Patents Examined by Roberto Velez
  • Patent number: 9977312
    Abstract: The invention comprises a small, easily transportable, specially programmed, camera mounting device with a wireless remote control. The camera mounting device is equipped with a ¼-20 stud, the standard type of stud used by tripods, so the user can easily mount a Go-Pro camera or any other kind of presently available small camera on the camera mounting device. Embodiments of the device can rotate the camera up to 360 degrees, left or right, at any of multiple speeds, and can also pause, and rotate the camera up or down, when needed. Embodiments of the device can attach themselves to other surfaces. The invention eliminates the need to use multiple cameras, while making a video, and splice the video together after the fact. This invention also comprises a method of filming, using the camera mount of the present invention, or a comparable camera mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: William Conn Lefever
  • Patent number: 9973715
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an optical system, a data storage unit, an imaging unit, and an image processing unit. The optical system is variable in focal distance and varies a size of an image circle by the focal distance. A data storage unit stores data indicating a correspondence between a value of the focal distance and a value of the size of the image circle. The imaging unit obtains image data from the optical image. The image processing unit performs composition processing of image data in multiple frames after dividing each of the image data in multiple frames corresponding to an outside of the image circle into quadrant-by-quadrant regions and aligning the divided image data in multiple frames quadrant by quadrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takeyuki Ajito
  • Patent number: 9973706
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for detecting an imaging condition. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for detecting an imaging condition. The method comprises: determining, based on luminance distribution in a first image of a scene, imaging lightness of the first image, the first image being captured by a first camera; determining, based on detection of a highlighted region in a second image of the scene, imaging exposureness of the second image, the second image being captured by a second camera, the first image and the second image being captured under a same or similar imaging condition, an exposure amount of the first camera being lower than an exposure amount of the second camera. There is also disclosed a relevant apparatus, electronic device, and a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Kongqiao Wang, Jiangwei Li, He Yan
  • Patent number: 9973688
    Abstract: A method for using a telescoping monopod apparatus to capture an image including synchronizing a photographic instrument with the telescoping monopod apparatus, attaching the photographic instrument to the telescoping monopod apparatus, determining that the photographic instrument is in an image-capturing mode, extracting, by the image-capturing mode, a humanoid feature, detecting that the humanoid feature comprises a cutoff, adjusting a position of the photographic instrument using the telescoping monopod apparatus, and capturing an adjusted image using the photographic instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Intellectual Fortress, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Hwading Chu, Xiran Wang, Yangyang Chen
  • Patent number: 9967450
    Abstract: A focus adjustment device comprising an imaging unit that outputs image signals corresponding to images by an optical system; a focus detection unit that performs focus detection processes to detect focal states of the optical system; an aperture that restricts light beams to the imaging unit; an aperture drive unit; an initiation unit that initiates the focus detection process by the focus detection unit; a focused state determination unit that determines repeatedly whether the focal state of the optical system is a focused state or not based on a focus detection result when the initiation of the focus detection process is being performed; a mode set unit that sets motion picture imaging modes; and a control unit that controls the focused state determination when aperture is being driven, wherein the control unit allows the focused determination process when the aperture is driven if motion picture imaging mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki Takahara
  • Patent number: 9967479
    Abstract: The invention relates to pixel circuit and an operating method thereof, comprising a front-end circuit comprising a single photodiode and having an output, said front-end circuit being configured for delivering on said output a photoreceptor signal derived from a light exposure of said single photodiode; a transient detector circuit configured for detecting a change in said photoreceptor signal delivered on said output; an exposure measurement circuit configured for measuring said photoreceptor signal delivered on said output upon detection by the transient detector circuit of a change in the photoreceptor signal. The invention also relates to an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixel circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: CHRONOCAM
    Inventors: Daniel Matolin, Christoph Posch
  • Patent number: 9955100
    Abstract: Provided are image sensors with non-local readout circuits that include a substrate and a plurality of pixels and operatively connected to a control unit, wherein the control unit has first and second biasing circuits for providing, respectively, substantially symmetrical first and second biasing voltages and including, respectively, first and second selection means to selectively bias the pixels; and a readout circuit for reading out the pixels; and in that each pixel includes a photo-active element that has a photosensitizing layer associated to a transport layer; a non-photo-active reference element; first and second contacts circuitally connected, respectively, to the first and second biasing circuits; and an output contact circuitally connected to the readout circuit; wherein the photo-active element is circuitally connected between the first and output contacts, and the reference element is circuitally connected between the output and second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: FUNDACIÓ INSTITUT DE CIÈNCIES FOTÒNIQUES
    Inventors: Gerasimos Konstantatos, Frank Koppens, Stijn Goossens, Juan JoséPiqueras
  • Patent number: 9955052
    Abstract: A device having a camera unit for recording images of the exterior of a motor vehicle, includes a support assembly accommodating the camera unit which is movable between a standby position and an active position, a cover element and a movement mechanism. The movement mechanism includes a first pivot element, which is pivotably supported on the support assembly such that it can pivot about a first rotational axle, and which is connected to a first articulation axle of the camera unit in an articulated manner, a second pivot element, which is pivotably supported on the support assembly, such that it can pivot about a second rotational axle, and which is connected to a second articulation axle of the camera unit, and a third pivot element, which is pivotably supported on the support assembly such that it can pivot about the first rotational axle, and which is connected to the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Buss
  • Patent number: 9940702
    Abstract: This invention comprises a system and a method for inspecting the inside of delayed petroleum coking vessels to identify deformations, detect and determine the severity of other defects, and visually observe the inside of the inspected vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Custom Industrial Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Clark, Daryl K. Rutt, John David Stratton
  • Patent number: 9942451
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes a chassis, in which a recess is formed; the recess including at least one pair of inner wall surfaces which face each other; an imaging unit positioned in the recess; an intermediate frame which is interposed between the recess and the imaging unit, the intermediate frame including a pair of support walls which correspond to the pair of inner wall surfaces of the recess; a first cushioning member which is interposed between one of the pair of support walls of the intermediate frame and an adjacent outer wall surface of the imaging unit; and a second cushioning member which is interposed between the other of the pair of support walls of the intermediate frame and an adjacent inner wall surface of the pair of inner wall surfaces of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken Endo, Hiroaki Imagawa
  • Patent number: 9936143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a camera. The method includes the steps of providing an array of image sensing pixels, disposing an electronic shutter in an optical path between the array of pixels and an image where the electronic shutter has a reflective state and a transmissive state and applying a predetermined sequence of electrical signals to the electronic shutter to expose the image sensing pixels to the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Fan He, Michael Frenzer
  • Patent number: 9936140
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit, a memory configured to store the image signal, a writing unit configured to write the image signal to the memory, a readout unit configured to read out at least a partial region of the image signal, a display unit configured to perform live-view display of an image, and a control unit configured to perform control for each frame of the image signal, wherein the control unit sets, when electronic zoom is in operation, the delay time such that the operation of the writing unit writing the image signal to the memory and the operation of the readout unit reading out the image signal from the memory end within a period of one frame of the image signal, regardless of the reading region changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Ohwa
  • Patent number: 9936114
    Abstract: A mobile device for requesting a capture of an image includes a beacon and a processing circuit. The beacon is configured to communicate with an unmanned camera. The processing circuit is configured to generate a request for the unmanned camera to capture an image of a user of the mobile device, where the request includes a condition that must be met by the image of the user, and send the request, via the beacon, to the unmanned camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Baym, William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9924083
    Abstract: A system for aligning a camera view and the illumination of a lighting fixture is disclosed. The system includes a camera contained with a housing and a lighting fixture that is pivotedly attached to the housing. An angle adjuster attached to a proximate end of each of the housing and the lighting fixture converts a linear movement to the adjuster into an angular adjustment of the lighting fixture with regard to an optical axis of a camera contained with the housing. In another aspect of the invention, the system of aligning a camera view and light fixture may be attached to a magnification lenswear and a focal point of the magnification lenswear may be aligned with the aligned camera view and the illumination of the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DESIGNS FOR VISION, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Feinbloom, Kenneth Braganca, Roma Montifar
  • Patent number: 9924098
    Abstract: A rifle scope includes an image sensor configured to capture visual data corresponding to a view area, a display, and a controller coupled to the display and the image sensor. The controller is configured to apply a first stabilization parameter to at least a portion of the visual data to produce a stabilized view, to provide the stabilized view and a reticle to the display, and to apply a second stabilization parameter to stabilize the reticle relative to the stabilized view in response to motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Trackingpoint, Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Andrew Thyssen, John Hancock Lupher
  • Patent number: 9918027
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: an R pixel provided with an R filter for transmitting red-color light; a B pixel provided with a B filter for transmitting blue-color light; an S1 pixel which is provided with an S1 filter with a visible light transmittance independent of wavelengths in a visible light region and has a sensitivity higher than that of the R pixel; and an S2 pixel which is provided with an S2 filter with a visible light transmittance independent of wavelengths in the visible light region and lower than the visible light transmittance of the S1 filter and has a sensitivity lower than the sensitivity of the S1 pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taichi Natori
  • Patent number: 9917993
    Abstract: A lens mounting module includes an image pickup unit; a mount plate that includes an installation surface on which a lens unit is installed; a first support frame located between the image pickup unit and the mount plate, that supports the mount plate, and that includes a contact point that provides an electrical contact with the lens unit installed on the mount plate; and a second support frame installed between the first support frame and the image pickup unit, that supports the first support frame, and that includes an insertion part through which the image pickup unit is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-han Park, Sang-ki Min
  • Patent number: 9918028
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor which has a plurality of pixels; and a plurality of processing circuits which correct images of different frames output from the image sensor. Each processing circuit includes: a first detection circuit which performs defective pixel detection on a portion of a region of the plurality of pixels which is different from portions of the region on which the other processing circuits perform defective pixel detection; and a memory which stores information on defective pixels for the entire region obtained by combining information on defective pixels detected by the first detection circuit and information on defective pixels obtained by the other processing circuits. Further, each processing circuit corrects the image of each frame output from the image sensor, using the information on defective pixels for the entire region stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Higuchi
  • Patent number: 9911174
    Abstract: An image processing pipeline may process image data at multiple rates. A stream of raw pixel data collected from an image sensor for an image frame may be processed through one or more pipeline stages of an image signal processor. The stream of raw pixel data may then be converted into a full-color domain and scaled to a data size that is less than an initial data size for the image frame. The converted pixel data may be processed through one or more other pipelines stages and output for storage, further processing, or display. In some embodiments, a back-end interface may be implemented as part of the image signal processor via which image data collected from sources other than the image sensor may be received and processed through various pipeline stages at the image signal processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Suk Hwan Lim, Christopher L. Mills, D. Amnon Silverstein, David R. Pope, Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 9912885
    Abstract: Provided is an image pickup apparatus capable of reading out and outputting pixel data of a partial area of a rolling shutter type image sensor. The image pickup apparatus includes: a readout condition setter configured to set a readout condition from the image sensor; a charge time setter configured to set charge time of the image sensor; a controller configured to control charging of the image sensor and readout from the image sensor so as to achieve constant charge time irrespective of the readout condition; and an image signal output unit configured to output a pixel signal read out by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shingo Isobe