Patents by Inventor Eiji Oba

Eiji Oba has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9643539
    Abstract: A capturing device includes an image sensor that generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion for light from a subject, a control unit that generates a setting value for setting a range where an image resulting from the image signal is cut, based on a first instruction input from a user, a setting value storage unit that stores the setting value generated by the control unit, an image conversion unit that reads the setting value from the setting value storage unit, and cuts a specific region specified by the setting value from the image and enlarges the cut region, when there is a second instruction input from the user, and an output unit that converts a signal of the image cut and enlarged by the image conversion unit into an image signal of a predetermined format and outputs the converted image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Frederic Maire
  • Publication number: 20170073007
    Abstract: A cruise-assist image generation device includes: a steering-angle information acquisition unit acquiring steering angle information of a steering wheel; an additional line generation unit generating a cruise assist additional line corresponding to the acquired steering angle information and formed by combination of a given number of segments; and an additional line superimposing unit superimposing the generated cruise assist additional line on a taken image of the vehicle periphery to obtain a composite image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Patent number: 9533709
    Abstract: A cruise-assist image generation device includes a steering-angle information acquisition unit, an additional line generation unit generating a cruise assist additional line corresponding to acquired steering angle information and formed by combination of a given number of segments, and an additional line superimposing unit superimposing the generated cruise assist additional line on a taken image of the vehicle periphery to obtain a composite image. The additional line generation unit generates respective curved lines forming at least some of the segments by quadratic curve approximation using coordinate data corresponding to the acquired steering angle information and including coordinates of points representing each segment, and generating respective straight lines forming any remaining segments by collinear approximation using coordinate data corresponding to the acquired steering angle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Publication number: 20160352986
    Abstract: An insertion part 355 inserted into an insertion hole 255 of a front case 25 in an insertion direction which is a direction of an optical axis and a regulation part 351 for regulating the insertion are formed in a lens holder 35 for holding an image pickup lens 31. Engaging parts 252 and 352 are provided on a surface opposed to a case of the regulation part 351 and on a surface opposed to the regulation part of the front case 25. Projections 3521 of the engaging part 352 are formed surrounding the insertion part 355, and projections 2521 of the engaging part 252 are formed surrounding the insertion hole 255. An interval of the projections of the engaging part 352 is wider than that of the projections of the engaging part 252, and an interval of the projections of the engaging part 252 is formed wider than that of the projections of the engaging part 352. Accordingly, the position of the lens holder relative to the front case is adjusted in a state where the engaging parts 252 and 352 are engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Publication number: 20160325684
    Abstract: A capturing device includes an image sensor that generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion for light from a subject, a control unit that generates a setting value for setting a range where an image resulting from the image signal is cut, based on a first instruction input from a user, a setting value storage unit that stores the setting value generated by the control unit, an image conversion unit that reads the setting value from the setting value storage unit, and cuts a specific region specified by the setting value from the image and enlarges the cut region, when there is a second instruction input from the user, and an output unit that converts a signal of the image cut and enlarged by the image conversion unit into an image signal of a predetermined format and outputs the converted image signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Eiji OBA, Frederic MAIRE
  • Patent number: 9485429
    Abstract: A capturing device includes an image sensor that generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion for light from a subject, a control unit that generates a setting value for setting a range where an image resulting from the image signal is cut, based on a first instruction input from a user, a setting value storage unit that stores the setting value generated by the control unit, an image conversion unit that reads the setting value from the setting value storage unit, and cuts a specific region specified by the setting value from the image and enlarges the cut region, when there is a second instruction input from the user, and an output unit that converts a signal of the image cut and enlarged by the image conversion unit into an image signal of a predetermined format and outputs the converted image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Frederic Maire
  • Patent number: 9473686
    Abstract: A camera device includes: an imaging unit taking image light to obtain a video signal; an output unit outputting the video signal obtained in the imaging unit to a connected cable; a detection unit detecting current variation or voltage variation of the video signal to be outputted from the output unit; and a control unit determining a control signal transmitted through the cable based on the signal variation detected by the detection unit and performing operation control corresponding to the determined control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Noboru Katsui, Hiroyasu Nakano, Satoshi Tagami
  • Publication number: 20160217625
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus circuitry receives first image data from a first image capture device of an area adjacent to an automobile and also receives second image data from a second image capture device of the adjacent area. The circuitry combines the first image data with the second image data to form composite image data of a junction region of the at least a portion of the adjacent area. The circuitry changes over time respective image areas taken from the first image capture device and second image capture device to form the composite image data of the junction region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji OBA, Ken MABUCHI
  • Patent number: 9386204
    Abstract: An insertion part inserted into an insertion hole of a front case in an insertion direction which is a direction of an optical axis and a regulation part for regulating the insertion are formed in a lens holder for holding an image pickup lens. Projections of an engaging part are formed surrounding the insertion part, and projections of another engaging part are formed surrounding the insertion hole. An interval of the projections of the engaging part is wider than that of the projections of the other engaging part, and an interval of the projections of the other engaging part is formed wider than that of the projections of the engaging part. Accordingly, the position of the lens holder relative to the front case is adjusted in a state where the engaging parts and are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Publication number: 20160173748
    Abstract: The present technology relates to an imaging apparatus capable of offering useful information with higher certainty. An imaging apparatus includes an optical system that condenses light received from a subject, an imaging device that photoelectrically converts the light received from the optical system to form a pickup image, and a cover glass disposed between the optical system and the imaging device to protect a surface of the imaging device. The cover glass is disposed obliquely to the imaging device. When stray light corresponding to light reflected on the imaging device enters the cover glass as a part of light having entered the imaging device via the optical system and the cover glass, this stray light is reflected on the cover glass toward a low harmful area of the imaging device. Accordingly, flares generated by stray light decreases in a recognition useful area. The present technology is applicable to an on-vehicle camera, a ceiling type monitoring camera, or others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Publication number: 20160110618
    Abstract: There is provided a system including at least one image capturing device configured to capture an image of an object from a vehicle, and at least one display device configured to display the image of the object to an occupant of the vehicle. The system further includes at least one control unit configured to determine whether to alert the occupant to proximity of the object, and in response to determining to alert the occupant to proximity of the object, superimpose, on the image of the object for display on the at least one display device, a moving pattern through which the image of the object remains visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Patent number: 9215376
    Abstract: A capturing device includes an image sensor that generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion for light from a subject, a control unit that generates a setting value for setting a range where an image resulting from the image signal is cut, based on a first instruction input from a user, a setting value storage unit that stores the setting value generated by the control unit, an image conversion unit that reads the setting value from the setting value storage unit, and cuts a specific region specified by the setting value from the image and enlarges the cut region, when there is a second instruction input from the user, and an output unit that converts a signal of the image cut and enlarged by the image conversion unit into an image signal of a predetermined format and outputs the converted image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY EUROPE LIMITED
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Frederic Maire
  • Publication number: 20150326775
    Abstract: A camera device includes: an imaging unit taking image light to obtain a video signal; an output unit outputting the video signal obtained in the imaging unit to a connected cable; a detection unit detecting current variation or voltage variation of the video signal to be outputted from the output unit; and a control unit determining a control signal transmitted through the cable based on the signal variation detected by the detection unit and performing operation control corresponding to the determined control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: EIJI OBA, NOBORU KATSUI, HIROYASU NAKANO, SATOSHI TAGAMI
  • Publication number: 20150288886
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: an image sensor that photoelectrically converts subject light to generate image signals; a storage portion that sets a second area within a first area so as to correspond to a specific area specified by a setting value for setting an extracting range of an image based on the image signals; a timing adjustment unit that adjusts the timing at which the image signals are read from the image sensor and written to the storage portion and the timing at which the image signals are read from the storage portion; an image conversion processor that performs predetermined processing on the image based on the image signals read from the image sensor; an output unit that converts processed image signals with continuous scanning timing into image signals of a predetermined format and outputs the image signals to a display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Patent number: 9118827
    Abstract: A camera device includes: an imaging unit taking image light to obtain a video signal; an output unit outputting the video signal obtained in the imaging unit to a connected cable; a detection unit detecting current variation or voltage variation of the video signal to be outputted from the output unit; and a control unit determining a control signal transmitted through the cable based on the signal variation detected by the detection unit and performing operation control corresponding to the determined control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Noboru Katsui, Hiroyasu Nakano, Satoshi Tagami
  • Publication number: 20150202663
    Abstract: A determining unit 31 determines an image region of a foreign material in an imaged image generated by an imaging unit 22 by using an imaging optical system 21. A setting unit 32 sets a pressure, injection time, an injection direction of air injected to the foreign material, an injection pattern obtained by combining them and the like based on a determination result. A foreign material removal processing unit 33 adjusts air injection by an air injection adjusting unit 331 based on the setting by the setting unit 32 and injects from an air injecting unit 332 to the imaging optical system 21 to remove the foreign material adhering to the imaging optical system 21. The air is injected according to an adhesion condition of the foreign material, so that the foreign material adhering to the imaging optical system may be optimally removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Tooru Kihira
  • Patent number: 9088702
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: an image sensor that photoelectrically converts subject light to generate image signals; a storage portion that sets a second area within a first area so as to correspond to a specific area specified by a setting value for setting an extracting range of an image based on the image signals; a timing adjustment unit that adjusts the timing at which the image signals are read from the image sensor and written to the storage portion and the timing at which the image signals are read from the storage portion; an image conversion processor that performs predetermined processing on the image based on the image signals read from the image sensor; an output unit that converts processed image signals with continuous scanning timing into image signals of a predetermined format and outputs the image signals to a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Publication number: 20150156381
    Abstract: An insertion part inserted into an insertion hole of a front case in an insertion direction which is a direction of an optical axis and a regulation part for regulating the insertion are formed in a lens holder for holding an image pickup lens. Projections of an engaging part are formed surrounding the insertion part, and projections of another engaging part are formed surrounding the insertion hole. An interval of the projections of the engaging part is wider than that of the projections of the other engaging part, and an interval of the projections of the other engaging part is formed wider than that of the projections of the engaging part. Accordingly, the position of the lens holder relative to the front case is adjusted in a state where the engaging parts and are engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Eiji Oba
  • Publication number: 20150070515
    Abstract: A capturing device includes an image sensor that generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion for light from a subject, a control unit that generates a setting value for setting a range where an image resulting from the image signal is cut, based on a first instruction input from a user, a setting value storage unit that stores the setting value generated by the control unit, an image conversion unit that reads the setting value from the setting value storage unit, and cuts a specific region specified by the setting value from the image and enlarges the cut region, when there is a second instruction input from the user, and an output unit that converts a signal of the image cut and enlarged by the image conversion unit into an image signal of a predetermined format and outputs the converted image signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Frederic Maire
  • Publication number: 20150070514
    Abstract: A capturing device includes an image sensor that generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion for light from a subject, a control unit that generates a setting value for setting a range where an image resulting from the image signal is cut, based on a first instruction input from a user, a setting value storage unit that stores the setting value generated by the control unit, an image conversion unit that reads the setting value from the setting value storage unit, and cuts a specific region specified by the setting value from the image and enlarges the cut region, when there is a second instruction input from the user, and an output unit that converts a signal of the image cut and enlarged by the image conversion unit into an image signal of a predetermined format and outputs the converted image signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Eiji Oba, Frederic Maire