Patents by Inventor Koji Nozato

Koji Nozato 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: 9757029
    Abstract: Provided is an imaging method for correcting aberration generated when imaging an object to be inspected. The imaging method includes: irradiating an imaging area with a first light beam which is scanned by a scan unit and taking an image of the object to be inspected based on return light of the first light beam; detecting a moving amount of the object to be inspected; comparing the detected moving amount with a predetermined threshold value; and adjusting the imaging area to be irradiated with the first light beam. The adjusting includes determining in accordance with a result of the comparison to change the imaging area by at least one of: using the scan unit, and using an aberration correcting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Tomoyuki Makihira, Kazuhide Miyata
  • Publication number: 20170206657
    Abstract: A method, controller, and non-transitory medium for obtaining images of a moving subject. Estimating changes in position of the subject based on the images. Calculating a quality metric of the estimation of the change. Comparing the quality metric to a threshold. In a first case in which the quality metric is less than the threshold, adjusting position of the scanning area based on the estimated change in position. In a second case in which the quality metric is not less than the threshold, obtaining a new second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Kenichi Saito, Qiang Yang
  • Publication number: 20170181625
    Abstract: A system, method, medium, controller, or ophthalmoscope for imaging a fundus of a subject. Estimating a first illumination center position for an illumination beam relative to a center position of a pupil of the subject. The first illumination center position may be offset from the center position of the pupil. Sending instructions to an ophthalmoscope to shift a center position of the illumination beam to the first illumination center position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Tomoaki KAWAKAMI, Koji Nozato, Norihiko UTSUNOMIYA
  • Publication number: 20170127931
    Abstract: An ophthalmic image processing method, a non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions for a computer to perform a method for processing images from an ophthalmic apparatus and an ophthalmic apparatus that irradiates an eye of a subject and gathers return light from a fundus of the eye. The ophthalmic apparatus may also comprise a wavefront sensor. The wavefront sensor may output to the memory, wavefront information that is representative of a wavefront of the return light from the fundus. The ophthalmic apparatus may also comprise a pupil monitor. The pupil monitor may output to the memory, a macro ocular portrait of the eye. The processor may produce an overlay image in which the wavefront information is overlaid on top of the macro ocular portrait.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Norihiko UTSUNOMIYA, Koji NOZATO
  • Publication number: 20170065161
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus with a wavefront controller and a method for controlling the apparatus. Sending control data based on a first setting to the wavefront controller to adjust an irradiation wavefront so as to set a beam shape of the irradiation beam of light. Receiving data that is representative of a wavefront of measurement light. Sending updated control data to the wavefront controller to readjust the irradiation wavefront based on the measurement wavefront data while at the same time also using the wavefront controller to control the beam shape of the irradiation beam of light based on the first setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventor: Koji Nozato
  • Publication number: 20170004344
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of obtaining an image of a fundus. Acquiring a reference image of the fundus at a first point in time. Acquiring a target image of the fundus at a second point in time. The target imaging area may overlap with the reference imaging area. An area of the target imaging area may be less than an area of the reference imaging area. Estimating movement of the fundus may be based upon at least the target image and the reference image. Acquiring a narrow field image of the fundus. An area of the narrow field imaging area may be less than the area of the target imaging area. A position of the narrow imaging area on the fundus may be adjusted based on the estimated movement of the fundus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Kenichi Saito, Qiang Yang, Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 9485383
    Abstract: System, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions for imaging an object. Dividing raw data into forward scan data and backward scan data. Reversing the order of the backward scan data to produce inverted backward scan data. Determining an offset value that is associated with a maximum value of a first function based on the forward scan data and the inverted backward scan data. The forward scan data is shifted by the offset value relative to the inverted backward scan data. Producing a first image of the object that comprises the forward scan data interlaced with the inverted backward scan data. The forward scan data is shifted by the offset value relative to the inverted backward scan data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Qiang Yang
  • Patent number: 9468375
    Abstract: To promptly take a high quality image of an object to be inspected, provided is an imaging method for taking an image of the object to be inspected by irradiating the object to be inspected with measuring light, in which an aberration generated in the object to be inspected is corrected by an aberration correction unit. The method includes the repeatedly performed steps of measuring the aberration generated in the object to be inspected, correcting the aberration by controlling the aberration correction unit in accordance with the measured aberration, and storing, in a storage unit, a control state of the aberration correction unit in association with the measured aberration. The aberration correction unit is controlled in a predetermined control state stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Nozato
  • Patent number: 9277858
    Abstract: Aberration is measured as phase information at each of a plurality of aberration measurement points, and at the time of correcting the aberration with correction pixels of an aberration correction unit of which the number is greater than the number of the plurality of aberration measurement points, correction pixels corresponding to each aberration measurement point are driven based on the phase information. Regarding correction pixels not positionally corresponding to the aberration measurement points, the aberration correction unit is driven based on phase information in the vicinity of this correction pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Kohei Takeno
  • Patent number: 9254083
    Abstract: Systems, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for imaging an object. The system includes a scanner. The scanner positions a spot of light from a light source on the object along a scanning path. The scanning path includes a plurality of scan lines. The spot moves along the scanning path at a scanning velocity. The scanning velocity is not constant. The intensity of the spot of light is modulated as a function of the scanning velocity. The system includes a detector that is arranged to output data associated with positions along the scanning path. The system includes one or more processors that perform calculations. Pixels are calculated based on the output data. The image is constructed of the object based on the pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Qiang Yang
  • Patent number: 9211063
    Abstract: A compensation optical apparatus for obtaining and image of an object without reduction in image quality irrespective of aberration compensation, includes: a division unit for dividing a return beam from a measured object; an aberration measurement unit for measuring an aberration caused by the measured object, with a divided beam from the division unit; an aberration compensation unit for performing aberration compensation based on the aberration measured by the aberration measurement unit; a projection unit for projecting a beam obtained by the aberration compensation in the aberration compensation unit to the measured object; an acquirement unit for acquiring a value exhibiting a state of the measured object based on the return beam from the measured object, which is obtained by the beam projected from the projection unit; and a control unit for retreating the division unit from an optical path based on the value acquired by the acquirement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Takeshi Kitamura
  • Patent number: 9107619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical-image pickup apparatus including a setting unit configured to set the effective region or the resolution of a correction unit configured to correct the aberration of a subject; an aberration measuring unit configured to measure an aberration generated at the subject; and a control unit configured to control the correction unit on the basis of the measured aberration and the set effective region or the measured aberration and the set resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Kazuhide Miyata
  • Publication number: 20150208917
    Abstract: An adaptive optics apparatus includes an aberration measuring unit that measures an aberration caused by a subject's eye, the aberration being measured on the basis of returning light that returns from the subject's eye; an aberration correcting unit that performs aberration correction in accordance with the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit; an irradiation unit that irradiates the subject's eye with light corrected by the aberration correcting unit; and an adjusting unit that maintains a correction characteristic of the aberration correcting unit when the subject's eye moves out of a predetermined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventor: Koji Nozato
  • Publication number: 20150157204
    Abstract: Systems, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium for imaging an object. The system includes a scanner. The scanner positions a spot of light from a light source on the object along a scanning path. The scanning path includes a plurality of scan lines. The spot moves along the scanning path at a scanning velocity. The scanning velocity is not constant. The intensity of the spot of light is modulated as a function of the scanning velocity. The system includes a detector that is arranged to output data associated with positions along the scanning path. The system includes one or more processors that perform calculations. Pixels are calculated based on the output data. The image is constructed of the object based on the pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicants: University of Rochester, CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji NOZATO, Qiang YANG
  • Publication number: 20150150450
    Abstract: An optical imaging system, method, and medium for imaging a subject. Measure an aberration state of light from the subject is measured. Determine a condition of the subject based on the aberration state of the light, and if the subject is in a first condition or a second condition. An aberration correction device that adjusts a state of the light. In a first case if the subject is in the first condition than the light is adjusted based on the aberration state of the light used to determine that the subject is in the first condition. In a second case if the subject is in the second condition than the light is adjusted based on based on a most recent aberration state of the light that was used to determine that the subject was in the first condition prior to detecting that the subject is in the second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventor: Koji NOZATO
  • Publication number: 20150156365
    Abstract: System, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with instructions for imaging an object. Dividing raw data into forward scan data and backward scan data. Reversing the order of the backward scan data to produce inverted backward scan data. Determining an offset value that is associated with a maximum value of a first function based on the forward scan data and the inverted backward scan data. The forward scan data is shifted by the offset value relative to the inverted backward scan data. Producing a first image of the object that comprises the forward scan data interlaced with the inverted backward scan data. The forward scan data is shifted by the offset value relative to the inverted backward scan data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicants: University of Rochester, CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji NOZATO, Qiang YANG
  • Patent number: 9044174
    Abstract: An adaptive optics apparatus includes an aberration measuring unit that measures an aberration caused by a subject's eye, the aberration being measured on the basis of returning light that returns from the subject's eye; an aberration correcting unit that performs aberration correction in accordance with the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit; an irradiation unit that irradiates the subject's eye with light corrected by the aberration correcting unit; and an adjusting unit that maintains a correction characteristic of the aberration correcting unit when the subject's eye moves out of a predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Nozato
  • Patent number: 9016861
    Abstract: An adaptive optics apparatus includes an aberration measuring unit that measures an aberration caused by a test object, the aberration being measured on the basis of returning light that returns from the test object; an aberration correcting unit that performs aberration correction in accordance with the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit; an irradiation unit that irradiates the test object with light corrected by the aberration correcting unit; and an acquiring unit that acquires information based on a transmittance of the test object on the basis of the aberration measured by the aberration measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Nozato, Kazuhide Miyata
  • Publication number: 20150077710
    Abstract: Apparatus, method, and non-transitory medium for optical stabilization and digital image registration in scanning light ophthalmoscopy. Scanning an object with measurement light. Acquire an image of the object to be examined based on return light from the object. Acquire information which indicates movement of the object to be examined based on a plurality of acquired images. Control the scanning based on the information which indicates the movement of the object to be examined. Performing registration of the plurality of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kenichi Saito, Qiang Yang, Jie Zhang, Koji Nozato
  • Patent number: 8955970
    Abstract: A fundus imaging apparatus includes: an aberration measurement unit adapted to measure an aberration of reflected light obtained by irradiating an object to be examined with measurement light; an aberration correction unit adapted to correct an aberration of light in accordance with the measured aberration; a control unit adapted to repeatedly control processing of the aberration measurement unit and the aberration correction unit; and a changing unit adapted to change a first function of a predetermined order representing the aberration to a second function including an order higher than the predetermined order in accordance with at least one of a measurement result obtained by the aberration measurement unit and a control result obtained by the control unit. The aberration correction unit corrects an aberration expressed by the second function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Nozato