Patents Examined by Mark T Monk
  • Patent number: 10931908
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a first A/D converter circuit and a second A/D converter circuit per column. The first A/D converter circuit performs a first A/D conversion that (i) refines, using a first comparator, a range including a potential of an analog signal through a binary search, and (ii) generates, based on a result of the binary search, a first digital signal being a high-order portion of the digital signal. The second A/D converter circuit performs a second A/D conversion that generates a second digital signal being a low-order portion that is a remainder of the digital signal by measuring a time required for an output of the second comparator to be inverted, the second comparator comparing a quantitative relationship between the analog signal refined and a ramp signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Abe, Kazuko Nishimura, Hiroshi Fujinaka, Norihiko Sumitani, Yosuke Higashi
  • Patent number: 10931902
    Abstract: An image sensor may include a non-rectilinear image pixel array, which may produce non-rectilinear image data. The image sensor may include a resampling circuit to convert the non-rectilinear image data into rectilinear image data that is optimized for displaying an image to a user. This image data may be corrected using defect correction circuitry, resilience filtering circuitry, and aberration correction circuitry in the image sensor, and demosaicking circuitry and color correction circuitry in an image signal processor that is coupled to the image sensor. Alternatively, the non-rectilinear image data may be sent to the image signal processor without converting it to rectilinear image data. For example, machine vision applications may use and interpret non-rectilinear image data directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marko Mlinar
  • Patent number: 10931907
    Abstract: An image sensor includes: a photoelectric conversion unit that photoelectrically converts incident light and generates a charge; and an A/D conversion unit that converts the analog signal generated due to charge generated by the photoelectric conversion unit into a digital signal, wherein: the A/D conversion unit includes a comparison unit that compares the analog signal with a reference signal and a first circuit layer including a first capacitor for generating the reference signal and a second circuit layer laminated to the first circuit layer and including with a second capacitor for generating the reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoki Hirata
  • Patent number: 10921686
    Abstract: Provided is a camera module including a liquid lens including an electrode; a holder for receiving the liquid lens therein; a base disposed under the holder; a sensor board disposed under the base and including an image sensor; a connection board connected to at least a portion of the electrode of the liquid lens; and a terminal plate disposed at the base and electrically connected to the sensor board and the connection board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Bok Choi
  • Patent number: 10924687
    Abstract: High dynamic range (HDR) images are generated on the basis of a plurality of images obtained by non-destructive reading of an image sensor, called NDRO images. An HDR image generation method includes: the determination of a criterion of desired quality for the HDR image; at least two non-destructive readings of the sensor delivering at least two successive NDRO images; the selection, as a function of the criterion of desired quality, of the first and of the last NDRO image to be used to generate the HDR image; the generation of the HDR image on the basis of information extracted from a series of successive NDRO images starting with the first and terminating with the last NDRO image to be used; the storage of a single image at one and the same time throughout the entire HDR generation phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, SORBONNE UNIVERSITE, UNIVERSITE PARIS DIDEROT—PARIS 7, ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE, UNIVERSITE DE BOURGOGNE
    Inventors: David Darson, Julien Dubois, Barthélémy Heyrman, Dominique Ginhac, Mustapha Bouderbane
  • Patent number: 10904413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a camera module and mobile terminal having the same, and more particularly, to a camera module, including: a printed circuit board in which a plurality of sensor holes separated from each other in a length direction are formed; a plurality of image sensors connected to the printed circuit board; and a lens module disposed on a top portion of each of the plurality of image sensors, wherein the image sensors are attached to positions corresponding to the plurality of sensor holes on a bottom surface of the printed circuit board, and mobile terminal having the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Dongseuck Ko
  • Patent number: 10893205
    Abstract: An image display method and an image display device using the same are provided. The image display method includes the following steps. Firstly, a picture is obtained. Then, the content of the part of the picture corresponding to the characteristic parameter is captured as an object image when the content of the picture matches a characteristic parameter. Then, the object image is captured as a click image. Then, the first display portion of the picture is displayed and the click image is superimposed on the first display portion. Then, the second display portion of the picture is displayed in response to the operation of selecting the superimposed click image, wherein the second display portion contains the object image and a background image thereof. Thus, through the selection with respect to the click image, the display device switches the display frame to a frame with object image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventors: Tsung-Hung Lee, Wei-Huan Lee
  • Patent number: 10868983
    Abstract: An objective is recognition of the travel direction of an object captured in an image frame. An image generating apparatus includes: a receiver circuit that receives a single exposure frame created by a single exposure and a multiple exposure frame created by multiple exposures after the single exposure frame, the single exposure frame and the multiple exposure frame being output from an image sensor; and a control circuit that specifies a starting point of a motion track of an object in the multiple exposure frame in accordance with a position of the object in the single exposure frame and a position of the same object in the multiple exposure frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Shibata, Hiroshi Iwai, Kazuko Nishimura, Yasuo Miyake, Yoshiaki Satou
  • Patent number: 10868991
    Abstract: A distributed, parallel, image capture and processing architecture provides significant advantages over prior art systems. A very large array of computational 0 in some embodiments, matching the size of the pixel array—is distributed around, within, or beneath the pixel array of an image sensor. Each computational circuit is dedicated to, and in some embodiments is physically proximal to, one, two, or more associated pixels. Each computational circuit is operative to perform computations on one, two, or more pixel values generated by its associated pixels. The computational circuits all perform the same operation(s), in parallel. In this manner, a very large number of pixel-level operations are performed in parallel, physically and electrically near the pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries Lighting LLC
    Inventors: John Roberts, Robert Bowser
  • Patent number: 10868954
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a camera, a display, a memory, and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to generate, based on information on pixels included in an image including at least one subject obtained using the camera, depth information corresponding to the at least one subject, to determine, based on the depth information, a first area displaying a first graphic indicator for indicating a focusing area on which the camera is focused, in the image displayed on the display, in a case in which a focus of the camera is controlled, and to display the first graphic indicator on at least some of the at least one subject included in the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Han Lee, Jong-Hyeok Chun, Pyo-Jae Kim, Young-Kwon Yoon, Moon-Soo Kim, Jong-Hun Won, Ki-Huk Lee
  • Patent number: 10861190
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a system and method for recalibrating an augmented reality experience in mobile devices using a plurality of physical markers. The system and methods provide for realigning the digital representation to the physical world using known physical locations associated with the physical markers that map directly to the digital representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Dagley, Stephen Wylie, Jason Hoover, Micah Price, Qiaochu Tang
  • Patent number: 10855894
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a mobile device case that allows a mobile device camera to view and/or capture images from multiple fields of view. The case may allow the mobile device camera to simultaneously capture image information from multiple different directions relative to the camera or mobile device. The fields of view may not be contiguous fields of view, such that there is a gap or other discontinuity between the fields of view. One field of view may be a field visible from or facing a surface of the mobile device on which the camera is disposed (e.g., the back of the mobile device) and another field of view may be one visible from or facing a different surface of the mobile device. Also described are embodiments of techniques for configuring a mobile device to capture and/or process images from multiple fields of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: SCANDIT AG
    Inventors: Marco Valentino Biasini, Christian Floerkemeier, Thomas Wesner
  • Patent number: 10848655
    Abstract: Compact camera heads as used in inspection systems having improved thermal extraction architectures are disclosed. Methods for assembling a camera head and associated components having improved thermal extraction architectures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander L. Warren, Mark S. Olsson
  • Patent number: 10848703
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor comprises an array of pixels. A column of the pixel array is coupled to a readout column. The readout column is couple to a readout circuitry (RC) that reads out image data from the pixel array. The RC comprises two sampling switches which are coupled to a 2-column successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The 2-column SAR ADC comprises a differential comparator, a local SAR control, and two digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The two sampling switches are coupled between two readout columns and two inputs of the differential comparator, respectively. An image readout method reads two pixels with three conversions through the RC. The RC is operated by the local SAR control to set the two DACs based on comparator output, and upon which a reset digital value is obtained and stored. An overall reduced algorithm calculation is achieved herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Oyvind Janbu, Tore Martinussen
  • Patent number: 10834347
    Abstract: A multiple IC, buffered, image sensor has a first IC with pixels, selection transistors, and interconnect coupling selected pixels with first inter-die bond pads that convey image data to a second IC having logic and ADCs. The ADCs having inputs coupled to selected pixels and outputting through-silicon vias and inter-die bond pads to a third IC coupled to buffer raw image data in DRAM. A method includes capturing images with array pixel IC divided into sub-arrays each coupled to a separate, associated, ADC through inter-die bonds, scanning the sub-arrays and converting the image data to digital image data; and transferring the digital image data over inter-die bonds into buffers in DRAM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Taehyung Jung, Hoon Ryu, Zheng Yang, Hyunsu Yoon, Chia-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 10827114
    Abstract: An imaging system capable of stably focusing on a desired location on a subject is provided. An imaging system includes a setting part that sets a search range of an autofocus part in a predetermined range according to an input to an input device. The setting part causes a display device to display a figure indicating a relationship between a focal position of an optical system and an evaluation value indicating an in-focus degree, and an image indicated by an image signal when the optical system has been adjusted to a focal position designated on a figure to support an input of the search range to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Arano, Yutaka Kato
  • Patent number: 10818037
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a system and method for recalibrating an augmented reality experience in mobile devices using a plurality of physical markers. The system and methods provide for realigning the digital representation to the physical world using known physical locations associated with the physical markers that map directly to the digital representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Dagley, Stephen Wylie, Jason Hoover, Micah Price, Qiaochu Tang
  • Patent number: 10819893
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal includes a housing having a receiving space, a driving module, a telescopic bracket, and a camera module. The housing includes a first surface adjacent to the receiving space, a second surface away from the receiving space, and a through hole extending through the first surface to the second surface. The driving module is received in the receiving space of the housing and disposed adjacent to the first surface. The telescopic bracket includes two openings and a telescopic space extending through the two openings. The telescopic bracket is disposed on the second surface of the housing, the opening corresponds to the position of the through hole, and one end of the camera module is electrically connected to the driving module, and the other end penetrates the through hole and is received in the telescopic space of the telescopic bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: AAC Optics Solutions Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ossi Pirinen, Tomi Lintulahti
  • Patent number: 10791259
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for repurposing IR transmitters. In one aspect, a method is performed at a first electronic device with a camera, one or more IR transmitters, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The method includes operating the first electronic device in a first mode, the first mode including illuminating an environment proximate the first electronic device via at least one of the one or more IR transmitters to generate an image, via the camera, of at least a portion of the environment. The method further includes operating the first electronic device in a second mode, the second mode including communicating information to a second electronic device via at least one of the one or more IR transmitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Schoenen, Brian Conner, Orville Buenaventura
  • Patent number: 10791254
    Abstract: A lens assembly for a surveillance camera and the surveillance camera are provided. The lens assembly includes: a lens case; a lens body in which the lens case is received; a sensor circuit board having a sensor connected with the lens body, and being disposed in the lens case; and a flexible circuit board disposed inside the lens body facing the lens case, and being connected to the sensor circuit board, and bent at least once such that at least one portion of the flexible circuit board overlaps another portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: HANWHA TECHWIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Soo Shin, Han Sol Yoon