Patents Examined by Jason T. Whipkey
  • Apparatus, method, and computer program for imaging and automatic focusing
    Patent number: 7551223
    Abstract: In a still image shooting mode, when a user does not specify a position of an AF frame, an AF process is performed for an AF region of a comparatively large range whose center is in a center of a shooting frame. When the user taps on any position in an EVF area, a touch panel superimposed on a display detects its coordinates. An AF region smaller than the AF region when the user does not specify the position of the AF frame is arranged so that a center of the AF frame is on the coordinates. The AF process is carried out for the smaller AF region. When the user taps on the EVF area 221 twice at a short predetermined interval, a PDA returns the AF region to a state where the position of the AF frame 261 is not specified by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Tanaka
  • Compact holder for memory storage device and digital image processing apparatus having the same
    Patent number: 7495698
    Abstract: A memory card holder in which different types of memory cards are compatible, and a digital image processing apparatus using the memory card slot. The memory card holder and digital image processing apparatus each includes: a plurality of memory card accommodating units that are formed at a predetermined angle from each other and share a predetermined space to accommodate memory cards of different standards; and connecting ports that are formed on one side of each of the plurality of memory card accommodating units. The digital image processing apparatus has a storage medium, such as a removable memory card of a predetermined standard, in which is stored an image of a subject that is photographed and converted into digital signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-hyeon Kim
  • Dynamic range extension for CMOS image sensors
    Patent number: 6734905
    Abstract: An image sensor for capturing and producing an image includes a photoreceptor array that receives light and produces a signal for each pixel of the image. The image sensor further includes amplification circuitry that amplifies the signals. The amplification circuitry provides two distinct gains for each of the signals to produce two output signal levels. The image sensor also includes a fusion module, which combines the two output signal levels into one signal level. Accordingly, overall dynamic range of the image sensor is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric R. Fossum, Yibing Wang, Barna L. Sandor