Patents Examined by Nicholas Giles
  • Patent number: 9407847
    Abstract: Provided is a solid state imaging apparatus including: a writing memory selecting unit connected between a plurality of vertical output lines and a plurality of memories, configured to selectively store a signal transmitted from at least one of the plurality of vertical output lines into at least one of the plurality of memories; a plurality of horizontal scanning channels configured to input the signals stored in the plurality of memories; and a reading memory selecting unit connected between the plurality of memories and the plurality of horizontal scanning channels, configured to selectively output the signal stored in the at least one of the plurality of memories to at least one of the plurality of horizontal scanning channels. The reading memory selecting unit is configured to output the signals in an order corresponding to spatial arrangement of photoelectric conversion elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yu Maehashi, Hiroaki Kameyama, Hideo Kobayashi, Kazuo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9392179
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a magnifying element. The magnifying element includes a camera module and a lens module. The camera module includes an image sensor and a lens related to the image sensor. The lens module is mounted on the lens and used as back projection to ensure that the light exit aperture of the lens module is opposite to the entrance aperture of the camera module. The power of magnification of the electronic device with a magnifying element is determined by the design features of the lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Ming Lan, Tsung-Heng Chang
  • Patent number: 9392149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a case (1) for surveillance video cameras (2) comprising a first (3) and a second (4) half-shell connectable to each other to define a housing volume for at least one video camera (2). At least one of the first (3) and the second (4) half-shell comprises a transparent panel (5) intended to be placed in front of a lens of the video camera (2). The case further comprises a holding device (9) for the video camera (2) which defines a duct (8) conveying an air flow generated by air flow generating means (7) towards the transparent panel (5). Heating means (6) are provided for heating the generated air flow. At least one section of the conveying duct (8) has insulating walls. The invention relates also to a video camera holding device for use in protection cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: VIDEOTEC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alessio Grotto, Dario Zattara
  • Patent number: 9392202
    Abstract: A scanning circuit includes a first shift register including a plurality of registers and being operable to specify a register where scanning is skipped among the plurality of registers, and a second shift register adapted to transmit skip information for specifying the register to be skipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukio Araoka
  • Patent number: 9386263
    Abstract: When a continuous imaging mode is set, a screen is displayed for allowing input of a number of images to shoot and the imaging parameters for each of the images, a determination is made as to whether the number of images to shoot and the imaging parameters for each of the images have been input by the user. When the number of images to shoot and the imaging parameters for each of the images have been input, the input number of images and the imaging parameters are stored, and a direct image display is started. Moreover, when there is an imaging instruction, a continuous imaging process is started in which still imaging is performed continuously based on the stored number of images and the imaging parameters. When the continuous imaging process has been completed, the plurality of still image data, obtained with differing imaging parameters, is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Iwamoto, Osamu Nojima
  • Patent number: 9380226
    Abstract: Optimization of image acquisition relative resource usage, particularly power, is accomplished by use of a beehive algorithm, inspired by observation of the way that bees communicate foraging information by a dance. Analysis of relative gain associated with captured pixels facilitates isolation of one or more areas of particular interest for focusing one or more subsequent image capture operations. Selective enablement of picture acquisition elements targeting each isolated area facilitates obtaining images containing needed or useful information while minimizing resource use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Rakesh Sethi
  • Patent number: 9380229
    Abstract: In at least one example embodiment, a method of determining motion in an image includes acquiring pixel data from a plurality of pixels in an image sensor, the plurality of pixels having respective response ranges, the response range of at least a first pixel of the pixels including a linear response range and a logarithmic response range, the plurality of pixels configured to produce pixel data according to light of the image in a scene and the response ranges and determining the motion based on the pixel data generated across the response ranges including the logarithmic response range of the at least first pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: German Voronov
  • Patent number: 9369144
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter includes a gain amplification unit configured to receive a pixel signal at a first node and to amplify a gain of the pixel signal, a first capacitor connected between the first node and a second node, an amplifier configured to receive and amplify a signal output from the gain amplification unit and the first capacitor, and a conversion circuit configured to convert an output signal of the amplifier to a digital signal based on a reference signal and output the digital signal as a first output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Hong Kim, Yu Jin Park, Jin Ho Seo, Kwi Sung Yoo, Wun Ki Jung, Han Kook Cho, Seog Heon Ham, Min Ji Hwang
  • Patent number: 9367964
    Abstract: There is provided an image processing device including a superimposition display position determining unit which determines a position of an object having a predetermined flat surface or curved surface out of an object imaged in an input image based on an environment map, a superimposition display image generating unit which generates a superimposition display image by setting superimposition display data at the position of the object determined by the superimposition display position determining unit, an image superimposing unit which superimposes the superimposition display image on a visual field of a user, an operating object recognizing unit which recognizes an operating object imaged in the input image, and a process executing unit which executes a process corresponding to an item selected based on a position of the operating object recognized by the operating object recognizing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuki Kashitani
  • Patent number: 9363424
    Abstract: The camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention including: a printed circuit board on which an image sensor is mounted; a holder member installed on the printed circuit board; a lens module located in the holder member; and a guide unit formed protruding from the surface of the holder member opposite to the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Jun Kim, Tae Min Ha
  • Patent number: 9344641
    Abstract: A master camera sets temporary conditions at the time of executing photographing by a plurality of cameras, determines whether photographing by the plurality of cameras can be executed under the temporary conditions, sets actual conditions at the time of executing photographing by the plurality of cameras in accordance with this determination result, and executes control such that photographing by the plurality of cameras is executed under the actual conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kanako Nakano, Kazuto Yamamoto, Shohei Sakamoto, Jun Muraki, Hideaki Matsuda, Koki Nakamura, Kazuma Kawahara, Hiroyoshi Ogawa, Toshihiko Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9344655
    Abstract: An active pixel sensor imaging system is disclosed. In one aspect, the system includes a plurality of active pixel sensor circuits arranged into an array of rows and columns. Each active pixel sensor is connected to a supply line and a column line, and operable to generate a voltage output through the column line corresponding to a detected light intensity. The system includes a current sensing circuit, located external to the plurality of active pixel sensor circuits and connected to the supply line. The current sensing circuit is implemented as a current mirror for sensing a current through an active pixel sensor circuit readout transistor. The system includes a feedback circuit, located external to the plurality of active pixel sensor circuits and connected to the column line, to a current generator and to the current sensing circuit. The feedback circuit is implemented as a classAB current mirror configured for controlled quiescent current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: IMEC vzw
    Inventors: Steven Terryn, Mandar Thite
  • Patent number: 9338414
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that has image sensors for each image of red, green, and blue which have a two-line addition function respectively. The imaging unit outputs image signals of red and blue and an image signal of green of which sample phases in a space are shifted by one pixel interval in a vertical direction using the two-line addition function. A resolution conversion unit obtains image signals of red, green, and blue of which the number of lines is doubled by performing interpolation processing on the image signals of red and blue and an image signal of green output from the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Kamiya, Tadamasa Kurashige, Ryosuke Amano
  • Patent number: 9338350
    Abstract: An imaging system may include one or more optical filters that include metallic nanoparticles in a matrix. The metallic nanoparticle optical filters may form a color filter array for an imager in the imaging system. Different metallic nanoparticle optical filters may be formed for each desired color. Properties of the metallic nanoparticles and matrices may be varied to achieve the desired optical filtering properties and pass the desired wavelength bands to the imager. As examples, the type of metal, the size of the nanoparticles, the shape of the nanoparticles, and the type of matrix in which the nanoparticles are formed may all influence the optical properties of the resulting metallic nanoparticle optical film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Swarnal Borthakur, Brian Vaartstra, Marc Sulfridge
  • Patent number: 9332295
    Abstract: A wireless transmission and video integrated apparatus includes a video module and a wireless module. The video module includes a hub unit, an image processing unit, an image acquisition unit, a microphone unit, an expansion interface and a transmission interface. The wireless module includes a connection interface, a wireless communication unit and an antenna unit. The wireless module is electrically connected to the expansion interface of the video module through the connection interface. The video module and the wireless module are integrated as a whole, and then are electrically connected to an external electronic apparatus through the transmission interface of the video module, so that assembling the wireless transmission and video integrated apparatus into the electronic apparatus is quick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Nai-Chien Chang
  • Patent number: 9317503
    Abstract: A system and method for naming an image file includes an image capture module; a processor; a memory unit; an interface; a coded image trigger mechanism for initiating capture of a coded image; and a photo trigger mechanism for initiating capture of one or more photo image(s). The image capture module including a decode module, a photo module, a photo file renaming module. The decode module decodes the captured image from the coded image trigger and generates an encoded ASCII character data string. The photo module stores the captured photo image(s) as file(s) with an auto root name on the system device memory. The photo file renaming module renames the image file(s) created by the photo trigger to a new root name which is defined by a trailing use of the code trigger or manual keypad entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: ID Integration, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene Anderson
  • Patent number: 9307153
    Abstract: A dual-shot image preview method and apparatus is disclosed. An electronic device with dual image sensors provides a preview screen combining in real-time a partial image captured from a first image sensor and a rear image captured from a second image sensor. The partial image is a portion of a front image that includes a desired portion of the user, such as the user's face based on algorithmic detection. The electronic device displays a dual-shot preview screen by overlaying the partial image on the rear image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9307139
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit that photographs an object through a lens; a memory unit that stores images captured by the imaging unit; an adjusting unit that adjusts a position of the lens, based on a value that is obtained from each of the images captured by the imaging unit and that represents an extent of focusing by the lens; a calculating unit that calculates a local maximum value of the value, based on temporal changes of the value that is obtained from each of the images successively captured by the imaging unit and that represents the extent of focusing by the lens; and a selecting unit that selects an image from among the images stored in the memory unit, based on differences of the local maximum value and the value obtained from each of the images and representing the extent of focusing by the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SOCIONEXT INC.
    Inventor: Soichi Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 9307168
    Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes an image sensor in which a plurality of types of pixels including a specific pixel is arranged, and a detection unit configured to detect a defective pixel based on a pixel value of each pixel in the image sensor, wherein the detection unit is configured to exclude the specific pixel from a target of the defective pixel based on information indicating a position of the specific pixel in the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Sambonsugi
  • Patent number: 9307234
    Abstract: The system may capture an image comprising an original image size. The system may further determine an optimal size for the image based on a connection bandwidth and/or connection latency. The system may also compress the image to reduce an image size locally until the image size is less than or equal to the optimal size, before transmitting the image with the optimal size to the receiver while controlling latency in image transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Greiner, Vasif M. Pasha, Kevin H. Ringger