Patents Examined by Jason Flohre
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Patent number: 10855890Abstract: A camera module for a vehicular vision system includes a lens barrel having a plurality of optical elements accommodated therein, a front camera housing portion that accommodates at least one printed circuit board therein, and a rear camera housing portion mated with the front camera housing. The imager is optically aligned with an optical axis of the optical elements. A heat transfer element is disposed between and in thermal conductive contact with a thermoelectric device and the printed circuit board. Circuitry of the camera module is electrically connected to the imager and the thermoelectric device and is electrically connected to electrical connecting elements that electrically connect to a wire harness of a vehicle when the camera module is disposed at the vehicle. The thermoelectric device is electrically powered to draw heat from the imager printed circuit board to the rear camera housing portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jamie A Mleczko, Steven V. Byrne, Jonathan D. Conger, Rene Dreiocker, Rainer Strey
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Patent number: 10848700Abstract: An imaging device includes a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns. The plurality of pixels include a first pixel and a second pixel. A first signal line is coupled to the first pixel. A second signal line is coupled to the second pixel. The imaging device includes first comparator and a second comparator displaced from the first comparator in a column direction. The imaging device includes a switch circuit configured to couple the first signal line to the first comparator and the second comparator, and couple the second signal line to the first comparator and the second comparator.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Hiroki Suto
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Patent number: 10848694Abstract: An influence of blooming in which electric charges leak from a first pixel group to a second pixel group is reduced. An imaging apparatus includes a first pixel group, a second pixel group, a detection unit, and a correction unit. The first pixel group includes first pixels for generating signals through photoelectric conversion. The second pixel group includes second pixels for generating signals through photoelectric conversion. The detection unit is configured to detect saturation of first pixels in the first pixel group. The correction unit is configured to, in a case where saturation of the first pixels is detected, correct signals of second pixels in the second pixel group corresponding to the first pixels where the saturation has been detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yusaku Motonaga
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Patent number: 10841470Abstract: A camera module comprising: a lens barrel comprising a lens; a lens holder for accommodating the lens barrel; an image sensor disposed below the lens barrel; a printed circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted and is coupled to the lens barrel; and at least one welding point for mutually coupling the lens barrel and the lens holder while an optical axis of the lens and an optical axis of the image sensor are aligned.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Jae Hun Sung, Min Woo Lee
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Patent number: 10819938Abstract: A method for displaying images using an AR device. GNSS position data is received based on wireless signals received from a GNSS satellite. Based on the GNSS position data, a first GNSS point within a geospatial frame is determined within a first time range and a second GNSS point within the geospatial frame is determined within a second time range. Based on camera POS data, a first AR point within an AR frame is determined within the first time range and a second AR point within the AR frame is determined within the second time range. One of the frames is shifted such that the second GNSS point is aligned with the second AR point. An angle formed by the GNSS points and the AR points is calculated. One of the frames is rotated by the angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Trimble Inc.Inventors: Darrin Hurd, Farshad Nourozi
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Patent number: 10812727Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring images of objects using an imaging device and a controllable mirror. The controllable mirror can be controlled to change a field of view for the imaging device, including so as to acquire images of different locations, of different parts of an object, or with different degrees of zoom.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Torsten Kempf, Saul Sanz Rodriguez, Pepe Fernandez-Dorado, Laurens Nunnink
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Patent number: 10791293Abstract: A pixel signal includes a first pixel signal and a second pixel signal. The first pixel signal includes a read-out reset signal and a read-out luminance signal that are read out in the stated order from a pixel in a first operation, and the second pixel signal includes a read-out luminance signal and a read-out reset signal that are read out in the stated order from the pixel in a second operation. A reading circuit 40 includes an amplifying part 420 for amplifying the pixel signal, and an AD converting part 430 for analog-to-digital converting, in connection with a search signal, the pixel signal amplified by the amplifying part 420. A first search signal Vramp1 for the first pixel signal and a second search signal Vramp2 for the second pixel signal are configurable such that search levels thereof are inverted.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: BRILLNICS, INC.Inventor: Shunsuke Okura
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Camera system, camera, interchangeable lens, and compatibility determination method of camera system
Patent number: 10785408Abstract: Provided are a camera system, a camera, an interchangeable lens, and a compatibility determination method of a camera system capable of simply and quickly determining compatibility between the camera and the interchangeable lens. An eleventh contact (CC11) provided in a camera (10) and an eleventh contact (LC11) provided in an interchangeable lens (100) are composed of contacts in which an open drain output is possible. In a case where the camera (10) supports a specific function, the eleventh contact (CC11) on a camera-side is set to a first polarity. In a case where the camera (10) does not support the specific function, the eleventh contact (CC11) on the camera side is set to a second polarity. In a case where the interchangeable lens (100) supports the specific function, the eleventh contact (LC11) on an interchangeable lens-side is set to the first polarity.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Kenshi Imamura -
Patent number: 10785426Abstract: An image sensor pixel may include a photodiode, a floating diffusion, and a transfer gate. Column readout circuitry coupled to the image sensor pixel via a column line. The column readout circuitry may include sample and hold circuitry, comparison circuitry, residual measurement and summation circuitry, counter circuitry, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and digital summation circuitry. Column readout circuitry is configured to perform readout operations on a pixel image signal generated for a single frame in one or more portions, thereby extending the dynamic range of the imaging system without modifying pixel structure to generate high-dynamic range images within the single frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Pawan Gilhotra
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Patent number: 10771670Abstract: In a lens apparatus, a CS terminal is disposed adjacent to a DGND terminal, and a DCA terminal is disposed on the other side of the CS terminal from the DGND terminal. The terminals on the accessory correspond to terminals on an imaging apparatus where a CS terminal is disposed adjacent to a DGND terminal, and a DCA terminal is disposed on the other side of the CS terminal from the DGND terminal.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Saito, Yasuyuki Watazawa, Naoto Fujihashi
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Patent number: 10757351Abstract: In various embodiments, image sensors and methods of operating the image sensors are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a pixel circuit having a first electrode is coupled to a reset transistor and to a first region of an optically sensitive layer, and a second electrode is coupled to a pixel sense node and to a second region of an optically sensitive layer. The electrical path from the first electrode, through the optically sensitive layer, and into the second electrode functions as a variable resistor. Other devices and methods of operating the devices are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: INVISAGE INC.Inventors: Emanuele Mandelli, Ralph Beaudouin, Aurelien Philippe Bouvier, Dario Clocchiatti, Lionel Barrymore Joseph Barrow, Zachary Michael Beiley
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Patent number: 10750063Abstract: Provided herein is an image focusing adjustment method, system, and module. A first image of a reference object is received in response to an input signal when the image focusing adjustment module is operating in a first state. The first image of the reference object is analyzed, based on which a plurality of adjustments to the image focusing adjustment module is controlled. The plurality of adjustments, performed by a plurality of actuators controlled by control module, include rotating a lens barrel assembly relative to a neck member along a first axis that causes a translational adjustment of the lens barrel assembly, rotating the neck member relative to a top member around the first axis that causes a rotational adjustment of the lens barrel assembly, and positioning a tilt adjustment member that causes tilt adjustment of the top member relative to a frame member along a second axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Chen Feng
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Patent number: 10735661Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which satisfactorily compensates for a flash band appearing due to an external flash and prevents a row insensitive to the flash from appearing in a corrected image. The flash band appearing in a plurality of frames consecutive in terms of time is detected based on an image signal output from an image pickup device which sequentially starts exposure and sequentially reads out signals for each row of pixels. An image in at least one of those frames is corrected to a full-screen flash image. When a width of the flash band is smaller than the number of rows in one frame, a row in which the flash band does not appear is interpolated using a row in which the flash band appears and which immediately precedes or immediately succeeds the row in which the flash band does not appear.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takenori Kobuse
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Patent number: 10735668Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing LED lighting to the shutters of fast digital cameras. The system enables capture of multiple lighting schemes to be filmed in a single video take on sequential frames. Since 24 frames per second is the industry standard used broadly in film and television, a 96 FPS camera can capture up to 4 lighting tracks of 24 FPS each in a single take. Each lighting fixture can be changed frame by frame to any desired intensity. The changing of lighting can be synchronized with the times when the shutter is closed so that all frames are complete and are without the visual artifact of the light changing mid frame. This is extremely useful for simple visual effects such as a simulated camera flash, lighting pattern or gun flash. The lighting can be programmed so that by turning on lights at the appropriate intensity while the camera shutters are closed all viewers on set perceive a constant, flicker-free light. The entire system is compatible with existing industry standards.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: NBCUniversal Media, LLCInventor: Charles Edwards
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Patent number: 10735669Abstract: A method for reducing artefacts caused by the presence of flicker during image capture. The method comprises performing image capture to produce image capture data corresponding to an image capture scene, the image capture data including a first image having a first exposure and a second image having a second exposure. The image capture data is processed to: (a) detect a discrepancy in the second image with respect to the first image; and (b) determine flicker indication data indicative of a presence of flicker in the second image. The discrepancy is corrected in dependence upon the flicker indication to produce a flicker-reduced version of the second image.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Apical Ltd.Inventors: Andrew Dewhurst, David Hanwell
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Patent number: 10721410Abstract: An imaging device may include a first illumination port to output first light having a first illumination distribution at a target to illuminate the target, a second illumination port to output second light having a second illumination distribution at the target to illuminate the target, the second illumination distribution being substantially similar to the first illumination distribution at the target, the second illumination port being spaced apart from the first illumination port, the first and second illumination distributions being simultaneously provided to the target and overlapping at the target. The illumination from the first and second ports may be matched to a same aspect ratio and field of view coverage as the imaging field of view.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Stryker European Operations LimitedInventors: Frederick Allen Moore, Anton Walter Lamprecht, Lesley Myron Otsig, Muhammad Nasir al-Din bin Zulkafly, Gavin Michael Murray, James Elliott Cameron, Gregory Vincent Browne, Isabelle Fontaine
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Patent number: 10721428Abstract: An imaging device has a sensor chip and a signal processing chip. The sensor chip includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a 2-dimensional matrix and a data output terminal group made up of a plurality of data output terminals which output analog signals of pixels for each pixel column of the pixel array. The signal processing chip includes a data input terminal group electrically coupled to the data output terminal group, a plurality of A/D converters which convert analog signals of pixels received by the data input terminal group into digital signals for each pixel column of the pixel array, and a control unit which controls operation of the plurality of A/D converters.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiro Juen
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Patent number: 10718992Abstract: A camera module includes a lens barrel, a driving coil disposed to face a target detection unit prepared on one side of the lens barrel, a driving device configured to provide a driving signal to the driving coil, and a position calculating unit including a first capacitor, configured to provide a ground for an alternating current (AC) signal to the driving coil, a second capacitor, connected to the driving coil to constitute oscillation circuit together with the driving coil, and a position calculating circuit configured to calculate a position of the lens barrel from a frequency of the oscillation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung Man Pang, Youn Joong Lee, Je Hyeon Yu, Kwang Mook Lee, Myeung Su Kim, Jin Kim
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Method and apparatus for finding and using video portions that are relevant to adjacent still images
Patent number: 10706892Abstract: The invention relates to systems, methods, and computer readable media for responding to a user snapshot request by capturing anticipatory pre-snapshot image data as well as post-snapshot image data. The captured information may be used, depending upon the embodiment, to create archival image information and image presentation information that is both useful and pleasing to a user. The captured information may automatically be trimmed or edited to facilitate creating an enhanced image, such as a moving still image. Varying embodiments of the invention offer techniques for trimming and editing based upon the following: exposure, brightness, focus, white balance, detected motion of the camera, substantive image analysis, detected sound, image metadata, and/or any combination of the foregoing.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Claus Molgaard, Brett M. Keating, George E. Williams, Marco Zuliani, Vincent Y. Wong, Frank Doepke, Ethan J. Tira-Thompson -
Patent number: 10708562Abstract: An image processing circuit includes a gain calculation circuit and a digital amplifier. The gain calculation circuit calculates a first gain with which an average color-difference value in a whole region of a pickup image is brought close to a predetermined convergent point. The digital amplifier performs correction of a white balance of a pixel of the pickup image with a candidate pixel that is of a first candidate pixel calculated based on the first gain and a second candidate pixel calculated based on a second gain associated with each of divided regions and in which a color-difference component is closer to the predetermined convergent point.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage CorporationInventor: Akira Moriya