi, Golan Salman, Yaniv Kirma, Leonid Krivopisk, Amram Aizenfeld, Stephan Wieth, Jeruham Avron, Robby Dascalo, Mark Gilreath, Victor Levin
  • Patent number: 9648305
    Abstract: At a first point in time, the amount of opening of a diaphragm is controlled in such a manner that parallax is obtained in a plurality of images that are output as a result of imaging, whereby a parallax image is acquired. At a second point in time, the diaphragm is controlled in such a manner that the amount of opening thereof is made smaller than at the first point in time, whereby a planar image is acquired. Parallax information is calculated based upon the plurality of images acquired at the first point in time, and the planar image acquired at the second point in time is created. This stereoscopic imaging apparatus creates a stereoscopic image comprising parallax information and a planar image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Misawa, Hiroshi Endo
  • Patent number: 9646727
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a system and apparatus for visual inspection of a nuclear vessel. The system includes a submersible remotely operated vehicle (SROV) system that is movable to an area within a nuclear vessel. The SROV system includes a maneuverable inspection camera assembly for visual inspection of nuclear vessel components, where the inspection camera assembly is maneuverable in relation to the SROV system. The system also includes a control system located in an area remote from the area within the nuclear vessel. The control system is configured to control the movement of the SROV system and the maneuvering of the inspection camera assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Lee Smith, Colin F. Kelemen, Vladimir V. Ghita
  • Patent number: 9648396
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to digital communications, and more particularly, to a technique for processing data in a digital communication device so as to reduce channel change times. To this effect, the invention comprises a specific sequencing and arrangement of operations that are required to be executed in the digital communication device during a channel change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing DTV
    Inventors: Thierry Quere, Renaud Rigal
  • Patent number: 9648284
    Abstract: A device to detect occupancy of an environment includes a sensor to capture video frames from a location in the environment. The device may compare rules with data using a rules engine. The microcontroller may include a processor and memory to produce results indicative of a condition of the environment. The device may also include an interface through which the data is accessible. The device may generate results respective to the location in the environment. The microcontroller may be in communication with a network. The video frames may be concatenated to create an overview to display the video frames substantially seamlessly respective to the location in which the sensor is positioned. The overview may be viewable using the interface and the results of the analysis performed by the rules engine may be accessible using the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LIGHTING SCIENCE GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Holland, Julia Sharon Irvin, Eric Thosteson, Benjamin Charles Burns, John Beck
  • Patent number: 9648310
    Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for presenting a stereoscopic, 3-dimensional image to a user. The system may comprise a mobile device having a camera and a pixel-selective mask overlaying a display. The system may perform facial and object recognition techniques to determine the location of the user's eyes. Subsequently, the system may adjust the mask so as to maintain an optimal stereoscopic effect for the user, regardless of the user's position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Lawrence King
  • Patent number: 9641890
    Abstract: An ATSC to DLNA converter receives ATSC signals in an RF broadcast format for conversion to a DLNA packet format for rendering on a DLNA device in response to a subscriber request. The RF (ATSC) to packet (DLNA) converter receives transmissions in a broadcast medium having a format deliverable to a nonselective recipient set based on a broadcast range, and allows selective tuning and redirection to specific recipients via a network identifier. The RF medium is an over the air transmission receivable by a plurality of antennas within range, and the resulting media stream is directed to specific requesting subscribers based on an IP address or other network identifier. A channel mapping between the broadcast medium and the packet based media stream allows a user media selection by identifying desired content via a channel or menu selection, and a broadcast-to-packet conversion encapsulates the media stream payload for a specific recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Chris A. Cholas
  • Patent number: 9635365
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving a coded largest coding unit in a video decoder, wherein the coded largest coding unit includes a coded coding unit structure and a plurality of coded quantization parameters, and decoding the coded largest coding unit based on the coded coding unit structure and the plurality of coded quantization parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Minhua Zhou, Mehmet Demircin, Madhukar Budagavi
  • Patent number: 9635367
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for encoding a video by using block merging and a method and apparatus for decoding a video by using block merging. The method of encoding includes: determining an encoding mode indicating a current data unit for encoding of a picture and an encoding method including prediction encoding performed for the current data unit; determining an occurrence of merging with at least one neighboring data unit based on at least one of the encoding mode and a prediction mode; and determining prediction mode information, merging related information, and prediction related information, and determining encoding information of the data unit including the prediction mode information, the merging related information, and the prediction related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tammy Lee, Woo-jin Han, Il-koo Kim, Sun-il Lee
  • Patent number: 9635364
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving a coded largest coding unit in a video decoder, wherein the coded largest coding unit includes a coded coding unit structure and a plurality of coded quantization parameters, and decoding the coded largest coding unit based on the coded coding unit structure and the plurality of coded quantization parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Minhua Zhou, Mehmet Demircin, Madhukar Budagavi
  • Patent number: 9632324
    Abstract: An autostereoscopic display panel includes a display panel and a barrier panel adjacent to each other. The display panel includes a plurality of pixel units. Each of the pixel units includes a plurality of sub-pixels arranged along a first direction, such that each of the pixel units has a pixel width along the first direction. The barrier panel includes a plurality of barrier units. Each of the barrier units includes at least three barrier electrodes parallel to each other. Each of the barrier electrodes has an electrode width along the first direction, and the electrode width is smaller than the pixel width. An alignment method and an autostereoscopic display method using the autostereoscopic display panel are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: CHUNGHWA PICTURE TUBES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yung-Yu Hsieh, Jhen-Shen Liao
  • Patent number: 9635227
    Abstract: A 3D camera and a mobile terminal having the same can include a front body including a touch screen; a rear body coupled to the front body, the rear body including first and second holes; first and second cameras for capturing an image, the first and second cameras corresponding to the first and second holes; a bracket coupled to the first and second cameras, the bracket including third and fourth holes corresponding the first and second cameras; a main printed circuit board (PCB) for operation of the mobile terminal; a camera PCB coupled to the first and second cameras; and a connector extended from the camera PCB and connected to the main PCB electrically. Also, the bracket surrounds each of the first and second cameras, and at least a portion of the bracket is surrounded by the main PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ramchan Woo, Byungjoon Kim, Jinho Jang, Chiyoung Kim, Jaeyeol Kim
  • Patent number: 9635353
    Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for performing motion estimation encoding and decoding on a video. A method of encoding a video includes splitting a picture by using a maximum coding unit; splitting the maximum coding unit into prediction units, according to a split mode indicating a split form of the maximum coding unit; performing motion estimation on a prediction unit having a size equal to or less than a predetermined size from among the prediction units included in the maximum coding unit, and obtaining a motion vector of the prediction unit having the size equal to or less than the predetermined size; and obtaining a motion vector of a prediction unit having a size greater than the predetermined size, by using the motion vector of the prediction unit having the size equal to or less than the predetermined size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-oh Kim, Chan-sik Park, Young-ho Moon, Kyo-hyuk Lee