Patents Examined by James Hannett
-
Patent number: 9148559Abstract: A device assists focusing of a camera that is equipped with a manual focus-adjusting unit and that provides digital image contents, such as a smart camera. The device is configured to determine a focus value of the camera depending on an operation of the manual focus-adjusting unit and to display focusing information on the basis of the determined focus value to a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Holger Fillbrandt, Jan Karl Warzelhan
-
Patent number: 9148555Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: a polarization removing element layer including a plurality of polarization removing elements, each of the plurality of polarization removing elements being configured to polarize an incident light to thereby obtain light having a polarization axis in a predetermined direction and to transmit the polarized light; a polarizer layer provided in front of the polarization removing element layer, the polarizer layer being configured to twist polarization axes of light having a plurality of polarization axes by predetermined angles, respectively, and to transmit the light; an inclination detecting device configured to detect inclination of the incident light to an optical axis; a controller configured to control and drive the polarizer layer such that the polarizer layer twists the polarization axis of light depending on the inclination detected by the inclination detecting device and transmits the light; and an image pickup device configured to detect the light.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masanori Iwasaki
-
Patent number: 9148571Abstract: Techniques relating to correction of image distortion caused by movement of a camera unit during image capture. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a camera unit and a scaling circuit. The apparatus may be configured to calculate a shift value for a line of an image captured by the camera unit, where the shift value is indicative of an amount of movement of the camera unit during at least a portion of capture of the image. The scaling circuit may be configured to operate on the line starting at a line position that is based on the calculated shift value. The calculated shift value may be based on movement information generated by a motion sensor. The scaling circuit may include a digital differential analyzer and one or more multi-tap polyphase filters. The line position may be specified as a fractional pixel value.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Brijesh Tripathi
-
Patent number: 9143686Abstract: A photographing apparatus, a motion estimating apparatus, an image compensating method, a motion estimating method, and a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium are provided. The photographing apparatus includes: an image sensing unit which continuously captures a plurality of images by using a rolling shutter method; and an image processor which compensates for a uniformly accelerated motion of the photographing apparatus by using the plurality of images.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yun-gu Lee, Hong-jun Choi, Chang-woo Lee, Jae-ho Kim
-
Patent number: 9137503Abstract: A camera system includes lens units such that each lens unit is assigned to a single-color color filter unit. The lens and color filter assembly may be combined with pixel units such that a plurality of monochromatic, low-resolution images can be obtained, and the monochromatic images refer to shifted versions of the same image object. By a super-resolution technique that includes shift-compensation a mosaicked image is obtained, which is then demosaiced. In the resultant image, only few artifacts appear. Simple color filter arrays allow a simplified fabrication process and provide less chromatic aberrations at less computational effort.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: SONY CorporationInventors: Malik Waqas, Muhammad Siddiqui, Markus Kamm, Manfred Manz
-
Patent number: 9124814Abstract: A support for image processing is provided, comprising: (a) detecting respective face regions from images consecutively photographed for a first person at predetermined time intervals by an image pickup unit to display images of the face regions detected in relation to the first person in a first region of a screen, and providing a user interface for indicating that a specific face image is selected from the face images of the first person displayed in the first region; (b) additionally displaying the specific face image through a second region adjacent to the first region; and (c) displaying a synthesized image using the specific face image as a representative face of the first person, when the specific face image displayed through the second region is selected.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Daesung Kim, Jaihyun Ahn
-
Patent number: 9124755Abstract: Compressive imaging apparatus employing multiple modulators in various optical schemes to generate the modulation patterns before the signal is recorded at a detector. The compressive imaging apparatus is equally valid when applying compressive imaging to structured light embodiments where the placement is shifted from the acquisition path between the subject and the detector into the illumination path between the source and the subject to be imaged.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: William Marsh Rice UniversityInventors: Kevin F. Kelly, Richard G. Baraniuk, Gary Woods, Ting Sun, Matthew Turner
-
Patent number: 9124805Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of adapting an optical image stabilizer (OIS) for a camera, the methods comprising acquiring an image of the scene; obtaining image context associated with the image of the scene; selecting a mode of operating the OIS based on the obtained image context; and, applying the OIS using the selected mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Thomas Guillaume Grandin, Yun Seok Choi, Robert Francis Lay, Ian Edward Charles Rogers
-
Patent number: 9113098Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit having an optical black area, a control unit which reads a pixel from a selected area in a part of the image pickup unit, and a dark offset correction unit which sets a correction value acquisition area in the optical black area included in the selected areas. When the control unit performs a reading from a first selected area and a reading from a second selected area which at least partially overlaps with the first selected area, the dark offset correction unit sets a first correction value acquisition area set for the optical black area included in the first selected area and a second correction value acquisition area set for the optical black area included in the second selected area such that the first and second correction value acquisition areas at least partially overlap with each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hideta Nishizawa
-
Patent number: 9113083Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an image adjusting system with multiple lens modules and method thereof. The system is adapted for an image capturing device having a zoom lens module and a prime lens module. When the zoom lens module and the prime lens module captures a first image and a second image, the image adjusting system can select a first reference calibration parameter table from multiple first calibration parameter tables, and search a current focus parameter from a focus parameter lookup table according to a current motor step, and then multiply the second image, the first reference calibration parameter table and the current focus parameter to generate a third image. Therefore, the third image has substantially consistent with the first image.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: ALTEK SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Hong-Long Chou, Che-Lun Chuang, Chia-Chun Tseng
-
Patent number: 9106833Abstract: A blur correction apparatus is provided that includes a blur correction mechanism, a locking member, a shift drive processor and an unlocking driver. The blur correction mechanism compensates for camera shake by driving a movable portion provided with one of a correction lens and an imaging device. The locking member restricts movement of the movable portion within a locked range of motion. The shift drive processor moves the movable portion a predetermined distance toward a center of the locked range of motion when locking by the locking member is released and the predetermined distance is shorter than the distance from the movable portion to the center. The unlocking driver moves the locking member to an unlocked position after moving the movable portion the predetermined distance away from the locking member.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Yukio Uenaka
-
Patent number: 9100586Abstract: Systems and methods for performing photometric normalization in an array camera in accordance with embodiments of this invention are disclosed. The image data of scene from a reference imaging component and alternate imaging components is received. The image data from each of the alternate imaging components is then translated to so that pixel information in the image data of each alternate imaging component corresponds to pixel information in the image data of the reference component. The shifted image data of each alternate imaging component is compared to the image data of the reference imaging component to determine gain and offset parameters for each alternate imaging component. The gain and offset parameters of each alternate imaging component is then applied to the image data of the associate imaging to generate corrected image data for each of the alternate imaging components.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: Pelican Imaging CorporationInventors: Andrew Kenneth John McMahon, Dan Lelescu, Florian Ciurea
-
Patent number: 9092061Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video display and user control for the video display. In the preferred embodiment, multiple video feeds are combined into a single video display, where one feed, preferably live, includes an encoded marker which is used by a computer to select a second and display a second feed, wherein the location and orientation of the second feed changes based on the location and orientation of the encoded marker in the first feed. At least a portion of the display gives the appearance of depth, such as through use of superimposed animation. The live image is controlled by the user's movement, causing at least a part of the display to move in concert with the user's motion, thereby creating an enhanced three dimensional effect for a superimposed display.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Inventor: David Elmekies
-
Patent number: 9088720Abstract: An apparatus and a method of displaying a camera view area in a portable terminal that addresses the scenario of a viewing angle of a user taker being different from that of the camera, particularly in the case of transparent display panel. The method preferably includes: receiving a first image including a shape of a user when requesting a picture; identifying a position of the shape of the user within the first image; determining whether the identified position of the shape of the user is included in a pre-designated area; calculating a view direction and a view angle of the user by the shape of the user when the identified position of the shape of the user is not included in the pre-designated area as a result of the determination; and rotating a second camera for photographing a second image based on the calculated view direction and view angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Min-Soo Kim
-
Patent number: 9077890Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting augmented reality or other computer vision applications are presented. Embodiments enable communication between natural feature and auto-focus engines to increase an engine's accuracy or decrease a processing time of the engine. An auto-focus engine may communicate a location of an auto-focus window to a natural feature detection module and/or a change in location of a previous auto-focus window to a next auto-focus window. The natural feature detection module uses the communicated information to limit an initial search area and/or to set a next tracking search window. A natural feature tracking module may communicate a changes from a previous location of a natural feature to a next location of the natural feature to an auto-focus engine. The auto-focus engine uses the change to set a next auto-focus window.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Charles Wheeler Sweet, III, Serafin Diaz Spindola
-
Patent number: 9071813Abstract: Disclosed herein are an imaging apparatus, an imaging method, a recording medium, and a program which are capable of processing imaging data in a manner similar to that of a normal frame rate. Image data captured by a solid-state imaging element capable of performing imaging at a high resolution and a high frame rate is supplied to a memory control. The memory control, at the same time as writing the imaging data input from the imaging element in a frame memory, reads preceding frames of imaging data that are recorded on the frame memory, and sequentially respectively outputs them in parallel, as video image data items, for each frame, to respective camera signal processing units. In the camera signal processing units, a video output, a viewfinder output, codec units, and recording units, processing similar to that when a frame rate that is ΒΌ the imaging frame rate is executed.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Seiji Kobayashi, Isao Ohashi, Yoshihiko Kuroki
-
Patent number: 9071755Abstract: Disclosed is a sports camera, which comprises a main control unit, an image processing module, a motion parameter detection display module, a power supply module and a memory. The power supply module is connected with the main control unit and the image processing module. The image processing module comprises a digital signal processor and an image sensor, and the motion parameter detection display module comprises a GPS module and an acceleration sensor. The main control unit is connected with the digital signal processor, the memory, the GPS module and the acceleration sensor, and said digital signal processor is connected with the memory and the image sensor. The sports camera of the present invention can make sure that the image is normal and vertical when playing back the photo or video taken by the camera, thereby improving the image effect and increasing the ease of use of the sports camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: SKY LIGHT ELECTRONIC (SHEN ZHEN) LIMITED CORPORATIONInventors: Chiu Tsui, Xinjie Mo, Shuai Chen, Simon Shen
-
Patent number: 9069235Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus for performing an Auto Focusing (AF) function and a method for controlling thereof, the method including: measuring vibration degrees of the digital photographing apparatus; determining based on the measured vibration degrees whether a time is right before an AF operation is performed; if the time is right before the AF operation is performed, performing a preceding AF operation of determining a moving direction of a focus lens by moving the focus lens; and if a first shutter release button is pressed, performing a subsequent AF operation of moving the focus lens in the determined moving direction. Accordingly, an AF operation time (from after a user pushes a shutter) may be reduced by decreasing a moving distance of a focus lens and the number of direction changes by recognizing a behavior pattern of the user through vibration transition measured by a vibration detection sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kun-woo Lee, Seung-han Lee, Dong-min Ko
-
Patent number: 9060123Abstract: The present invention is directed to various systems, methods, and embodiments resulting from the realization that the number of persons who are using a Wi-Fi computer network in a closed environment, e.g. a moving vehicle, can be verified to confirm that it coincides with the number of persons allowed pursuant to a license, by providing a system and method for determining the number of persons accessing a computer network in a closed environment, e.g. a moving vehicle and controlling the access based on that determination.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Inventor: Isaac S. Daniel
-
Patent number: 9055199Abstract: Disclosed is an autofocus camera system and a control method thereof. A CCTV camera system which includes a main processor installed in a CCTV, a memory unit connected with the main processor, an input unit, a CCD camera, a video processing unit, a focus lens, and a zoom lens is provided. The CCTV camera system is designed to input and output control instructions through RS-485 communication and is controlled by a focus motor driver and a zoom motor driver which are connected to the main processor in which a focus motor and a zoom motor are comprised of stepping motors.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: HDC INC.Inventor: Sung Ho Jung