Patents Examined by Yih-Sien Kao
  • Patent number: 8115839
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an image signal processor, comprising a receiver, a mixing block, and an adjustment block, is provided. The receiver receives first, second, and third color pixel signals which an imaging device outputs. The mixing block generates first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals. The first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals are generated by mixing the first, second, and third color pixel signals generated by all the first, second, and third color pixels occupying a space of which the area is a second predetermined area whose the center is in agreement with the center of the first, second, and third color mixed pixel areas, respectively. The adjustment block adjusts the signal levels of the first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals based on first, second, and third pixel numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8115836
    Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus is operative in accordance with multiple display modes. The image reproducing apparatus includes a data reproducing unit that reproduces an image on a display based on high dynamic range image data acquired from an object and stored in memory, and a dynamic range control unit that controls the dynamic range of the image to be reproduced on the display using one of different types of dynamic range control schemes in accordance with one of the display modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Miyahara, Hisao Shirasawa
  • Patent number: 8102461
    Abstract: A portable terminal and a method for displaying an image using focus information are disclosed. An interested area of the captured subject image can be rapidly displayed on the display. The captured subject image can be displayed on the display, according to the features of an interested area image. At least one interested area is extracted from the captured subject image. When one of the extracted interested areas is selected, image information of the captured subject, which includes focus information of the selected interested area, is generated. When requesting that the captured subject image is displayed, an interested area image of the captured subject image is displayed according to focus information of the generated image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Keun Choi
  • Patent number: 8102424
    Abstract: A housing of a thermal imaging camera includes a camera portion, in which an thermal imaging assembly is mounted, and to which a focusing assembly is mounted, on a first side thereof, and to which a display is mounted, on a second side thereof; a handle portion of the housing extends from a bottom side of the camera portion of the housing at an angle, away from the first side of the camera portion. The housing is configured for ergonomic handling wherein an index finger of a hand may readily activate the focusing assembly, when the hand is wrapped about the handle portion of the housing. The hand may be a right hand or a left hand, and the camera may further include additional features to provide support for single-handed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Justin M. Sheard, Joseph V. Ferrante, Peter A. Bergstrom, Kirk R. Johnson, Christopher W. Lagerberg, Ferdinand Y. Laurino, Michael E. Loukusa
  • Patent number: 8081223
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device for subjecting an optical subject image to photoelectric conversion to generate an image signal; an angular velocity sensor for detecting angular velocity with the imaging apparatus; a first shaking amount calculation unit for integrating detection values from the angular velocity sensor to calculate first shaking amount of the imaging apparatus; a second shaking amount calculation unit for calculating second shaking amount of the imaging apparatus based on image data from the imaging device; a third shaking amount calculation unit for correcting the first shaking amount to calculate third shaking amount of the imaging apparatus based on first amplitude which is a fluctuation range relating to the first shaking amount, and second amplitude which is a fluctuation range relating to the second shaking amount; and a correction control unit for correcting the shaking of the imaging apparatus based on the third shaking amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 8040399
    Abstract: A system and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera includes a digital zoom module that performs a digital zoom function, and an optical zoom module that controls a lens unit of the digital camera to perform an optical zoom function. A depth of field manager performs a zoom-setting optimization procedure to select optimal zoom values for the optical zoom module and the digital zoom module to thereby optimize image quality characteristics of images captured by the camera device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Georgis, Fredrik Carpio, Paul Hwang
  • Patent number: 8035688
    Abstract: A computer program product and method for calibrating and characterizing a color display perform calibrating and characterizing steps. A light source is operated in order to emit light from one or more light emitters on the light source. A color capture device, e.g., a digital camera, is calibrated and characterized based on the emitted light. Then, color images are displayed on the color display and captured on the color capture device. The color display is calibrated and characterized based on the captured color images. Computer program instructions are recorded on the computer readable medium, and are executable by a processor, for performing the calibrating and characterizing steps. A method for generating a controlled light source includes displaying light source selections to a user and receiving a user light source selection. Selected light emitters produce a light output matching the user light source selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Snyderman, Geoffrey John Woolfe, Raja Bala
  • Patent number: 8035717
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device and a camera system in which: (1) counters are organized into a counter group and a memory group on a column-by-column basis; (2) in each column, the individual counters are cascade-connected between individual bits; (3) switches are provided at bit output portions of the individual counters; (4) connecting sides of the individual switches are commonly connected to a column-signal transfer line, and output sides of the switches are shared with the other individual bits; (5) inputs of memories (latch circuits), which store digital data for horizontal transfer, share the column-signal transfer line; and (6) outputs of the memories corresponding to the individual bits are connected via switches to data transfer signal lines wired so as to be orthogonal to the column-signal transfer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuaki Hisamatsu
  • Patent number: 8023033
    Abstract: A viewfinder includes: a main unit to be detachably attached to a camera body; and a display unit including a display portion on which a picture to be imaged at the camera body side; wherein the display portion includes a supporting member, a display panel including a display surface, a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the main unit and the supporting member so as to rotate, and a second connecting mechanism configured to connect the supporting member and the display panel so as to swing between a laid state in which the display panel is laid on the supporting member and a standing state in which the display panel stands from the supporting member; wherein the first connecting mechanism is configured such that the supporting member can rotate within a range of at least not less than 180 degrees on the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kirihara, Eiji Kaji
  • Patent number: 8018513
    Abstract: A piecewise linear processing device applies different amplification rates according to a general environment and a low luminance environment where much noise exists. The piecewise linear processing device includes a knee point storing unit configured to store a user's default setting value and low luminance setting value; a luminance detecting unit configured to detect a noisy environment to output a current luminance information signal and a maximum luminance information signal; an adaptive knee point supply unit configured to receive the default setting value, the low luminance setting value, the current luminance information signal, and the maximum luminance information signal to supply a adjusted adaptive knee point according to a degree of noise; and a piecewise linear processing unit configured to apply a section amplification rate to an input data on the basis of a region corresponding to the adaptive knee point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Crosstek Capital, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Pyeong-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 8013897
    Abstract: A digital camera 100 is provided with an optical unit 1, CCD 3, a CCD holder 27 for holding CCD 3, actuator 10 for connecting the CCD holder 27 with the optical unit 1, wherein the actuator changes in shape when a voltage is applied across a front surface and rear surface thereof, and flexible printed circuits 8, 9 for applying voltages to driving members 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d in response to detection of camera shake to move the CCD holder 27 such that an optical axis Z of the optical unit 1 passes through the center of the image capturing plane 300 of CCD 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Nakayamai
  • Patent number: 8009205
    Abstract: An imaging device to which a portable storage medium is attachable, includes: a portable storage medium attachment section which attaches the portable storage medium; an inside storage medium which links image data imaged to information of imaging date and time and stores the data; and a transfer control section which controls a transfer of the image data from the inside storage medium to the portable storage medium, the portable storage medium having a data area which stores the image data transferred and a system area which stores management data generated corresponding to the image data stored in the data area, the transfer control section setting time stamp information of the management data generated in the portable storage medium corresponding to the image data transferred from the inside storage medium to the portable storage medium as the information of imaging date and time linked to the image data transferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kajiyama
  • Patent number: 7995134
    Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image pickup apparatus that has an external sensor for detecting brightness separately from an image sensor for obtaining an image pickup signal and controls the insertion and removal of a filter into and from an image pickup optical system in accordance with the brightness of the subject, using brightness information obtained from the external sensor and the image pickup signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Kawada
  • Patent number: 7990461
    Abstract: Both of a high speed AF using contrast control and a high precision AF using a color temperature sensor are achieved. A focus detection device has: a first sensor which outputs a signal for a focus detection by detecting a phase difference; and a second sensor having a plurality of pixels whose spectral sensitivities are different. Accumulation start timing of the first sensor and that of the second sensor are different. The first sensor controls an accumulation time period and a read-out gain based on a difference between the maximum and minimum values of an accumulation signal. The accumulation of the second sensor is finished in a timing when the accumulation of the first sensor is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomohisa Kinugasa
  • Patent number: 7986356
    Abstract: A method of determining a gamma curve of a display device includes identifying a region of interest of a display surface of the display device. A centroid of the region of interest is calculated. A plurality of input levels is applied to the display device to generate a corresponding plurality of displayed images on the display surface. At least one image of each of the displayed images is captured with a camera. A gamma curve of the display device is calculated based on the captured images and the centroid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Nelson Liang An Chang, Niranjan Damera-Venkata
  • Patent number: 7978255
    Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes: a plurality of image-capturing pixels, each equipped with a first micro-lens used to condense light; and a plurality of focus detection pixels engaged in focus detection, each equipped with a second micro-lens used to condense light; the plurality of image-capturing pixels and the plurality of focus detection pixels being disposed in a two-dimensional array. The first micro-lens and the second micro-lens are formed so that a light condensing position at which light is condensed via the second micro-lens is set further toward a micro-lens side than the light condensing position at which light is condensed via the first micro-lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7978243
    Abstract: In an imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the driving unit drives each of the pixels in the non-readout region in the first mode such that the setting unit sets the input unit to a third electric potential with the transfer unit being ready to transfer the electric charge to reset the photoelectric conversion unit in a first period and that the setting unit sets the input unit to a fourth electric potential for the pixel to be deselected in a second period later than the first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ono, Tomoyuki Noda, Hidekazu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7969504
    Abstract: A camera system including a camera having an image displaying unit that displays various images and an external flash device that is connected to the camera when in use. To the camera is connectable either a first external flash device whose light emission amount is settable according to an operation input to the first external flash device by a user or a second external flash device whose light emission amount is settable based on information on a light emission amount transmitted from the camera as the external flash device. The camera displays an image having a different content on the image display unit between when the first external flash device is connected thereto and when the second external flash device is connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiharu Matsuda, Kazunari Orii
  • Patent number: 7956924
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a fast (low F/number) computational camera that incorporates two arrays of lenses. The arrays include a lenslet array in front of a photosensor and an objective lens array of two or more lenses. Each lens in the objective lens array captures light from a subject. Each lenslet in the lenslet array captures light from each objective lens and separates the captured light to project microimages corresponding to the objective lenses on a region of the photosensor under the lenslet. Thus, a plurality of microimages are projected onto and captured by the photosensor. The captured microimages may be processed in accordance with the geometry of the objective lenses to align the microimages to generate a final image. One or more other algorithms may be applied to the image data in accordance with radiance information captured by the camera, such as automatic refocusing of an out-of-focus image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Todor G. Georgiev
  • Patent number: 7948553
    Abstract: A digital camera comprises a CCD for subjecting subject light flux incident from a photographing lens to photoelectric conversion and outputting subject image signals, a movable mirror section, arranged in the imaging light path of the CCD, for reflecting some of the subject light flux and transmitting the remainder, a range finder/photosensor for receiving subject light flux reflected by the movable mirror member and carrying out ranging integration, and an optical system drive mechanism for carrying out focal point adjustment of the photographing lens based on output of the range finder/photosensor. In a sequential shooting mode for sequentially acquiring images using the CCD, during the imaging operation by the CCD ranging integration by the range finder/photosensor 217 is carried out using subject light flux that has been reflected by the movable mirror member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Koji Nomura, Yoji Watanabe