Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8994789
    Abstract: One object of the invention is a digital video signal comprising a sequence of frames, wherein each video frame in the sequence differs with respect to the previous frame in the sequence by a number of pixels which is not higher than a predetermined pixels maximum threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Digital Broadcast S.A.
    Inventors: Jacek Paczkowski, Pawel Blonski
  • Patent number: 8994790
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods and arrangements are implemented in a variety of embodiments to facilitate motion capture of objects. Consistent with one such system, three-dimensional representations are determined for at least one object. Depth-based image data is used in the system, which includes a processing circuit configured and arranged to render a plurality of orientations for at least one object. Orientations from the plurality of orientations are assessed against the depth-based image data. An orientation is selected from the plurality of orientations as a function of the assessment of orientations from the plurality of orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Hariraam Varun Ganapathi, Christian Theobalt, Sebastian Thrun
  • Patent number: 8994791
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, there is disclosed a method and device for displaying a 3-dimensional image, which may provide an improved depth perception. The method according to present invention comprises: forming parallax images for left eye and right eye, each of the parallax images including a plurality of images corresponding to images at different depths for a same object; controlling a brightness of the images of each of the parallax images for the left eye and the right eye; and displaying the parallax images for the left eye and the right eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Sung Kyu Kim, Dong Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 8994792
    Abstract: Image sensors and a depth sensor of a monoscopic video sensing device are utilized to capture a 2D video and corresponding depth information. Regions of interest (ROIs) for the captured 2D video are selected based on the captured corresponding depth information. The monoscopic video sensing device selectively processes the captured 2D video and the captured corresponding depth information based on the selected ROIs. A 3D video is composed from the processed 2D video for display. The captured depth information that is synchronized to the captured 2D video is stored as metadata, and may be interpolated to match video resolution of the captured 2D video. The captured 2D video and the captured corresponding depth information are enhanced through scalable video coding. With 3D video rendering, relevant image/video components of the captured 2D video are selected based on the selected ROIs to compose the 3D video together with the corresponding depth information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Xuemin Chen, Nambi Seshadri, Jeyhan Karaoguz, Chris Boross
  • Patent number: 8994793
    Abstract: A digital camera includes a first optical system including a first optical axis; a second optical system including a second optical axis which is different from the first optical axis; a first image sensor and a second image sensor for detecting subject images; and a controller for performing focus control on each optical system and for instructing each image sensor to execute shooting operation. The controller instructs the first image sensor and the second image sensor to execute shooting operation at a first timing when the focus operation for the first optical system is finished or a second timing when the focus operation for the second optical system is finished, which is later.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Fukugawa, Shogo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8994794
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first light-shielding member formed in a predetermined optical member included in a photographing optical system, the first light-shielding member dividing a pupil region of the photographing optical system into a first region and a second region and a second light-shielding member letting only a light beam passing through the first region enter a first light-receiving element and letting only a light beam passing through the second region enter a second light-receiving element other than the first light-receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shuji Ono
  • Patent number: 8994795
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an image quality of a 3-dimension (3D) image, a 3D display apparatus, 3D glasses, and a system for providing a 3D image are provided. Attribute information of the 3D glasses is acquired from the 3D glasses to adjust an image quality of a displayed 3D image according to the attribute information of the 3D glasses. Therefore, if a viewer views a 3D image through a glasses type 3D display apparatus, brightness of the 3D image is prevented from being darker by 3D glasses or a color hue of the 3D image is prevented from being degraded by the 3D glasses. Accordingly, the viewer views the 3D image with an optimal image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-bo Oh
  • Patent number: 8994796
    Abstract: A stereo image display apparatus that causes a display device to display a stereo image having a parallax, wherein a stereo image of a currently displayed frame is advanced frame by frame to a stereo image of the next frame in response to a frame-by-frame advance indication, the apparatus comprising: a frame-by-frame advancing device that, once frame-by-frame advance is indicated, switches the stereo image of the current frame on the display with a parallaxless image of the current frame, thereafter advances the image frame by frame to display a parallaxless image of the next frame, and further thereafter displays a stereo image of the next frame on the display device, wherein the frame-by-frame advancing device performs the frame-by-frame advance with sliding-out/sliding-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hirofumi Horii
  • Patent number: 8994797
    Abstract: A display system comprises a display device for accomplishing 3D displays by displaying images for the left eye and images for the right eye, and a display assistance device for separating them for viewing, and the display assistance device detects the wearing status and inclination of the viewer and sends status information to the display device. The display device determines whether or not the posture of the viewer is within a normal viewing range on the basis of the status information, and if this is within the range, can recognize a 3D display even in a posture other than the horizontal direction by controlling the parallax direction of the display of images in accordance with the inclination direction. When the posture is outside the range, the display device prompts correction of the posture or weakens the effect of the 3D display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8994798
    Abstract: A wall fixture supports at least one display screen and a display shelf. The display shelf is located adjacent the display screen and includes a holder for housing a pair of three-dimensional (3D) glasses that are tethered to the holder The display screen displays two-dimensional (2D) media content. In response to receiving an indication from a presence sensor that the 3D glasses located in a glasses holder of the display shelf have been removed from the glasses holder, 3D media content is displayed on the display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Q. Trinh, Joseph H. Bowser, William Y. Stafford, Thomas A. Schneider, Blake M. Johnson, Kevin Huljich
  • Patent number: 8994799
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for determining a position of a device using a light based positioning system. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a map of positions of a plurality of light sources in a location; receiving an identification code from one or more of the plurality of light sources, wherein the identification code identifies the light source; matching the identification code to a light source on the map; and determining the position of the device by setting the position of the device to the position of the light source on the map. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving identification codes from a plurality of light sources; matching the identification codes to a plurality of light sources on the map; and determining the position of the device based on the location of the plurality of light sources on the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ByteLight, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ganick, Daniel Ryan
  • Patent number: 8994800
    Abstract: A camera detects devices, such as other cameras, smart devices, and access points, with which the camera may communicate. The camera may alternate between operating as a wireless station and a wireless access point. The camera may connect to and receive credentials from a device for another device to which it is not connected. In one embodiment, the camera is configured to operate as a wireless access point, and is configured to receive credentials from a smart device operating as a wireless station. The camera may then transfer the credentials to additional cameras, each configured to operate as wireless stations. The camera and additional cameras may connect to a smart device directly or indirectly (for instance, through an access point), and the smart device may change the camera mode of the cameras. The initial modes of the cameras may be preserved and restored by the smart device upon disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Brockway, III, Jeffrey S. Youel, John S. Chen, Fabrice Barbier
  • Patent number: 8994801
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus is provided with: a first feature value calculating section calculating a first feature value for each of pixels constituting an image obtained by picking up an image of a subject; a region dividing section dividing the image into multiple regions on the basis of the first feature values; a second feature value calculating section calculating a second feature value for each of the divided regions; a classification section performing classification with regard to which of multiple kinds of attributes each region of the multiple regions has, on the basis of the second feature value; a judgment section judging whether a region having a predetermined attribute exists or not; and a diagnostic support information calculating section correcting an attribute value of the region having the predetermined attribute to calculate diagnostic support information for supporting a diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kenichi Tanaka, Hirokazu Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8994802
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an objective optical system at a distal end of an inserted portion to acquire a subject image; a part that splits the subject image into two optical images focused differently; an imaging device that acquires two images by simultaneously capturing the optical images arranged on an imaging surface; and a part for cutting out at least abutting portions of the optical images on the imaging device, wherein A+B>C+D, where A is half the maximum length of light-receiving regions for the optical images at the imaging surface; where TW is an entry angle at the imaging surface when A is at the maximum image height and d is an optical-path-length difference between the optical images, B=d×tan TW; C is half the length of the light-receiving regions in a direction of the optical images arranged on the imaging surface; and D is a distance between the two light-receiving regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takeshi Suga, Hiroshi Tsuyuki, Mitsujiro Konno
  • Patent number: 8994803
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus generates a cross-sectional image in the longitudinal direction inside a body cavity (e.g., blood vessel) by using an interference signal. The apparatus includes an obtaining unit for obtaining line data, and a judgment unit for judging whether or not the optical probe unit operates in a normal state based on existence or non-existence of intensity change in at least a portion of signals within the obtained line date, based on existence or non-existence of change of position in the depth direction in which the portion of signals appear, or based on change quantity per unit time with respect to the position in the depth direction in which the portion in the depth direction of signals appear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8994804
    Abstract: A scanning endoscope system includes: a scanning endoscope including a light-guiding section that guides illumination light, a driving section that causes the light-guiding section to swing such that an irradiation position of the illumination light draws a trajectory corresponding to a predetermined scanning pattern; and a light-receiving section that receives return light of the illumination light; a test chart device including a plane portion having first and second regions; a light detection section that outputs a signal corresponding to an intensity of the return light; a pixel generation section that generates pixels on the predetermined scanning pattern; a first correction value calculation section that calculates a correction value based on a pixel value of each of the pixels in the first region; and a second correction value calculation section that calculates a correction based on a pixel position of each of the pixels in the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Katsumi Hirakawa, Masahiro Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8994805
    Abstract: A safe nursing system includes a control unit and monitors movement of a patient on a bed. The control unit sets, for each patient, a correspondence relationship between a plurality of types of predetermined movements and a plurality of alert levels based on conditions; calculates a value of a predetermined index used to determine a predetermined movement of the patient; sets a predetermined condition to determine the predetermined movement; determines the predetermined movement based on the calculated value and the set predetermined condition; and outputs information indicating that the patient has performed the predetermined movement at the alert level indicated by the correspondence relationship set for the patient in accordance with the predetermined movement, under the condition that the predetermined movement has been determined to have been performed. It is possible to give a notification to a caregiver based on the condition of each patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromoto Ishii, Makoto Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 8994806
    Abstract: A microscope apparatus organizes and stores a plurality of types of image information acquired by a plurality of image acquisition methods at different timings. The microscope apparatus includes a time counting unit for counting time, a plurality of different image acquisition units, and a storage unit for storing image information, when acquired by any one of the image acquisition units, and timing information counted by the time counting unit, by having them associated with each other. Even if the image acquisition units acquire different types of image information at different timings, the timing information can be used to call up the image information stored in the storage unit in a chronological order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Nakano, Tatsuo Nakata
  • Patent number: 8994807
    Abstract: A system (100) and method for creating three dimensional images using probe molecules is disclosed and described. A sample is mounted on a stage (160). The sample has a plurality of probe molecules. The sample is illuminated with light, causing the probe molecules to luminesce. The probe luminescence can be split into at least four paths corresponding to at least four detection planes corresponding to object planes in the sample. The at least four detection planes are detected via a camera (155). Object planes in corresponding recorded regions of interest are recorded in the camera (155). A signal from the regions of interest is combined into a three dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: University of Utah Research Foundation, University of Maine System Board of Trustees, The Jackson Laboratory
    Inventors: Brian Thomas Bennett, Joerg Bewersdorf, Erik Jorgensen, Sam Hess, Travis Gould, Mudalige Siyath Gunewardene
  • Patent number: 8994808
    Abstract: To provide a microscope system enabling the user to accurately observe the surface of the observing target in a short time. A sensitivity parameter for adjusting a value of the pixel data corresponding to a plurality of pixels is set. The pixel data is acquired with a first sensitivity value set as the sensitivity parameter, and the number of pixels in which the peak value of the pixel data is smaller than or equal to a threshold value is detected. A ratio of the detected number of pixels with respect to the total number of pixels region is calculated, where the pixel data is acquired by a second sensitivity value different from the first sensitivity value when the ratio is greater than or equal to a reference value, and the pixel data is not acquired by the second sensitivity value when the ratio is smaller than the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Okamoto, Takuya Karube
  • Patent number: 8994809
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating depth of field (DOF) in microscopic imaging, the method comprising computing a blur quantity for each pixel of an all-focus image, performing point spread function operations on one or more regions of the all-focus image, computing intermediate and normalized integral images on the regions and determining an output pixel for the each pixel based on the intermediate and normalized integral images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Chang Liu, Mark Robertson
  • Patent number: 8994810
    Abstract: Provided is a magnification observation device capable of easily moving an observation object in a desired direction even when a stage is rotated, and capable of preventing a desired region of the observation object from going outside an imaging region due to rotation of the stage. The observation object is placed on the placement surface of the stage. The observation object is imaged by an imaging unit, to acquire image data of the imaging region. Based on the image data acquired by the imaging unit, an image of the observation object is displayed by the display part as an observed image. The stage is moved relatively with respect to the imaging unit along an xt-axis and a yt-axis. In this case, moving amounts along the xt-axis and the yt-axis are controlled based on a rotational angle detected by a rotational angle detecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Suguru Sekiya, Woobum Kang, Masahiro Inomata
  • Patent number: 8994811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a diffraction microscopy capable of reducing influence of an increase in the incident angle range of a beam. Specifically disclosed is a diffraction microscopy in which a beam is incident on a sample, in which the intensity of a diffraction pattern from the sample is measured, and in which an image of an object is rebuilt using Fourier interactive phase retrieval on the basis of the measured intensity of the diffraction pattern. In this method, Fourier interactive phase retrieval is performed using deconvolution on the diffraction pattern subjected to convolution by the increase in the incident angle range of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Gohara, Kota Kawahara
  • Patent number: 8994812
    Abstract: An optical sensor including a photo emitting element and a photo receiving element carried side-by-side by a supporting and feeding element either associated or associable in use with a support for a container, and a composite lens, either associated or associable with the container, designed so as to remain in use immersed in a liquid contained in the container and facing the photo emitting and photo receiving elements; the lens including: a first cylindrical body made of a light-permeable material, mountable in use vertically from the top of the container facing the photo emitting and photo receiving elements to a bottom wall of the container; and a second cylindrical body, arranged concentrically with and outside the first body and open towards the bottom wall; respective side walls of the first and second cylindrical bodies having the same length, that of the second body being separated from that of the first body by a predetermined annular clearance, and being made so as to be at least partially reflecti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio Giordano, Alessio Chianura, Domenico Pietrafesa, Klemen Dobravec
  • Patent number: 8994813
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus is disclosed which includes: an allocation device configured to allocate each of a plurality of picture display areas to each of a plurality of picture groups each made up of a plurality of pictures, the picture display areas being arrayed in a first direction on a screen for displaying pictures; and a display control device configured to display each of the pictures constituting each of the picture groups in screen locations which correspond to the picture display areas allocated to the picture groups and which are arrayed in a second direction different from the first direction and are determined by times associated with the pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuka Eura, Ryo Mukaiyama, Takanori Nishimura, Tamaki Kojima, Noriaki Nakagawa, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8994814
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of detecting information transmitted by a light source in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor by detecting a frequency of light pulses produced by the light source. In some embodiments, the method includes capturing on the CMOS image sensor with a rolling shutter an image in which different portions of the CMOS image sensor are exposed at different points in time; detecting visible distortions that include alternating stripes in the image; measuring a width of the alternating stripes present in the image; and selecting a symbol based on the width of the alternating stripes present in the image to recover information encoded in the frequency of light pulses produced by the light source captured in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bytelight, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ganick, Daniel Ryan
  • Patent number: 8994815
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a contour extraction method and a contour extraction device with an objective of either suppression of unnecessary contouring processings or selective contouring of necessary portions. To attain the objective, provided are a contour extraction method, and a device, with which contours of pattern edges on an image formed based on charged particles emitted from a sample are extracted and, when contouring of a pattern located in an overlapping region provided in connecting images of plural image-capturing regions to form a synthesized image is performed, either areas of the pattern in the plurality of image-capturing regions, or a pre-set measurement portion is found, and selective contour extraction of the pattern with respect to an image of an image-capturing region is carried out either on a side where the area is large, or on a side where a measurement portion regarding the pattern is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi High—Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mito, Ryoichi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 8994816
    Abstract: A system and method for providing access to a video display for multiple devices. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise receiving, at a video display system, a first video data signal through a first data communication interface and a second video data signal through a second data communication interface. A processor module may process the first and second video data signals to generate video information of first and second display windows in a composite display. For example, the processor module may transform and translate video information to fit display windows. The processor module may, for example, generate an output video signal comprising information of the first window and information of the second window. Such a signal may, for example, be utilized to drive an output display showing the first and second windows. Various aspects may also provide method steps and apparatus for controlling aspects of the displayed windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8994817
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting anomalies in web structures used in the formation of tires are disclosed. A thermal imaging device, such as an infrared camera, can be used to scan a portion of web structure as the web structure leaves a calender. The thermal images can be analyzed for temperature differentials in the web structure. The presence of a temperature differential can signify the presence of an anomaly in the web structure, such as a missing or out of place cable anomaly, an improper edge trim anomaly, or a missing rubber material anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventor: David P. Heintze
  • Patent number: 8994818
    Abstract: A method includes receiving image data obtained by a laser imaging system. The method also includes identifying a minimum post spacing obtainable in a three-dimensional image constructed using the image data. The minimum post spacing defines a maximum obtainable resolution of the image. Identifying the minimum post spacing includes using (i) multiple point spread functions associated with the image data and (ii) a number of laser pulses directed at a specified area by the imaging system during capture of the image data. Identifying the minimum post spacing may also include using (iii) a minimum contrast ratio associated with the image. The point spread functions may be associated with different point reflectors, have a Gaussian distribution, and overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Vernon R. Goodman
  • Patent number: 8994819
    Abstract: An optical detection system integrated within an electro-optical sighting and/or scanning system and a method to perform a rapid wide area search are disclosed. In one example, an integrated optics detection subsystem is configured with one-the-move processing methods to perform the optics defeat functions to during a wide area search or sector scan performed by the host electro-optical sighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert Jeffrey Bennett, Frederic W. Kingdon
  • Patent number: 8994820
    Abstract: A camera apparatus includes: an image pickup device; a lens configured to converge light from an object to the image pickup device; a coaxial circular-shaped lens cover in which the lens is arranged; a plurality of infrared light sources arranged to surround the lens in the lens cover; and a light shielding member which is provided between the lens and the infrared light source and which has an opening. The opening is outwardly extended at corner optical path portions which correspond to diagonal corners of an angle of view of the image pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Takahashi, Shinichi Murata
  • Patent number: 8994821
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated assignment of geodetic coordinates to pixels of images of aerial video is disclosed. The method may include estimating a camera model for a first video frame of the aerial video, registering the first video frame to a Lidar DEM (digital elevation model) using the estimated camera model of the first video frame, iteratively refining the estimated camera model for the first video frame by composing the estimated camera model for the first video frame with the Lidar DEM registration, estimating a camera model for a next video frame of the aerial video by registering the next video frame to a previous video frame and composing the camera model of the next video frame with the previous video frame, and iterating for subsequent video frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Pritt, Kevin J. LaTourette
  • Patent number: 8994822
    Abstract: An imaging sensor system comprising: a mount unit affixed to a vehicle or a platform and having at least three imaging sensors disposed within the mount unit, wherein a first, second and third imaging sensor each has a focal axis passing through an aperture in the mount unit, wherein the first image sensor generates a first image area of the target area comprising a first array of pixels, wherein the second image sensor generates a second image area of the target area comprising a first array of pixels, wherein the first and second imaging sensors are offset to have a first image overlap area in the target area, wherein the first sensors image data bisects the second sensors image data in the first image overlap area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Visual Intelligence LP
    Inventors: Chester L. Smitherman, Joseph McCoy, James Tilley, Mohan Baro
  • Patent number: 8994823
    Abstract: In an object detection apparatus, a captured image of a scene around a host vehicle, information indicating a travel state of the host vehicle, and information indicating a surrounding situation around the host vehicle are obtained; risk areas in each of which an object is likely to exist, and area risk degrees of the risk areas are estimated based on the obtained information; posture risk degrees of respective postures are estimated based on a relation between each of the risk areas and the postures of the object assumed to exist in the risk area; a window image is extracted from a search range in the captured image, which corresponds to each of the risk areas, according to descending order of overall risk degrees; and it is identified whether the window image is an image showing the object, by comparing an identification model with the window image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiro Goto, Shigeyoshi Hiratsuka, Mitsuhiko Ota, Arata Takahashi, Masayuki Usami, Daisuke Konaka
  • Patent number: 8994824
    Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring device is provided with a symmetrical image portion extraction unit (21) which extracts a first image portion (A1) and a second image portion (A2) which are line-symmetrical to each other in the horizontal direction; and expanded region setting unit (22) which sets a first expanded region (B1) containing the first image portion (A1); an expanded search range setting unit (23) which sets an expanded search range (C) which contains the second image portion (A2); and an object class recognition unit (24) which searches in the expanded search range (C) a second expanded region (B2) which has a correlation degree to a mirror reflection image (B1m) of the first expanded region (B1), and recognizes the image containing the first image portion (A1) and the second image portion (A2) as the image of another vehicle if the second expanded region (B2) is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Aimura, Nobuharu Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 8994825
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for reconstructing and displaying an image of an area behind a vehicle. The method includes capturing, by an image capturing device, an image of the area behind the vehicle; receiving, at a controller, the captured image; separating, by the controller, the image into three image pieces; correcting, at the controller, the middle image piece by using a distortion correction algorithm; cropping, at the controller, the first and second side image pieces into a rectangular format; converting, at the controller, the first and second image pieces into a trapezoidal format; aligning, at the controller, the two side image pieces with the corrected middle image piece; and creating, at the controller, a continuous image of the area behind the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ravikiran Ramanath, Jeffrey Bochenek, Gunter Rottner
  • Patent number: 8994826
    Abstract: Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements and analyzes the data. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings associated with the captured motion can also be displayed. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed. Data shown on a time line can also be displayed to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of the user's body. Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment that fits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bentley
  • Patent number: 8994827
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a device includes a device body that includes a touch-sensitive display and a processor. The device also includes a band coupled to the device body and an optical sensor in or on the band. The optical sensor faces outward from the band and captures images. The processor communicates with the optical sensor to process captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Pranav Mistry, Sajid Sadi, Curtis Douglas Aumiller, Chengyuan Wei
  • Patent number: 8994828
    Abstract: A video quality comparison tool provides for direct visual perceptual comparison of video sequences. Two inputs are presented at the same position and size, with no-look user choice of which to see and easy back-and-forth comparison while the videos are playing, single-stepping, or paused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Krasimir D. Kolarov, Steven E. Saunders
  • Patent number: 8994829
    Abstract: Method of evaluating a defect of quality in a data signal, associated device and computer program. The method evaluates the defect of a carrier signal bearing data intended to be restored to a recipient, the signal including a video component and audio component. The method includes the following steps implemented on at least one sample of the signal: detection of a defect in the video component of the sample and calculation of a duration associated with the defect; assigning a class of defect to the defect detected as a function of its associated duration; according to the class of defect assigned, obtaining a result of searching for a defect in the audio component at the instants corresponding to the sample; deciding to confirm the detection of a defect of quality in the sequence as a function of the result of the search for a defect in the audio component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Orange
    Inventors: Emmanuel Wyckens, Catherine Colomes, Ulrich Lehy
  • Patent number: 8994830
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide access to video streams associated with communication channels in a communication network are described. The method may comprise monitoring selection of a communication channel by a user of a mobile communication device, identifying at least one video feed associated with the selected channel, and providing access to the mobile communication device to the selected at least one video feed. Providing access may comprise associating the selected video stream with the mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shmuel Shaffer, Zeeshan Rahman Khan
  • Patent number: 8994831
    Abstract: An image pickup control apparatus, includes: a trigger acceptance section adapted to accept a predetermined trigger input as a changeover input from an automatic image pickup mode to a request responding image pickup mode; and a request responding image pickup control section adapted to establish, when the trigger input is accepted by the trigger acceptance section while an image pickup apparatus is carrying out still picture image pickup operation with an image pickup visual field of the image pickup apparatus changed in the automatic image pickup mode, the request responding image pickup mode and control the image pickup apparatus to execute a process for determining an image pickup visual field in accordance with an image pickup request and then execute still picture image pickup operation after the determination of the image pickup visual field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Yoshizumi
  • Patent number: 8994832
    Abstract: An apparatus includes analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion circuitry coupled to a pixel array. The A/D conversion circuitry includes a voltage ramp generator and a set of column A/D conversion circuits. The voltage ramp generator generates a single slope voltage ramp in a first state and a multiple slope voltage ramp in a second state. The set of column A/D conversion circuits is coupled with the voltage ramp generator. The apparatus further includes calibration circuitry coupled with the set of column A/D conversion circuits and operable to determine digital calibration data to adjust digital image data. The calibration circuitry provides analog calibration data that spans a calibration range to the set of column A/D conversion circuits instead of the analog image data from the pixel array being provided to the set of column A/D conversion circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Zheng Yang, Guangbin Zhang, Yuanbao Gu
  • Patent number: 8994833
    Abstract: A photographic processing system in which subject and other data is stored in a database and such data is automatically linked to photographs taken using either a film or digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lifetouch, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8994834
    Abstract: Implementations generally relate to continually capturing photos. In some implementations, a method includes collecting photos that are captured continually, where the photos are captured continually using a device that is operable to track a gaze of a user. The method also includes enabling the user to select one or more of the photos subsequent to the photos being captured. The method also includes enabling the user to process the selected photos.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley Horowitz
  • Patent number: 8994835
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus receives shake information detected by, for example, a sensor which detects a shake, and determines whether the hold status of the image capturing apparatus is handheld or fixed, based on the shake information (first shake determination). Also, the image capturing apparatus sequentially acquires images output upon photoelectric conversion by charge-accumulation type photoelectric conversion elements, and determines whether the hold status is handheld or fixed, based on an image displacement between the images (second shake determination). The exposure settings at the time of image capturing are changed between the case wherein it is determined by first shake determination that the hold status is fixed, and that wherein it is determined by second shake determination that the hold status is fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshifumi Osawa
  • Patent number: 8994836
    Abstract: A feed forward command aiding architecture with corresponding method, system, and computer product are provided. The feed forward command aiding architecture includes generating angle and rate commands from a received inertial data input. The angle command is feed into a proper order position loop producing an intermediate result. An angle feedback is differentiated producing a rate loop feedback. The intermediate result, rate command, and rate loop feedback are then feed into a proper order rate loop producing a torque command. The proper order rate loop is nested inside of the proper order position loop. The torque command being generated moves a beam steering element of an electro-optic sensor to deflect a line of sight of the electro-optic sensor by an angle approximating the received inertial angular input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Walter W. Norman, David E. Norman, David A. Kluver, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8994837
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an image processing device is provided. The image processing device may include: a first image acquirer configured to acquire a first image of a first spatial resolution; a second image acquirer configured to acquire a second image of a second spatial resolution, wherein the second spatial resolution may be higher than the first spatial resolution; a determiner configured to determine in the first image a location of a part of the first image that corresponds to a pre-determined part of the second image based on a pre-determined similarity criterion; and a copying circuit configured to copy the pre-determined part of the second image to a location in an output image based on the determined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Mobile Communications GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Wasserbauer, Manfred Meindl, Juergen Haas, Andreas Gstoettner
  • Patent number: 8994838
    Abstract: Determining an amount of motion in a second frame of video with reference to a first frame of video. Adaptively predicting a cropping factor for the second frame in response to the determined amount of motion. The cropping factor specifies a portion of the second frame that is to be excluded from the second frame. The predicted cropping factor is adaptively changed for a successive plurality of frames by buffering the first frame to predict a desired cropping factor for the second frame, wherein the first frame occurs prior to the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Tomi Sokeila, Juuso Gren