Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for stabilizing an imaging device and methods of using the same for a wide variety of applications including photography, video, and filming. Also provided are unmanned vehicles including aerial vehicles that contain the apparatus disclosed herein.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle includes an evaporator and a diffuser. The evaporator is configured to cool air passing through the evaporator. The diffuser is configured to direct a first portion of the air entering the diffuser through a first section of the evaporator, and direct a second portion of the air entering the diffuser through a second section of the evaporator. The evaporator and the diffuser are configured to cooperate such that air exits the first section at a first temperature and air exits the second section at a second temperature less than the first temperature.

Abstract: A wireless transmission protocol for exchanging data between an unmanned aerial vehicle and a ground terminal is provided. The unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to transit image or video media data while mid-flight. The unmanned aerial vehicle and the ground terminal share a single communications channel using a time division multiple data access protocol. The unmanned aerial vehicle and the ground terminal use different communication protocols to send different types of data signals.

Abstract: A system for high dynamic range (HDR) imaging and methods for making and using same is disclosed. An HDR module in a camera initializes a set of lookup tables (LUTs) in YUV color space based on exposure configurations of a set of images taken as HDR imaging. The HDR module calculates weights of luminance Y components of the set of images in YUV color space. Based on the calculated weights, the HDR module blends the Y component of the set of images to generate blended Y components. The HDR module combines the blended Y components with corresponding UV components to generate a single image in YUV space. Thereby, the HDR module advantageously combines a set of images into a blended HDR image with only blending the Y component of the set of images.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems and apparatus for storing and repairing multimedia files are provided that overcome the limitations of existing multimedia file repair technologies. Backup copies of the multimedia container information associated with given multimedia content data are stored, along with the multimedia content data, on an external storage detachably coupled to a recording device. A primary copy of the multimedia container information is stored on an internal storage associated with the recording device. The recording of the primary container information and the content data is performed in real-time or nearly real-time as the content data is captured by the recording device. In the case of an abnormal event (e.g., battery failure, disconnect of storage media), container information may be selected from the primary copy or the backup copies of the container information, thereby increasing the likelihood that the container file can be successfully repaired or regenerated.

Abstract: Systems for automatic white balancing (AWB) of a digital image and methods for making and using same. In response to a white balancing trigger, the relative positions of an image sensor and a reference region for white balancing are automatically adjusted such that the image sensor can acquire an image of the reference region. A white balance parameter reflecting the color temperature of the illuminating source is then computed and used to perform white balancing so as to remove color casts. The position of the reference region can be pre-recorded or scanned-for by the image sensor. The reference region can be rendered mobile so that it can be positioned within the image sensor's field-of-vision. The imaging systems can further include a gimbal that enables the image sensor to rotate about one or more axes. The present systems and methods are suitable for use, for example, by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Abstract: A system for adapting various writing speeds of storage devices and methods for making and using same are provided. A recording device maintains a data buffer with a buffer size. Data recorded by the recording device with a selected recording bitrate is stored into the data buffer of the recording device. The recorded data is written from the data buffer into a selected storage device that is attached onto the recording device. An amount of recorded data stored in the data buffer is compared with two or more sets of thresholds, and the recording bitrate of the recording device can be adjusted, as needed, in response to the results of the comparison. By adjusting the recording bitrate, the recording device advantageously can accommodate storage devices with various speeds while maintaining the quality of the recorded data and maximizing the capacity of the storage device.

Abstract: The present disclose provides a Bayer color filter array based high dynamic range video recording method and device. The method includes configuring different photosensitive times for exposure according to odd-numbered dual columns and even-numbered dual columns, and obtaining an image frame with different exposure values of the odd-numbered dual columns and even-numbered dual columns; decomposing the image frame into an underexposure image frame and an overexposure image frame, where underexposure dual columns and missing dual columns are alternatingly distributed in the underexposure image frame, and overexposure dual columns and missing dual columns are alternatingly distributed in the overexposure image frame. The method also includes acquiring recovered pixel values of pixel points of the missing dual columns in the underexposure image frame and the overexposure image frame; and merging the overexposure image frame and the underexposure image frame to obtain a high dynamic range frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating a high dynamic range image (HDRI). After acquiring a first illuminance diagram, a base layer and detail layers are extracted from the first illuminance diagram, where the base layer contains low frequency information of the first illuminance diagram and the detail layers contain high frequency information of the first illuminance diagram. The dynamic range of the base layer is then compressed while dynamic ranges of the detail layers remain uncompressed. Further, a second illuminance diagram is generated from the first illuminance diagram by fusing the base layer with the compressed dynamic range and the detail layers, the second illuminance diagram is mapped onto a plurality of preset color channels; and the images on the plurality of preset color channels are fused into the HDRI. Therefore, the detail information in the original illuminance diagram can be preserved.

Abstract: An image processing method includes capturing an initial image of a subject based on a preset initial exposure value, capturing a compensatory image of the subject based on a preset compensatory exposure value greater than the initial exposure value, calculating a synthesized pixel value at a pixel coordinate position based on a pixel value of an initial pixel at the pixel coordinate position in the initial image and a pixel value of a compensatory pixel at the pixel coordinate position in the compensatory image, and generating a captured image based upon the synthesized pixel value.

Abstract: A multi-zone battery station is provided, comprising a plurality of landing areas configured to support a UAV. The battery station may permit battery life to be reloaded onto a UAV, which may include recharging a battery of the UAV or exchanging the UAV battery for a new battery. The different zones may accommodate different UAV types, different battery types, or operate in accordance with different energy provision rules. A marker may be provided on a landing area to aid in guiding the UAV to an appropriate landing area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted regions. The location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with a location of a flight-restricted region. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a no-fly zone. Different flight-response measures may be taken based on the distance between the UAV and the flight-restricted region and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

Abstract: System and method can support photography. A controller can configure a carrier to move an imaging device along a moving path. Furthermore, the controller can apply a time-dependent configuration on the imaging device, and use the imaging device for capturing a set of image frames along the moving path based on the one or more time-dependent parameters.

Abstract: System and method can support three-dimensional display. The system can receive a plurality of image frames, which are captured by an imaging device on a movable object. Furthermore, the system can obtain state information of the imaging device on the movable object, and use the state information to configure a pair of image frames based on the plurality of image frames for supporting a three-dimensional first person view (FPV). Additionally, an image frame selected from the plurality of image frames can be used for a first image frame in the pair of image frames.

Abstract: An impact protection apparatus is provided, comprising a gas container configured to hold a compressed gas and an inflatable member configured to be inflated by the gas and function as an airbag of a movable object, such as an aerial vehicle. A valve controls flow of gas from the container to the inflatable member in response to a signal from a valve controller. The valve and valve controller are powered by an independent power source than one or more other systems of the movable object. A safety mechanism may also be provided that, unless deactivated, prevents inflation of the inflatable member.

Abstract: System and method can support an image processing device. The image processing device operates to obtain a first set of characterization values, which represents a first group of pixels that are associated with a denoising pixel in an image. Also, the image processing device can obtain a second set of characterization values, which represents a second group of pixels that are associated with a denoising reference pixel. Furthermore, the image processing device operates to use the first set of characterization values and the second set of characterization values to determine a similarity between the denoising pixel and the denoising reference pixel. Then, the image processing device can calculate a denoised value for the denoising pixel based on the determined similarity between the denoising pixel and the denoising reference pixel.

Abstract: Systems and methods can support a data processing apparatus. The data processing apparatus can include a data processor that is associated with a data capturing device on a stationary object and/or a movable object. The data processor can receive data in a data flow from one or more data sources, wherein the data flow is configured based on a time sequence. Then, the data processor can receive a control signal, which is associated with a first timestamp, wherein the first timestamp indicates a first time. Furthermore, the data processor can determine a first data segment by applying the first timestamp on the data flow, wherein the first data segment is associated with a time period in the time sequence that includes the first time.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting installation flatness of a lens in real time are provided. The method comprises: acquiring an image captured by a camera in real time, where the image comprises at least two groups of testing charts regarding different positions; pre-processing the image to obtain each group of testing charts by separation; calculating and displaying, based on each group of testing charts, a real-time resolution value of a camera photosensitive surface to each group of testing charts in real time; and adjusting the installation angle of the optical axis of the camera lens relative to the camera photosensitive surface in real time based on the real-time resolution value of the camera photosensitive surface to each group of testing charts.

Abstract: Imaging systems having multiple optical modules are provided. The FOVs, focal lengths, and/or sensors of the multiple optical modules may be designed to generate high quality images and images with arbitrary magnifications.

Abstract: Systems for automatic white balancing (AWB) of a digital image and methods for making and using same. In response to a white balancing trigger, the relative positions of an image sensor and a reference region for white balancing are automatically adjusted such that the image sensor can acquire an image of the reference region. A white balance parameter reflecting the color temperature of the illuminating source is then computed and used to perform white balancing so as to remove color casts. The position of the reference region can be pre-recorded or scanned-for by the image sensor. The reference region can be rendered mobile so that it can be positioned within the image sensor's field-of-vision. The imaging systems can further include a gimbal that enables the image sensor to rotate about one or more axes. The present systems and methods are suitable for use, for example, by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).