Patents Examined by Hung Lam
  • Patent number: 10070021
    Abstract: The camera-covering accessory for a computer is configured for use with an image sensor. The image sensor is mounted on a flat surface. The camera-covering accessory for a computer is a protective structure that: 1) encloses the image sensor when the image sensor is not in use; and, 2) forms an aperture that allow light to enter the image sensor when the image sensor is in use. The camera-covering accessory for a computer is a self-mounting structure that is placed directly over the image sensor. The camera-covering accessory for a computer comprises a barrier structure, a shutter door, and an adhesive. The shutter door is formed within the barrier structure. The adhesive attaches the barrier structure to the flat surface the images sensor is mounted on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Ryan Rolle
  • Patent number: 10063772
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus sends an image to an external apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a communication control unit, and a processing unit. The communication control unit, when an image is photographed by an image capture unit, controls the first communication unit to automatically send the photographed image to an external apparatus, and the communication control unit, controls the first communication unit to manually send the photographed image which is stored and is selected by a user to an external apparatus. The processing unit, when sending an image to an external apparatus, processes an image sent based on whether sending the image is the automatic sending or the manual sending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Nara, Jun Hosoda, Yuji Kuriyama, Yoshinori Tomidokoro, Toshiya Kiso, Takuya Yamada, Daisuke Otani
  • Patent number: 10063778
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for continuous image capturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a method includes continuously capturing a sequence of images with an image capturing device. The method may further include storing a predetermined number of the sequence of images in a buffer. The method may further include receiving a user request to capture an image. In response to the user request, the method may further include automatically selecting one of the buffered images based on an exposure time of one of the buffered images. The sequence of images is captured prior to or concurrently with receiving the user request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Brunner, Nikhil Bhogal, James David Batson
  • Patent number: 10057471
    Abstract: The accessory provides a notification channel used for providing a notice from an image-capturing apparatus to the accessory, a first data communication channel used for data transmission from the accessory to the image-capturing apparatus, and a second data communication channel used for data transmission from the image-capturing apparatus to the accessory. The image-capturing apparatus switches the second data communication channel from a second setting to a first setting after the accessory completes switching of the second data communication channel from the second setting to the first setting. An accessory controller switches a signal level on the first communication channel from the first level to the second level to notify the image-capturing apparatus of the completion of the switching of the second data communication channel from the second setting to the first setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 10051214
    Abstract: An image sensor may include an array of image sensor pixels. Each pixel may have a photodiode, a charge storage region, and a charge overflow circuit. The charge storage region may be used to operate the image sensor array in global shutter mode. During high light level illumination, the charge overflow circuit may divert charge away from the photodiode such that only a predetermined portion of the accumulated charge remains in the photodiode. During low light level illumination all of the accumulated charge may be stored in the pixel photodiode. The charge overflow circuit may include a transistor and a resistor or capacitor. By implementing a charge overflow circuit, the size of the charge storage region may be reduced while still preserving the high dynamic range and low noise of the image sensor during all light illumination conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jaroslav Hynecek
  • Patent number: 10051191
    Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting brightness of a scene are disclosed. The predictions are used to set exposure settings of an imaging sensor, such as exposure time or sensor gain. In one aspect, a method include capturing an image with the imaging sensor, determining a pan direction of the imaging sensor, predicting a brightness of a next image based on the pan direction, adjusting a gain or an exposure time of the imaging sensor based on the brightness prediction, and capturing the next image using the adjusted image sensor gain or exposure time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Deepak Kurien, Sunid Wilson, Haynes George
  • Patent number: 10048460
    Abstract: A cable adaptor case for sorting a first plurality of cables and adapting a plurality of types of cables comprising a cable tray for holding cables, an adaptor tray for adapting a first plurality of cables to a second plurality of cables, and a lid which is removably attached and hingably attached to the cable tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Wilfred J. Courchaine, Steve Polidan, Phillip Turner, Matthew Johnston, Roger Vaughn
  • Patent number: 10044939
    Abstract: Provided are ways in which a camera can be operated by a control device. Such provides a convenient solution whenever, e.g., two friends, each with a cell phone, wish to take a well-composed impromptu group picture. The “camera” may be any type of camera, which can be coupled to the control or monitoring device. Typical cameras include those associated with mobile devices, such as cell phone cameras, but also dedicated cameras with transceiver functionality. The control device is often a mobile device such as a cell phone, but can also be a dedicated monitoring device. In one implementation, the control device can control the direction of view, the field of view, and shutter operation, and provide to the user an image of the current view seen. In this implementation, the user may control most significant aspects of camera composition, as well as initiating the capture of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Prisciliano Flores, Charles McCoy, True Xiong, Yuqian Zhao
  • Patent number: 10038852
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an image generation method and apparatus having a location information-based geo-sticker. The image generation method includes displaying a subject to be captured by a camera by executing a camera application on a user device, acquiring information about a location of the user device and determining whether the location of the user device based on the acquired location information is present in a predetermined area, if it is determined that the location of the user device is present in the predetermined area, receiving geo-items including at least one of a sticker and an effect corresponding to information about the predetermined area from a server; and when an image including the subject is captured using any one item included in the received geo-items, generating an image to which the one item is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: SEERSLAB INC.
    Inventors: Jae Cheol Kim, Jin Wook Chong
  • Patent number: 10038848
    Abstract: The image blur correction device is an image blur correction device that corrects a blur of an image of a subject to be captured, and includes a movable frame, a fixed frame, a plurality of connection members, a plurality of actuators, a pair of magnets, and a magnetic body. The movable frame is displaceable along a plane orthogonal to an optical axis. The fixed frame faces the movable frame. The plurality of connection members connects the fixed frame and the movable frame to each other, and supports the movable frame so as to be displaceable. The plurality of actuators changes the position of the movable frame according to displacement of the movable frame. The pair of magnets is mounted on one of the fixed frame and the movable frame, and includes a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole. The magnetic body is mounted on the other of the fixed frame and the movable frame, and disposed to face the pair of magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dai Shintani
  • Patent number: 10033939
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide automatic stage scene detection. A first image of a scene can be captured using a luminance for automatic exposure control. A brightness contrast between a center region of the first image and areas surrounding the center region of the first image can be calculated. A brightness value can be ascertained for the entire first image. Whether the luminance of the first image should be adjusted can be determined based on the brightness contrast being greater than a contrast threshold and the brightness value for the entire first image being less than a brightness value threshold. The luminance for the automatic exposure control can be adjusted for correct exposure of the center region of the first image in response to determining the luminance of the first image should be adjusted. A second image of the scene can be captured based on automatic exposure control using the adjusted luminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Yin-Hu Chen, Valeriy Marchevsky, Peter A Matsimanis
  • Patent number: 10031306
    Abstract: A fiber distribution assembly includes an enclosure defining an interior cavity. The enclosure includes a base defining a first opening and a second opening, and a cover rotatably coupled to the base and configured to rotate about an axis. The base is symmetric about a line perpendicular to the axis. The first opening is on one side of the line, and the second opening is on the other side of the line. The fiber distribution assembly also includes a tray rotatably coupled to the enclosure within the interior cavity of the enclosure and that is symmetric about the line. The fiber distribution assembly also includes a cable management or fiber optic component configured to be releasably coupled to the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Opterna Technology Limited
    Inventors: Subin Panakkal Sadasivan, Derek Furtado, Icy Kollielil Varghese, Ravindra K. Vora
  • Patent number: 10027901
    Abstract: A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: FotoNation Cayman Limited
    Inventors: Kartik Venkataraman, Amandeep S. Jabbi, Robert H. Mullis
  • Patent number: 10021357
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: photoelectric converting elements having a light reception sensitivity to light in a wavelength band from 600 to 2500 nm, and receiving an object light flux to output pixel signals; n types of wavelength filters (n>4) allowing passage therethrough of light included in the flux and is in wavelength bands being respectively different, each including the wavelength band; and an image data generator generating image data using the output from an element among those having received the flux passed through one of m types of the wavelength filters (3?m<n) a combination determined based on a predetermined condition being determined such that among the respective wavelength bands of the m types of filters, a shortest-wavelength side wavelength band and a longest-wavelength side wavelength band overlap, and each filter among the m types allowing passage therethrough of light in the wavelength band including a predetermined effective wavelength band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junya Hagiwara, Yusuke Takanashi, Kiyoshige Shibazaki
  • Patent number: 10015401
    Abstract: An imaging module 100 includes a lens unit 10 which has a lens group 12, and an imaging element unit 20 which is fixed to the lens unit 10 and has an imaging element 27 which images a subject through the lens group 12. The lens unit 10 has a lens drive unit 16, and a flexible substrate 13A which includes a wiring group 13a which is electrically connected to the lens drive unit 16. The imaging element unit 20 has a wiring connection portion 24 which is electrically connected to the wiring group 13a included in the flexible substrate 13A. The flexible substrate 13A is folded in the middle of the flexible substrate 13A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takase, Kiyoto Sato, Tatsuya Fujinami
  • Patent number: 10003723
    Abstract: A camera module includes a coil member, a magnet member, and a sensor member. The coil member is positioned on a first surface of a fixed unit. The magnet member is positioned on a movable unit and facing the coil member. The sensor member is positioned on a second surface of the fixed unit and configured to sense a position of the movable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Wan Cho, Byung Hoon Lee, Sang Ho Seo, Jae Ho Baik, Shin Young Cheong, Hyun Taek Ahn
  • Patent number: 10003730
    Abstract: Methods and electronic devices for sharing a camera feature are described. In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a method. The method is performed by a first electronic device which has a camera. The method includes: establishing wireless communications between the first electronic device and a second electronic device using a short range communication module of the first electronic device; and entering a camera-feature-sharing mode in which a camera-related feature of the second electronic device is accessible to the first electronic device using the short range communication module and in which a camera-related feature of the first electronic device is accessible to the second electronic device using the short range communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Blackberry Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Mark Earnshaw, Kalu Onuka Kalu, Jan Staffan Lincoln
  • Patent number: 10001605
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz
  • Patent number: 10003738
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and/or indicating a blocked sensor and/or blocked camera module are described. The sensor maybe a distance sensor used to support focus operations. Depending on the embodiment, the camera system may include one or more sensors and one or more camera modules. As sensor output is received and/or images are captured by one or more camera modules, the sensor output, e.g., distance sensor output, and/or captured images, e.g., optical image sensor output, are checked to determine if one or more of the sensors and/or camera modules are obstructed. When an obstruction of a sensor or camera module is detected, to make a user aware of the obstruction condition a visual and/or physical indication of an obstructed sensor or camera module is provided to the user of the camera device. The indication may include haptic feedback in the form of vibrations and/or a visual obstruction indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Light Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Lautenbach, Rajiv Laroia
  • Patent number: 9998682
    Abstract: The imaging apparatus includes a stop, an APD filter, a ND filter, an imaging element, a main control section, a photometric section, a program diagram storage section, and an imaging exposure determination section. The ND filter can be inserted into or removed from the optical path. The photometric section calculates a photometric value from an imaging signal which is obtained by the imaging element. The program diagram storage section stores a program diagram in which an aperture value is fixed at an open aperture value at a specific amount of exposure or less. The imaging exposure determination section determines imaging exposure on the basis of an amount of imaging exposure which is calculated from photometric value and the program diagram. The main control section inserts the ND filter in the optical path in a case where the amount of imaging exposure is greater than the specific amount of exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiro Uchida