Patents Examined by Tuan Le
  • Patent number: 9549112
    Abstract: There is provided an image capturing apparatus including a movable unit. An acceleration detection unit detects an acceleration of the image capturing apparatus. A geomagnetic detection unit detects geomagnetism. A determining unit determines a direction of the image capturing apparatus by using the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit and the geomagnetism detected by the geomagnetic detection unit. When determining the direction of the image capturing apparatus at a predetermined timing during an operation period of the movable unit, the determining unit determines the direction of the image capturing apparatus by using the acceleration detected by the acceleration detection unit before start of the operation period of the movable unit and the geomagnetism detected by the geomagnetic detection unit during the operation period of the movable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yusuke Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 9544491
    Abstract: A display device for controlling a remotely controlled camera is disclosed. The display device comprising an image receiver configured to receive an image of the image stream from the camera, and a processor. The processor including a retriever configured to retrieve a selected buffered image corresponding to a data insufficiency region within a target field of view while adjusting the camera from a current field of view to the target field of view until the image stream from the camera includes the insufficiency region being depicted within the target field of view and a depicter configured to depict the selected buffered image on the display device at least in the insufficiency region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brice Pryszo, Iker Pryszo, Mathieu Jacquinot
  • Patent number: 9543342
    Abstract: A plurality of first pixels P1 corresponding to color filters of two or more colors constitute a pixel group. A plurality of the pixel groups are arranged so that each of the pixel groups corresponds to one of second pixels P2. The light which is transmitted through the color filters enters first photoelectric conversion units of the first pixels P1 corresponding to the color filters. The light which is transmitted through the pixel group enters a second photoelectric conversion unit of the second pixel P2 corresponding to the pixel group. The number of colors of the color filters corresponding to the plurality of first pixels P1 that constitute the pixel group, and the number of the first pixels P1 corresponding to each color are equal to each other among the plurality of pixel groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Tsukimura
  • Patent number: 9538074
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention which performs blurring processing on captured image data based on distance information of a subject includes a dividing unit configured to divide the captured image data into a plurality of image data pieces corresponding to pieces of the distance information different from each other, a generating unit configured to generate a plurality of blurred image data pieces by performing blurring processing on the plurality of divided image data pieces including an occlusion region, and a synthesizing unit configured to synthesize the plurality of blurred image data pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shin Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9524542
    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: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Custom Industrial Automation Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Clark, Daryl K. Rutt, John David Stratton
  • Patent number: 9503731
    Abstract: Each of multiple cameras encodes and transmits a video signal captured, the encoding being performed with one of multiple variable bit rate encoding schemes each of which has a different average bit rate. A receiving device periodically measures the total bandwidth of the video signals received from the multiple cameras, and when the total bandwidth exceeds a first threshold value the receiving device switches the encoding scheme used by the cameras to a scheme having a lower average bit rate. In addition, when the total bandwidth falls below a second threshold value that is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the receiving device switches the encoding scheme used by the cameras to a scheme having a higher average bit rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi Okazaki
  • Patent number: 9479744
    Abstract: An image signal processor receives a Bayer image signal from an image sensor and converts the Bayer image signal into a normal image signal. The image signal processor includes a memory configured to store a table including reference brightness values and variation values according to the reference brightness values; a shot noise cancelation unit configured to calculate a reference brightness value of the Bayer image signal, select a variation value in the table of the memory according to the calculated reference brightness value, and perform shot noise cancelling on the Bayer image signal based on the selected variation value to generate a modified Bayer image signal; and an interpolation unit configured to generate the normal image signal by performing interpolation based on the modified Bayer image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Seong Jang, Jongseong Choi, Juhyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9473792
    Abstract: Method and system to improve the performance of a video encoder. The method includes processing an initial video signal in a front-end image pre-processor to obtain a processed video signal and processor information respecting the signal, providing the processed video signal and the processor information to a video encoder, and encoding the video signal in the video encoder according to the processor information to provide an encoded video signal for storage. The system includes a video pre-processor connectable to receive an initial video signal. The video encoder in communication with the video pre-processor receives a processed video signal and a processor information. A storage medium in communication with the video encoder stores an encoded video signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Naveen Srinivasamurthy, Manoj Koul, Soyeb Nagori, Peter Labaziewicz, Kedar Chitnis
  • Patent number: 9451219
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic device for providing information (PUB_INFO, PERSON1_INFO) concerning one or more targets (PUB, PERSON1), relative to which target the device is to be aligned in a set manner, and in connection with which device are arranged at least one source (GPS, BM, COMP, TS, MEM) of first information (X, Y, ALT, Odevice, IMSI_10.1), including at least a source of position and orientation information, in order to define the position of the device and the target, or for positioning the target and an aimer (CAM, DISP) for aligning the target relative to the device in a set manner, and in connection with which device, second information relating to the target can be arranged, which second information is arranged, in connection with the application of the aimer, to be brought to the attention of the user by the device. The aimer consists of a camera and a viewfinder (CAM, DISP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Joonas Paalasmaa, Markus Kahari, Antti Sorvari
  • Patent number: 9445024
    Abstract: Provided is a solid-state image sensor including a pixel array portion formed from a two-dimensional array of ordinary imaging pixels each having a photoelectric conversion unit and configured to output an electric signal obtained through photoelectric conversion as a pixel signal, and focus detection pixels for detecting focus. The focus detection pixels include at least a first focus detection pixel and a second focus detection pixel each having a photoelectric conversion unit and configured to transfer and output an electric signal obtained through photoelectric conversion to an output node. The first focus detection pixel and the second focus detection pixel share the output node. The first focus detection pixel includes a first photoelectric conversion unit, and a first transfer gate for reading out an electron generated through photoelectric conversion in the first photoelectric conversion unit to the shared output node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9432599
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a readout unit which reads out an amount of charge accumulated in a floating diffusion that accumulates a charge transmitted from a light receiving unit that photoelectrically converts incident light as a signal level; a readout control unit which controls the readout unit to perform, a plurality of times, a readout operation to read out the amount of charge of a P-phase and a D-phase accumulated in the floating diffusion; and a calculation unit which is controlled by the readout control unit and obtains differences between the signal levels which are obtained using the readout operation that is performed a plurality of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shuuji Sonoda
  • Patent number: 9426351
    Abstract: An auto-focusing method includes dividing an image into a plurality of blocks, performing discrete cosine transform (DCT) on image data of the plurality of blocks to output a plurality of DCT blocks each comprising DCT coefficients, generating a DCT mask for selecting DCT coefficients corresponding to a selected frequency range in a DCT block among the plurality of DCT blocks, and calculating a focus value of the image by applying the generated DCT mask to the DCT block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyungeun Lee, Youngseo Park, Dongseuk Park, Chunwon Lee, Youngsang Kwon, Daebong Kim
  • Patent number: 9413998
    Abstract: An image capturing module includes an image sensing unit, a housing frame, an actuator structure and a reflecting material. The image sensing unit includes an image sensing chip having a first horizontal top surface. The reflecting material is temporarily placed on the movable lens assembly of the actuator structure. The reflecting material has a second horizontal top surface. The distance from the laser light source to the first horizontal top surface is defined as a first horizontal distance, the distance from the laser light source to the second horizontal top surface is defined as a second horizontal distance, and a predetermined fixed focusing distance from the second horizontal top surface to the first horizontal top surface is obtained by subtracting the second horizontal distance from the first horizontal distance, for shortening the focusing time of the movable lens assembly relative to the image sensing chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ching Lung Jao, Chiang Yuan Chuang, Yu Te Chou
  • Patent number: 9407833
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for recording an image of a scene ate provided. In accordance with some embodiments, systems for recording an image of a scene are provided. comprising. a diffuser {hat diffuses light representing the scene and that has a scattering function that is independent of aperture coordinates, a sensor that receives diffused light representing the scene and generates data representing an image; and a hardware processes that uses a point spread function to deblur the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Oliver Cossairt, Changyin Zhou, Shree K. Nayar
  • Patent number: 9386199
    Abstract: Disclosed is a camera module, the module including an IR filter for filtering infrared rays, an image sensor located under the IR filter to convert an incident optic image into an electric signal, a first PCB having a window to permit passage of the optic image and a cavity extending downwards from the window to accommodate the image sensor, a predetermined portion of an upper portion of the cavity being electrically connected to a predetermined portion of an upper surface of the image sensor, and a first through hole taking a shape of a pipe that is connected at one end thereof to the window and connected at the other end to the cavity, the first through hole serving as a path for discharging air between the IR filter and the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Youngjun Ryu
  • Patent number: 9374523
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus and an imaging method supply an optimum amount of image data to another apparatus. When a PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, a mobile phone determines that the maximum speed of communication with the PDA is low, reduces the amount of moving image data captured by a CCD of the mobile phone accordingly, and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA therefore displays a low-quality moving image on its display unit. When the PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, the CPU of the mobile phone leaves unchanged the amount of moving picture data captured by the CCD and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA then displays a high-quality moving image on its display unit. The foregoing may be advantageously applied to digital cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Chisato Yoshida, Osamu Date
  • Patent number: 9369617
    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 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Designs for Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Feinbloom, Kenneth Braganca, Roma Montifar
  • Patent number: 9357188
    Abstract: A photography and projection apparatus including a light emitting and sensing module and a projection lens is provided. The light emitting and sensing module has a light emitting and sensing area, and includes a light emitting unit array and a light sensing unit array. The light emitting unit array includes a plurality of light emitting units arranged in an array. The light emitting units are distributed in the light emitting and sensing area. The light emitting unit array is adapted to provide an image beam. The light sensing unit array includes a plurality of light sensing units arranged in an array. The light sensing units are distributed in the light emitting and sensing area. The projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam. A light emitting and sensing module is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ming-Hsien Wu, Wen-Yung Yeh, Chia-Hsin Chao, Mu-Tao Chu, Jui-Ying Lin
  • Patent number: 9344630
    Abstract: In a digital camera, when a photographer holds the digital camera and decides an imaging area (the area currently being captured by live-view), a CPU performs a first imaging processing (temporary imaging). Next, when the photographer sets the digital camera on a suitable surface (such as a desk), and moves into the imaging area, the CPU moves the optical zoom further to the wide-angle side than during the temporary imaging, and performs a second imaging processing (actual imaging) after a self-timer reaches time up. Then, the CPU performs positioning between the temporarily captured image and the actually captured image, and clips an image of the imaging area defined by the temporarily captured image from the actually captured image. According to the present invention, the degree of freedom of a camera setting location during self-timer imaging is increased and an image including an intended imaging area is easily captured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Hamada, Tomoharu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9325885
    Abstract: An image stabilization apparatus mounted on an image capturing apparatus, comprises a correction member capable of changing a position of an image on an image sensing plane by moving in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, a position detection unit configured to detect a position of the correction member, a control unit configured to control driving of the correction member so as to have an amplitude larger than a pixel pitch of an image sensor, and an exposure control unit configured to control exposure of the image sensor, wherein the exposure control unit performs the exposure when the position of the correction member detected by the position detection unit moves by the pixel pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Takeuchi