Patents Issued in February 8, 2011
  • Patent number: 7884826
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosure for maintaining realistic grooming of simulated objects. In a method for simulating objects, a reference shape associated with a simulated object is received. A predetermined orientation is also received. A force acting on the simulated object is then modified based on the predetermined orientation. The force acts on the simulated object to shape the simulated object according to the reference shape. The force may be “strategically weakened” when the simulated object (or a portion thereof) is substantially aligned with the predetermined orientation. In a further method for simulating objects, a measured height associated with the simulated object is received. A “lifting” force is generated to reduce a difference between the measured height and a predetermined height associated with the reference shape. The lifting force simulates structure and internal forces that provide volume and shaping to physical objects, such as hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventor: David Baraff
  • Patent number: 7884827
    Abstract: A system and method of pre-fetching data in a network includes displaying first data to a user, the first data being upstream of other data in a data flow. Before receiving a request from the user to view a second data, retrieving the second data and storing the retrieved second data in a memory device. After a request to display the second data is received from the user, using the stored second data for displaying to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh Subramanian, Bill Orcutt
  • Patent number: 7884829
    Abstract: A graphics system has a partitioned graphics memory that includes memory elements. The system supports having an non-power of two number of active memory elements. In one implementation, the memory elements are dynamic random access memories (DRAMs) and the system supports having a non-power of two number of active DRAMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Van Dyke, John S. Montrym
  • Patent number: 7884830
    Abstract: A graphics system supports arrays of cube map textures. In one implementation, a cube map texture is utilized as an index into a set of cube map textures. The set of cube map textures may further be arranged into an atlas of two-dimensional textures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nvidia Corporation
    Inventors: Simon G. Green, Mark J. Harris, Oliver Strunk
  • Patent number: 7884831
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide texture caches and related circuits that store and retrieve texels in a fast and efficient manner. One such texture circuit provides an increased number of bilerps for each pixel in a group of pixels, particularly when trilinear or aniso filtering is needed. For trilinear filtering, texels in a first and second level of detail are retrieved for a number of pixels during a clock cycle. When aniso filtering is performed, multiple bilerps can be retrieved for each of a number of pixels during one clock cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander L. Minkin, Joel J. McCormack, Paul S. Heckbert, Michael J. M. Toksvig, Luke Y. Chang, Karim Abdalla, Bo Hong, John W. Berendsen, Walter Donavan, Emmett M. Kilgariff
  • Patent number: 7884832
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a display device having four or more channels, including three main channels which include in their gamut a desired display white point, and one or more further channels, said display device also having one or more individual adjustment controls for each channel. The method uses a series of targets, which are each one or more activated display settings at which the luminance and chromaticity coordinates are measured and recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Global OLED Technology LLC
    Inventors: Paula J. Alessi, Christopher J. White
  • Patent number: 7884833
    Abstract: There is provided a method of changing a theme for a user interface of a computer system comprising receiving an identification of an image with which to define a color palette of a theme for rendering elements of a user interface on a color display of the computer system; analyzing the image to determine at least one predominant color; and defining the color palette in response to the analysis. The image may comprise a background image selected by a user for display by the computer system. Dynamic generation of the color palette matches the user interface to colors to provide flexible and appealing themes. A computer readable memory having recorded thereon instructions to carry out this method is also provided, as well as a device comprising such memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventors: Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Shaul S. Wisebourt, Lawrence Edward Kuhl
  • Patent number: 7884834
    Abstract: In-context paint stroke characteristic adjustment, in which a first user input selecting a path of a paint stroke rendered on a display is received, an anchor point on the path is defined based on the first user input, and a characteristic adjustment control is rendered adjacent to the anchor point. A second user input is received via the characteristic adjustment control, and a characteristic of the paint stroke is adjusted at the anchor point based on the second user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mouilleseaux, Stephen Sheeler, Gregory Niles
  • Patent number: 7884835
    Abstract: A method for projecting a data set from a first object to a second object includes the steps of defining one or more sub-objects, wherein each sub-object represents a portion of the second object, associating the first object with a first sub-object, expanding a projection cage to substantially encompass both the first sub-object and the first object, and transferring the data set from the first object to the first sub-object using the projection cage. The disclosed method advantageously allows the first sub-object to be defined in a way that avoids undesirable cage intersections, thereby enabling the data set from the first object to be transferred without tedious manual manipulations of the projection cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Nies, Michael J. Russo, Michaelson Britt, Daniel Lévesque, Kelcey Simpson, John W. Stetzer, III, Lawrence Alan Minton, Rodolfo J. Cazabon
  • Patent number: 7884836
    Abstract: When a physical change (e.g. a change in screen orientation) is detected at a display device that is attached to a graphics subsystem of a host device and on which images are currently being displayed, a hot plug detect signal may be provided to the graphics subsystem. In response, the graphics subsystem may adjust its processing of images to account for the physical change (e.g. the image may be rotated). The display device may communicate data representative of the physical change to the graphics subsystem. The graphics subsystem may use this data to determine how its processing of images should be adjusted. The data may be communicated over an I2C bus regardless of whether a hot plug detect signal is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventor: Syed Athar Hussain
  • Patent number: 7884837
    Abstract: A method and display device for correcting spatial non-uniformity in a display device are provided. The method includes receiving color signals of a pixel to receive the pixel, extracting correction data for correcting adjacent representative color signals which represent areas adjacent to the received pixel, and correcting the adjacent representative color signals using correction data and correcting the color signals of the pixel using the corrected adjacent representative color signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han Bing, Young-shin Kwak, Du-sik Park, Young-ran Han
  • Patent number: 7884838
    Abstract: The invention discloses a gamma adjusting apparatus for adjusting the gray level of each pixel of an image signal. The gamma adjusting apparatus includes a measuring unit, a first processing unit, a second processing unit, and a third processing unit. The measuring unit measures the lightness of N reference gray levels. The first processing unit normalizes the lightness of the N reference gray levels to generate N normalized reference values. The second processing unit compares the N normalized reference values with a standard gamma curve to generate N adjusted gray levels. According to the N reference gray levels and the N adjusted gray levels, the third processing unit sets an adjusting rule. According to the adjusting rule, the gamma adjusting apparatus is capable of adjusting the gray level of each pixel of the image signal to comply with the standard gamma curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Hung Lee, Tung-Lin Hsieh, Yung-Sheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 7884839
    Abstract: A method of enhancing the gray scale resolution of a PWM system. The method includes defining an N-bit PWM sequence with a length of 2N?1 units. The N-bit PWM sequence includes a least significant bit (LSB) segment characterized by a temporal length of one unit. In some embodiments, the temporal length of one unit is referred to as a time t0. The method also includes defining a fractional PWM sequence. The fractional PWM sequence includes the N-bit PWM sequence and a fractional bit segment of temporal length F. The temporal length of the fractional PWM sequence is 2N?1+F units. In a particular embodiment, F=1 and the temporal length of the fractional PWM sequence is 2N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Miradia Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Y. T. Hwang
  • Patent number: 7884840
    Abstract: An image forming method and apparatus includes a first image carrying member, a first transfix unit, a second image carrying member, and a second transfix unit. The first image carrying member carries a first toner image thereon. The first transfix unit receives the first toner image from the first image carrying member and transfers and fixes the first toner image onto a first face of a recording sheet with a heat effect. The second image carrying member carries a second toner image thereon. The second transfix unit receives the second toner image from the second image carrying member and transfers and fixes the second toner image onto a second face of the recording sheet with a heat effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norimasa Sohmiya, Chiemi Kaneko, Hirokatsu Suzuki, Kenichi Taguma, Emiko Ishikawa, Yasukuni Omata
  • Patent number: 7884841
    Abstract: A line thermal printer includes a platen roller and a line thermal head including a plurality of heating elements. The heating elements are disposed to face the entire area of a recording sheet in a width direction of the recording sheet and selectively generate heat. The recording sheet is interposed between the platen roller and the line thermal head. The line thermal printer performs printing at the interposed position on the recording sheet by the selective generation of heat of the heating elements while the recording sheet is moved. The line thermal printer includes a foreign material blocking member. The foreign material blocking member is disposed upstream of the interposed position to come in contact with an upper surface of the recording sheet, and prevents foreign materials, which are placed on the upper surface of the recording sheet, from being moved toward the interposed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Terao, Hisashi Hoshino, Toshiyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7884842
    Abstract: A multi-beam optical scanning apparatus including a light source including a plurality of radiation points disposed spaced from each other in a main scanning direction and in a sub-scanning direction, a rotational polygon minor for deflecting a plurality of light beams radiated from the radiation points, and an imaging optical system for imaging the plurality of light beams deflected by a deflecting facet of the rotational polygon mirror. The deflecting facet has a width in which a light beam reaching a farthest location from a center of the deflecting facet is eclipsed by an edge of the deflecting facet if emitted prior to a light beam from a second radiation point when controlled by auto-power-control. Control is performed such that the light beam from the second radiation point is radiated prior to the light beam from the first radiation point when controlled by the auto-power-control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keiichiro Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7884843
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for mixing compressed video useable in a videoconferencing environment having a plurality of endpoint users. Through the use of the method and apparatus, each endpoint can receive a unique layout displaying some subset of the users at the endpoints. Input streams from each endpoint are uncompressed, resized, and scaled to fit the segment in the layout for particular endpoints, and then encoded (or compressed) by a sub-encoder into a sub-encoded stream according to the compression parameters. Each sub-encoded streams is further encoded and associated with a position in the layout. Different layouts may be sent to different conferees, and different compression standards may be used for each endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Noam Eshkoli, Oded Gants
  • Patent number: 7884844
    Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes a camera, a microphone, and an interface module. The module is coupled a modem connected to a television network and is coupled to a television set and a set-top box. The module decodes encoded audio video signals received from the modem that are part of a videoconferencing session. The module also encodes audio and video signals received from the camera and the microphone and sends the encoded audio video signals to the modem to be part of the videoconferencing session. The module can selectively send decoded audio signals to the television set or can selectively send video received from the set-top box to the television display. In addition, the module can send compressed audio and video signals received from the microphone and camera to the set-top box for processing and delivery to the television display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Gonen, Shai Toren, Boris Rakhlin
  • Patent number: 7884845
    Abstract: A minutes taking system includes a change detection portion that detects a change of a displayed image for a description object out of displayed images that are a plurality of stream images serving as information displayed in a conference, a separation detection portion that detects a separation temporally separates a content of the displayed image; and an extraction portion that extracts a recorded time segment to be recorded as minutes information composing a minutes, on the basis of a change time when the change detection portion detects the change of the displayed image for the description object and a separation time when the separation detection portion detects the separation according to the plurality of streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Fuse, Zhihua Zhong
  • Patent number: 7884846
    Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing system facilitates an engaging and realistic video conferencing experience. Key design elements and video, audio, and control capabilities are provided for a video conferencing experience that cannot be attained with conventional methods, which elements and capabilities include careful design of the table and room at each site, supplementary displays showing imagery in a mirrored manner, networked environmental control, an AutoDirector with keyword and gesture recognition, and audio reflection from a display or beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Minds, Inc.
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 7884847
    Abstract: An image processing system may include an imaging device for capturing an image and an image processing apparatus for processing the image. The imaging device may include an imaging unit for capturing the image, a first recording unit for recording information relating to the image, the information being associated with the image, and a first transmission control unit for controlling transmission of the image to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus may include a reception control unit for controlling reception of the image transmitted from the imaging device, a feature extracting unit for extracting a feature of the received image, a second recording unit for recording the feature, extracted from the image, the feature being associated with the image, and a second transmission control unit for controlling transmission of the feature to the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tamaki Kojima, Yoshihiro Yamaguchi, Mikio Sakemoto, Katsuhiro Takematsu
  • Patent number: 7884848
    Abstract: A system for recording video comprising a plurality of cameras aligned in a substantially horizontal plane and adapted to capture images in substantially a three-hundred-sixty degree viewing angle; and a first additional camera adapted to capture images at the same time as the plurality of cameras adapted to capture images in the substantially three-hundred-sixty degree view, wherein the first additional camera is adapted to capture images in a direction above or below the horizontal plane. A system for displaying video comprising a side viewing area that provides substantially a three-hundred-sixty degree viewing area and forms at least part of a viewing pod; and at least one of atop viewing area and a bottom viewing area that forms a least a part of the viewing pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Mark E. Ginther
  • Patent number: 7884849
    Abstract: A method of operating a video surveillance system is provided. The video surveillance system including at least two sensing units. A first sensing unit having a substantially 360 degree field of view is used to detect an event of interest. Location information regarding a target is sent from the first sensing unit to at least one second sensing unit when an event of interest is detected by the first sensing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: ObjectVideo, Inc.
    Inventors: Weihong Yin, Li Yu, Zhong Zhang, Andrew J. Chosak, Niels Haering, Alan J. Lipton, Paul C. Brewer, Peter L. Venetianer
  • Patent number: 7884850
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus including plural capacitive loads, with one terminal of each of the capacitive loads being connected to a common electrode and with each of the capacitive loads being charged/discharged on the basis of image data, and a first and second drive circuits is provided. The first drive circuit includes plural charge/discharge controllers that are individually connected to other terminals of the capacitive loads and individually control the charging and discharging of the capacitive loads and first and second electrical power wires that are connected to the charge/discharge controllers and charge and discharge the capacitive loads via the charge/discharge controllers. The second drive circuit is connected to each of the first and second electrical power wires and adjusts charge resistance and discharge resistance in response to control of the charge/discharge controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshinao Kondoh
  • Patent number: 7884851
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of processing audio files used by the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a camera arrangement, a storage arrangement, and a user input arrangement. The storage arrangement can store one or more audio files. A user may prepare the camera arrangement to capture an image of a subject. A selected audio file arrangement can be played through a sound generation arrangement audible to the person whose image is being captured, in response to an activation of the user input arrangement of the apparatus. After the audio file is played, the camera apparatus captures the image. One exemplary embodiment includes a wireless device, and the audio files are downloaded from a vendor using a wireless network and a computer network. In addition or alternatively, a display arrangement can be provided that displays an interactive menu for selection of options related to the audio files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventor: Matthias Heymann
  • Patent number: 7884852
    Abstract: An optical device with an imaging device for forming an image of a subject with a lens device includes a lens unit, a movable member making the lens unit movable within a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens unit, an image pickup device imaging the subject image formed by the lens device, a fixed member limiting the movement of the movable member in the optical axis direction, at least three balls rolling between the movable and fixed member, a vibration detecting unit, and a pitch direction drive unit for driving the movable member in the pitch direction within the optical axis orthogonal plane and a yaw direction drive unit for driving the movable member in the yaw direction within the optical axis orthogonal plane. The pitch and yaw direction drive units press the movable member toward the fixed member side by means of magnetic pressing forces caused by magnetic attractive action between drive magnets and yokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7884853
    Abstract: An imaging device, such as a digital camera, has a mechanism for compensating an image blur caused by hand jiggling and is capable of consecutively shooting, through one operation of a shutter operation section (36), frames of an image in a state where the mechanism (20) is operational and in a state where the mechanism is not operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Yumiki
  • Patent number: 7884854
    Abstract: A method for reducing blur from an image is described. The method includes accessing a blurred image, wherein the blurred image has a width and a length that can be different. The method further includes converting the blurred image into a frequency domain representation of the blurred image and determining an angle of blur from the frequency domain of the blurred image. The method further includes rotating the frequency domain representation of the blurred image by the angle of blur and determining a size of the blur from the rotated frequency domain representation of the blurred image. The method further includes determining a blur kernel associated with the blur, the blur kernel comprising the angle of blur and the size of said blur and de-convoluting the blurred image according to the blur kernel to reduce the blur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ron Banner, Carl Staelin
  • Patent number: 7884855
    Abstract: Broadcast methods and systems for simultaneously transmitting, processing and selectively displaying more than one video camera perspectives recorded at live entertainment venues on remote video monitors. Video recording can be from more than one entertainment venue or can be more than on synchronized video camera perspective of an activity at an entertainment venue. Remote video monitors can be venue-based hand held devices or video monitors used at home. Remote video monitors can include hand held devices and high definition televisions (e.g., HDTVs) including flat panel display screens therein. Within a venue, camera views can be processed and formatted for display on display screens associated with remote video monitor. A user can select from more than one view from video cameras that the user wants displayed on the remote viewer, enabling a user of the remote video monitor to view more than one camera view through the remote viewer at a time/simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Front Row Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Luis M. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7884856
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a CCD sensor to perform exposure and output a plurality of captured images in response to a control signal, an image composer to combine the plurality of captured images and produce a composite image, and an exposure controller to supply a SUB signal to the CCD sensor such that an exposure start timing differs by the plurality of captured images if a timing to start exposure by the CCD sensor is included within an output period of the CCD sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Niikura
  • Patent number: 7884857
    Abstract: A histogram detecting unit detects a distribution of numbers of pixels by luminance level of a picked-up image signal. A maximum luminance value calculating unit calculates a maximum luminance value of the inputted image signal. A high luminance proportion calculating unit calculates a proportion of a high luminance signal out of all of the pixels composing one or a plurality of frames based on the detected distribution of numbers of pixels by luminance level. A knee point calculating unit calculates a knee point based on the calculated maximum luminance value and proportion of the high luminance signal. A knee processing unit generates a knee slope with a predetermined inclination starting at the calculated knee point. The knee processing unit does not change the value of the predetermined inclination, regardless of the value of the calculated knee point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyoshi Natsui
  • Patent number: 7884858
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for improving object trackability via parametric camera tuning. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the camera settings loaded cause saturation of a video image and hue differences between objects and between the objects and a background of the video image. If the saturation and hue differences do not exceed the threshold, a search of camera settings is performed to increase saturation and hue differences between objects and between the objects and a background of the video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Fernando Martins, Wei Sun
  • Patent number: 7884859
    Abstract: A digital camera including a layout inputting unit that inputs a layout in drawing a digital image, an internal memory stored with the inputted layout, a selection receiving unit (S400) that receives selection of the layout stored in the internal memory, an object image outputting unit (S410, S420) that outputs the digital image outputted by the converting unit to a removable memory by being related to the layout selected by the selection receiving unit, and a layout unit (S440) that outputs the layout stored in the internal memory in the removable memory stored with the digital image by the object image outputting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yasumasa Nakajima, Shuji Tsuji, Masanobu Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 7884860
    Abstract: A content shooting apparatus is provided, in which thresholds for generating metadata concerning shot images can be calibrated in accordance with shooting conditions. In a content shooting apparatus (Acc) for converting content data (Dc) into a stream (AV) and recording the stream (AV) to a recording medium (214) in combination with content-related metadata (Dm), a camera (101) shoots a subject (105) and generates the content data (Dc), a camerawork statistics portion (206s) detects movement (?) of the camera, a camera microcomputer (206) compares the detected movement (?) with a predetermined value (Th) to generate the metadata (Dm), and an automatic threshold setting portion (206t) changes the predetermined value (Th) in accordance with the detected movement (?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Morioka, Kenji Matsuura, Takeshi Hamasaki, Michifumi Inai, Masakazu Mimura, Hisasi Inoue, Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7884861
    Abstract: A system for generating high resolution image data using a low resolution image sensor is provided. The system includes an image sensor array and an image size system determining a pixel resolution area. An image target system determines a desired pixel resolution area, and an image sensor array placement system determines two or more locations for an image sensor array based on the pixel resolution area and the desired pixel resolution area. An image composition system receives first image data of a target from the image sensor array at a first location and second image data of the target from the image sensor array at a second location and combines the first image data and the second image data to form composite image data having an effective pixel resolution area less than the pixel resolution area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Microview Technologies PTD Ltd.
    Inventor: Victor Vertoprakhov
  • Patent number: 7884862
    Abstract: The present invention provides a camera and a camera zoom control method that can reduce power consumption at the time of zooming and shorten the time difference between the timing of a photographing instruction and the timing of actual photographing. Until a release button is operated, the optical zoom magnifying power of a lens is controlled to become a zoom magnifying power corresponding to an operation with respect to a zoom switch, and when the release button has been operated, the optical zoom magnifying power of the lens is controlled to become the zoom magnifying power corresponding to the operation with respect to the zoom switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Ishii, Keizo Uchioke
  • Patent number: 7884863
    Abstract: A CPU 200 reads out an image file GF from a memory card MC and stores the read out image file GF temporarily in an RAM 210. The CPU 200 acquires shooting information EI from the read out image file GF and determines the noise reduction level according to the ISO speed. When the ISO speed or the shutter speed exceeds a predetermined value, the CPU 200 increases the noise reduction level and executes noise reduction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nakami, Makoto Fujino
  • Patent number: 7884864
    Abstract: A noise reduction device comprises a first signal reading-out unit for reading out a video signal of a target pixel for which a noise reduction is performed; a second signal reading-out unit for reading out video signals of external peripheral pixels arranged around internal peripheral pixels arranged at positions closest to the target pixel, the external peripheral pixels being arranged at positions closest to the target pixel in radial directions from the target pixel and outputting the same color signals as the video signal of the target pixel; a selection controller for judging presence of a correlation between the video signal of the target pixel and a video signal of each of the external peripheral pixel based on a relation between a signal value of the video signal of the target pixel and a signal value of the video signal of each of the external peripheral pixels; a signal calculator for calculating the signal value of the video signal of the target pixel by use of the signal values of the video signa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhachi Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 7884865
    Abstract: A system for detecting high speed noise in active pixel sensors includes a photodiode for receiving low levels of light, a reset transistor, an amplifier transistor, a row select transistor, and a high-speed analog-to-digital converter. The reset transistor gate receives a reset signal, and the reset transistor drain receives a reset voltage. The amplifier transistor gate is connected to the photodiode and the reset transistor's source. The amplifier transistor receives a supply voltage at the drain terminal. The row select transistor gate terminal receives a row select signal. The row select drain terminal is connected to the amplifier transistor source terminal. The high-speed analog-to-digital converter includes an analog input port connected to the row select transistor source and a digital output port capable of resolving high-speed excitation events received by the photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua Posamentier
  • Patent number: 7884866
    Abstract: First YUV data produced from a pixel output in which one RAW-RGB data is read out from an SDRAM and is compensated in a dynamic range expansion compensating section of a YUV converting section and second YUV data produced from a pixel output which is equal to or more than a predetermined saturation level without performing a compensation process in the dynamic range expansion compensating section are loaded in a YUV compositing section, and then third YUV data is produced by compositing brightness data taken out from the first YUV data and color difference data taken out from the second YUV data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Yamada, Kenji Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 7884867
    Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed which is capable of picking (taking) moving images and picking still images by using a mechanical shutter without a detector to detect the state of the mechanical shutter. The lens apparatus comprises an aperture stop, a mechanical shutter, and a lens controller which sends first information used for an electronic shutter control of the image-pickup element to an image-pickup apparatus. The first information relates to time or speed, determined according to an opening state of the aperture stop, from the start of image-pickup with the image-pickup element to the completion of closing operation of the mechanical shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7884868
    Abstract: An image capturing element having an electric shutter function of controlling exposure time for each frame includes: a photoelectric converter that has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix each of which converts light into charge and stores the converted charge; a first reading unit that reads charge exposed for a predetermined exposure time from each pixel formed by the photoelectric conversion element in the entire exposure region of the photoelectric converter by a destructive readout method; and a second reading unit that reads charge from each pixel formed by the photoelectric conversion element in a specific region, which is a portion of the entire exposure region of the photoelectric converter, plural times by a non-destructive readout method in a period in which the first reading unit reads the charge from the entire exposure region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Haruhisa Kurane
  • Patent number: 7884869
    Abstract: A method and digital imaging device, such as a digital camera module, is provided for digital imaging. The method includes the step of determining a signal-to-noise ratio associated with a first pixel location of a plurality of pixel locations and a signal-to-noise ratio associated with a second pixel location of the plurality of pixel locations, and the steps of assigning a first exposure time to the first pixel location in response to the signal-to-noise ratio associated with the first pixel location and assigning a second exposure time different from the first exposure time to the second pixel in response to the signal-to-noise ratio associated with the second pixel location. The method further includes the step of exposing the first pixel location for the first exposure time while exposing the second pixel location for the second exposure time to create a digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Shurboff, Fan He
  • Patent number: 7884870
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus is disclosed. A photoelectric conversion apparatus includes a pixel array in which pixels including photoelectric conversion units are arrayed in a row direction and a column direction, a plurality of first column signal lines which are electrically connected to the pixels arrayed in the pixel array in the column direction, respectively, a plurality of column amplification units which amplify signals provided via the plurality of the first column signal lines, respectively, a power supply line which provides a power supply voltage to the plurality of column amplification units, and a plurality of second column signal lines which are electrically connected to output sides of the plurality of column amplification units, respectively. Each column amplification unit includes a current limiting unit which limits the flow of an excessive current to each of the plurality of second column signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mahito Shinohara
  • Patent number: 7884871
    Abstract: A digital frame transfer imager having an image sensor and frame memory in the same chip. The image sensor has an integrated memory controller for controlling transfers of data between the sensor and the memory array. The imager utilizes a rolling shutter and multiple groups of analog-to-digital processing circuitry to readout data from the sensor and to output digital images substantially free from image smear, kT/C noise and other unwanted image artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Smith, Richard L. Baer, Laura Savidge
  • Patent number: 7884872
    Abstract: A driving method is applied to a solid-state imaging apparatus having photoelectric conversion portions, transfer portion for reading out signal charges, and an excess charge draining portion for draining charges exceeding a saturation charge amount that is set by a reference voltage. One of driving modes is selected from a full pixel mode in which accumulated signal charges are detected individually for each pixel and a pixel mixing mode in which signal charges of a predetermined number of pixels are mixed to be detected. In the full pixel mode, the draining portion is supplied with the reference voltage having the same value during a charge accumulation period and a read transfer period for read transferring charges. In the pixel mixing mode, the draining portion is supplied with the reference voltage having a low level during the charge accumulation period and the reference voltage having a high level during the read transfer period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Hasuka, Ryoichi Nagayoshi, Keijirou Itakura, Izumi Shimizu, Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 7884873
    Abstract: An image pickup device includes a display that displays one of image data including an operation menu or operation key image data representing operation keys; an external output section that outputs the image data including the operation menu to the outside; an output state detector that detects that the external output section is in a state capable of outputting the image data to the outside; a display data instruction section that instructs to display the operation key image data on the display and to display the image data including the operation menu on an external display device, which is an output destination of the image data in the external output section, when the external output section is detected to be in the capable state, and instructs to display the image data including the operation menu on the display when the external output section is not detected to be in the capable state; a display data supply that supplies one of the display or the external output section with one of the image data incl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shiota, Kazuhiko Nishiwaki, Tetsuya Oda, Makoto Omata, Kazunori Takagi, Kanako Tamamatsu, Motoki Kobayashi, Ryoko Amano, Kumiko Tsukuda, Tsutomu Kume, Hidefumi Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 7884874
    Abstract: The image of a subject is attained by image sensing and the image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of a digital still camera. The image of a face is detected from within the image of the subject and a face frame is displayed so as to enclose the detected image of the face. Autofocus control and automatic exposure control is carried out using image data representing the image within the face frame. Image data representing the image of the subject in which the image of the face is in focus and has the appropriate brightness can be recorded on a memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7884875
    Abstract: Provided are a camera module and a method of fabricating the same. The method includes preparing a lens structure including upper connection portions. Lower connection portions are formed in a predetermined region of a substrate. The lower connection portions define a chip region and fit in the upper connection portions, respectively. An image sensor chip is located on the bottom surface of the chip region. The lens structure is adhered to the substrate using the upper and lower connection portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Chai Kwon, Dong-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7884876
    Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus is disclosed onto which an accessory device is detachably attached and which is capable of recognizing that an output from a light-receiving sensor is influenced by an attachment of the accessory device. The image-pickup apparatus includes a first detector which is capable of outputting a signal corresponding to an object distance. The apparatus further includes a determining device which determines an attachment of the accessory device onto the image-pickup apparatus on the basis of a predetermined signal output from the first detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Ishikawa