Based On Contrast Patents (Class 250/201.7)
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Patent number: 11948425Abstract: A self-contained game monitoring device captures images of a game table and identifies objects relevant to the game and identifies values associated with objects. During the course of the game, the device can detect a violation of the players' bets according to pre-configured game rules. At the end of each game, the device can determine the outcome of the game (e.g., the win/lose/push on each bet) and can determine whether the dealer's action (e.g., payout on each bet) is consistent with the device's judgment. If an inconsistent action is detected, the device can notify the dealer/supervisor about a potential mistake.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Northernvue CorporationInventors: Minglun Qian, Lei Zhang
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Patent number: 11928833Abstract: According to examples, an apparatus may include a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium on which is stored instructions that the processor may execute to determine displacement levels of multiple locations of an image and to select a sampling density for the multiple locations. The processor may execute the instructions to generate an array of points according to the selected sampling density, the array of points identifying displaced portions of the image.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Nathan Moroney
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Patent number: 11857151Abstract: An objective of an endoscope can be evaluated by collecting a series of differently focused images and digitally stitching them together to obtain a final image for the endoscope that can be then evaluated. Movable optics and/or a camera can be used to collect the series of differently focused images. Image processing algorithms can be used to evaluate the collected images in terms of image sharpness and identify the areas at which each image is in relatively good focus. Once the areas of good focus are identified, the image processing algorithms can extract the areas of good focus. The digital stitching algorithms can be used to assemble the extracted areas of good focus to form a final image where most of the target scene should be in focus. The final image is then reviewed to determine the acceptability of the objective.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: STERIS Instrument Management Services, Inc.Inventor: Maciej Dybiec
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Patent number: 11496682Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a processor that performs arithmetic processing of a neural network, and a controller that is capable of setting, in the processor, a first inference parameter to be applied to processing for shooting control for shooting an image and a second inference parameter to be applied to processing for processing control of the image. The controller switches the first inference parameter having been set in the processor to the second inference parameter in response to settlement of a focus target.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Akihiro Tanabe
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Patent number: 11343432Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a controller configured to change a tilt angle between an image sensor and a plane orthogonal to an optical axis of an optical system by adjusting a tilt of the image sensor or the optical system, an evaluation value acquirer configured to acquire contrast evaluation values of a plurality of areas in an image by changing the tilt angle through the controller, and a determiner configured to determine the tilt angle for each of the plurality of areas based on the contrast evaluation values of the plurality of areas acquired by the evaluation value acquirer, and to determine the tilt angle based on the tilt angle of each determined area. The controller adjusts the tilt of the image sensor or the optical system based on the tilt angle determined by the determiner.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Natsuko Sato, Shunsuke Chino
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Patent number: 11333802Abstract: A lens sheet and lens sheet unit include an imaging module and an imaging device which can be made thinner. A first lens sheet has light transmission parts having a unit lens shape, and light absorption parts disposed alternatively with the light transmission parts. A lens sheet unit, on the image sensor side of the first lens sheet, includes a second lens sheet. The second lens sheet has light transmission parts having a unit lens shape, and light absorption parts disposed alternatively with the light transmission parts. When viewed from the optical axis direction, the direction in which the light transmission parts are arranged and the direction in which the light transmission parts are arranged intersect at an angle. An imaging module and a camera are included with the above lens sheet and lens sheet unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2016Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuki Bando, Tianyi Sun, Fumihiro Arakawa, Shuji Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 11307084Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor having a reception element and at least one reception lens and an optical filter element, wherein the filter element is arranged without a gap between a first part lens and a second part lens, wherein the part lenses form one of the reception lenses or the reception lens, and wherein the optical filter element has at least one convex or concave shape and received light beams pass through the filter element at the same angle at every entry point or an optoelectronic sensor having a reception element and a reception lens and an optical filter element that is arranged between the reception element and the reception lens, wherein the optical filter element has at least one curved free-form surface so that the received light beams pass through the filter element at the surface of the optical filter element at the same angle at every entry point.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: SICK AGInventor: Ralf Ulrich NĂ¼bling
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Patent number: 11290637Abstract: A method performed by a processor comprises determining a depth value of a target area relative to the image capturing device. The method also includes determining an adjustment to the brightness control so that a brightness level of images captured by the image capturing device is lowered if the depth value of the target area relative to the image capturing device is less than a threshold depth value. The method also includes determining whether an adjustment of the brightness control is to be automatically or manually adjusted. If the adjustment of the brightness control is to be manually adjusted, the processor over-rides manual control of the brightness control if an operator of the brightness control is causing the brightness level of images not to be lowered if the depth value of the target area relative to the image capturing device is less than the threshold depth value.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul E. Lilagan, Wenyi Zhao
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Patent number: 11237356Abstract: A device may include an input component and a focus control component. The focus control component may receive, from the input component, an input associated with adjusting a focus of a field of view of the device. The focus control component may determine whether an area of interest is present in the field of view. The focus control component may adjust, based on determining that the area of interest is not present in the field of view, the focus of the field of view at a focus speed associated with the input, or, based on determining that the area of interest is present in the field of view, may determine one or more parameters for modifying the focus speed, modify the focus speed based on the one or more parameters, and adjust the focus of the field of view at the modified focus speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: VIAVI Solutions Inc.Inventors: Jay Brace, Andrew Parsons
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Patent number: 10964041Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an image and distance information concerning a distance from an in-focus plane, which corresponds to each pixel included in the image; a setting unit configured to set an image processing condition according to the distance information based on an output characteristic of an output apparatus concerning a sharpness; and a processing unit configured to perform image processing for the image using the distance information obtained by the obtaining unit and the image processing condition set by the setting unit, wherein the processing unit changes, in accordance with the distance information, a band of a spatial frequency of the image to which the image processing is applied.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Miyazaki, Maya Yazawa, Hidetsugu Kagawa
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Patent number: 10924720Abstract: A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: ALIGN TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Noam Babayoff
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Patent number: 10809378Abstract: A triangulation sensing system includes a projection axis configuration and an imaging axis configuration. The projection axis configuration includes a triangulation light source (e.g. an incoherent source) and a variable focus lens (VFL) that is controlled to rapidly periodically modulate a triangulation light focus position (TLFP) along a Z axis over a focus position scan range, to provide a corresponding triangulation light extended focus range (TLEFR) that supports accurate measurement throughout. In some implementations, the triangulation system may be configured to provide the best measurement accuracy for a workpiece region of interest (WROI) by exposing its triangulation image only when the scanned TLFP temporarily coincides with the WROI Z height. In some implementations, the triangulation system may be configured to limit various measurement operations to using only an operational pixel subset of a detector that receives image light from the WROI, in order to shorten the measurement time.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventors: Paul Gerard Gladnick, Joseph Daniel Tobiason
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Patent number: 10809511Abstract: The total internal reflection microscope has an illumination optical system that relays light from a light source with a relay optical system, forms an image of the light source on the incident pupil plane of the objective lens and irradiates a sample with the illumination light via an objective lens, has an angle adjustment mirror for changing the position of the image of the light source in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis, an optical detector for detecting the intensity of the returning illumination light reflected by the sample and collected by the objective lens, and a controller for determining the operation amount of the angle adjustment mirror, wherein the controller determines the operation amount of the angle adjustment mirror so that the illumination light is totally reflected at the sample based on the change in intensity of the returning light when the angle adjustment mirror is changed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Takayuki Morita, Akitoshi Suzuki, Tomoko Kobayashi, Keita Masuda
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Patent number: 10715720Abstract: An imaging system comprises an image capturing device, a viewer, a control element, and a processor. The control element controls or adjusts an image characteristic of one of the image capturing device and the viewer. The processor is programmed to determine a depth value relative to the image capturing device, determine a desirable adjustment to the control element by using the determined depth value, and control adjustment of the control element to assist manual adjustment of the control element to the desirable adjustment. The processor may also be programmed to determine whether the adjustment of the control element is to be automatically or manually adjusted and control adjustment of the control element automatically to the desirable adjustment if the control element is to be automatically adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Lilagan, Wenyi Zhao
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Patent number: 10609358Abstract: An imaging system includes a camera, a display panel and a processor for providing image data to the display panel. The camera has a sensor with pixel rows for capturing an image taken by a camera lens through a lenticular sheet with first lenticules, such that each first lenticule covers at least two pixel rows. The display panel is used to show a displayed image based on the image data. The display panel is covered by a viewing lenticular sheet with second lenticules. The displayed image has a plurality of segments, with each segment under a second lenticule and each segment has sub-segments corresponding to pixel rows under a first lenticule. Image data provided to the image display panel is arranged such that image contents in the sub-segments under each second lenticule and image contents in the pixel rows under each first lenticule have different arrangement orders.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: 3DV Co. Ltd.Inventor: Kwok Wah Allen Lo
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Patent number: 10473906Abstract: A microscope device includes an interface detector that detects the position of an interface present in a container containing an observation object and a controller that performs focus maintenance control for maintaining the focal position of an objective lens in a reference position distant from the interface detected by the interface detector in the direction of the optical path of the objective lens by a predetermined distance (an offset value) and, in a time period when an image capture unit is capturing images, changes the focal position from the reference position by moving at least one of the objective lens and observation object in the direction of the optical path with reference to the reference position.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshitaro Nakano, Takaaki Okamoto
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Patent number: 10321100Abstract: A system and method of foreground objection extraction in connection with detection of single color objects in video frames. A laser emitter in combination with a random, textual pattern producing element illuminates a field of view thereby producing a background frame. The pattern is projected onto single color objects in the field of view. A current frame is compared to one of the background frame, or a prior frame to determine if there are any differences. Responsive to any detected differences, foreground objects are extracted from the current frame, without shadows, light spots or reflections.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: ADEMCO INC.Inventors: Vic Wu, Tian Feng Zhao, Haidong Xu
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Patent number: 10230936Abstract: A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventor: Noam Babayoff
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Patent number: 10212394Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for obtaining a correlation between an A-image signal and a B-image signal which are output from an image pickup unit to be input and calculating a defocus amount includes: a near-in-focus detection unit for detecting a pixel signal in an in-focus state between the A- and B-image signals; and a correlation operation unit for operating a correlation between the A- and B-image signals, wherein the correlation operation unit has a mode for excluding the detected pixel signal in the in-focus state from a subject of the correlation operation in accordance with a detection result of the near-in-focus detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeshi Ogawa
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Patent number: 10136078Abstract: A random grating based compressive sensing wideband hyperspectral imaging system comprising a front imaging component, an optical splitting component, more than two branches, and a computer, with each branch having an exit pupil transformation component and a compressive spectral imaging component. The system is based on compressive sensing theory, makes use of the correlation between spectra, increases compression rate on the spectral dimension, realizes three-dimensional compressive collection of wideband spectral image data, and greatly reduces data collection amount. The system is capable of measuring spectral image information on a wideband spectrum with a single exposure, and may obtain high spatial resolution and high spectral resolution by means of designing the random gratings on the various spitting paths.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Institute of Optics And Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of SciencesInventors: Shensheng Han, Zhentao Liu, Jianrong Wu, Enrong Li, Shiyu Tan, Zhe Chen
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Patent number: 10129529Abstract: An imaging system includes a camera, a display panel and a processor for providing image data to the display panel. The camera has a sensor with pixel rows for capturing an image taken by a camera lens through a lenticular sheet with first lenticules, such that each first lenticule covers at least two pixel rows. The display panel is used to show a displayed image based on the image data. The display panel is covered by a viewing lenticular sheet with second lenticules. The displayed image has a plurality of segments, with each segment under a second lenticule and each segment has sub-segments corresponding to pixel rows under a first lenticule. Image data provided to the image display panel is arranged such that image contents in the sub-segments under each second lenticule and image contents in the pixel rows under each first lenticule have different arrangement orders.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: 3DV Co. Ltd.Inventor: Kwok Wah Allen Lo
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Patent number: 10097777Abstract: A system for generating a depth map for an object in a three-dimensional (3D) scene includes an image capture sensor and a processor. The image capture sensor is configured to capture a plurality of images of the object at a plurality of different focal planes. The processor is configured to calculate a plurality of variance values for a plurality of image locations for each image captured by the image capture sensor. The processor is also configured to determine a peak variance value for the plurality of image locations based on the calculated variance values associated with the same image location for each of the plurality of images of the object at the plurality of different focal planes. The processor is also configured to generate the depth map for the object based on the determined peak variance value for each image location and the plurality of different focal planes.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Recognition Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Simon Melikian
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Patent number: 10091410Abstract: A focus detection apparatus comprises: a determination unit that determines whether a flicker light source is included in focus detection areas; a plurality of sensors for focus detection that correspond to the focus detection areas, and accumulate electric charges corresponding to received light; and a controller that controls accumulation in the sensors. The controller monitors a signal that is based on electric charges accumulated in the sensors, and performs first control for stopping accumulation in a sensor in which the signal has exceeded a predetermined threshold value, and second control for stopping accumulation in a sensor which continues accumulation of electric charges when a maximum accumulation period has reached. The controller sets the maximum accumulation period based on a determination result by the determination unit and the accumulation period of a first sensor in which the first control is performed first.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takashi Ichimiya
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Patent number: 10057488Abstract: An image capture system comprising an optical path length extender (OPLE) to direct the light having a first polarization through a first light path through the OPLE, and to direct the light having a second polarization through a second light path through the OPLE, the first and second light paths having different light path lengths. The image capture system further comprising an image sensor to capture a plurality of image portions at a plurality of focal distances.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Avegant Corp.Inventors: Allan Thomas Evans, D. Scott Dewald, Andrew John Gross
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Patent number: 10015471Abstract: Depth sensing imaging pixels include pairs of left and right pixels forming an asymmetrical angular response to incident light. A single microlens is positioned above each pair of left and right pixels. Each microlens spans across each of the pairs of pixels in a horizontal direction. Each microlens has a length that is substantially twice the length of either the left or right pixel in the horizontal direction; and each microlens has a width that is substantially the same as a width of either the left or right pixel in a vertical direction. The horizontal and vertical directions are horizontal and vertical directions of a planar image array. A light pipe in each pixel is used to improve light concentration and reduce cross talk.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Gennadiy Agranov, Dongqing Cao, Avi Yaron
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Patent number: 9948852Abstract: An imaging system comprises an image capturing device, a viewer, a control element, and a processor. The control element controls or adjusts an image characteristic of one of the image capturing device and the viewer. The processor is programmed to determine a depth value relative to the image capturing device, determine a desirable adjustment to the control element by using the determined depth value, and control adjustment of the control element to assist manual adjustment of the control element to the desirable adjustment. The processor may also be programmed to determine whether the adjustment of the control element is to be automatically or manually adjusted and control adjustment of the control element automatically to the desirable adjustment if the control element is to be automatically adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Lilagan, Wenyi Zhao
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Patent number: 9879984Abstract: An optical scanning probe and an apparatus to generate three-dimensional (3D) data using the same are provided. The apparatus to generate 3D data includes an optical scanning probe that scans light generated from a light emitter over an object to be measured, a distance calculation processor that calculates a distance between the optical scanning probe and the object to be measured, based on the light scanned over the object to be measured and light reflected from the object to be measured; and a depth image generation processor that generates 3D data based on a scanning direction of the optical scanning probe and the distance between the optical scanning probe and the object to be measured.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Suk June Yoon, Kyung Shik Roh, No San Kwak, Shin Kim, Ji Min Kim, Soon Yong Park
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Patent number: 9851292Abstract: A particle detection device includes a scattered light detector detecting an intensity of light scattered by a particle irradiated with a laser, an incandescent light detector detecting an intensity of incandescent light from the particle being irradiated with the laser, and a signal processor including: a first peak hold circuit holding a peak in the intensity of the light scattered by the particle; a second peak hold circuit holding a peak in the intensity of the incandescent light from the particle; and a threshold value comparison circuit comparing the peak in the first peak hold circuit to a threshold and, when the peak in the first peak hold circuit exceeds the threshold, outputs a reset signal to the second peak hold circuit immediately thereafter so the peak previously in the second peak hold circuit is reset immediately after the peak in the first peak hold circuit exceeds the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Masaya Tabaru, Naoki Takeda, Kazuhiro Koizumi, Noritomo Hirayama
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Patent number: 9843710Abstract: A focusing adjustment apparatus includes a recording unit, a focusing adjustment unit, a calculation unit, and a calculation unit. The recording unit records a recording signal output from an image sensor. The focusing adjustment unit adjusts focusing on an object image entering the image sensor based on information about an image-forming position in a first evaluation band of the recording signal. The calculation unit calculates the image-forming position in the first evaluation band of the recording signal by correcting, using a correction value, an image-forming position in a second evaluation band of a focusing adjustment signal obtained from the image sensor. The calculation unit changes the correction value using information about the first evaluation band of the recording signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hideyuki Hamano, Yumi Watanabe
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Patent number: 9836855Abstract: A technique determines a depth measurement associated with a scene captured by an image capture device. The technique receives at least first and second images of the scene, in which the first image is captured using at least one different camera parameter than that of the second image. At least first and second image patches are selected from the first and second images, respectively, the selected patches corresponding to a common part of the scene. The selected image patches are used to determine which of the selected image patches provides a more focused representation of the common part. At least one value is calculated based on a combination of data in the first and second image patches, the combination being dependent on the more focused image patch. The depth measurement of the common part of the scene is determined from the at least one calculated value.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: David Morgan-Mar, Tuan Quang Pham, Matthew R Arnison, Kieran Gerard Larkin
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Patent number: 9684225Abstract: A controller controls a focus lens driver so as to maintain an in-focus state associated with a magnification variation, based on information on a tracking curve that represents a position of the focus lens corresponding to an object distance and a focal length of an image-pickup optical system. The controller controls the focus lens driver so as to prevent the focus lens from being moved for focusing based on a difference between an actual position of the focus lens and the position of the focus lens indicated by the tracking curve in a case the focus lens driver is driving the focus lens based on information on the tracking curve.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Minoru Uchiyama
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Patent number: 9658463Abstract: An imaging apparatus disclosed in the present application includes a lens optical system L, an imaging device N including a plurality of first and second pixels P1 and P2, and an arrayed optical device K, wherein: the lens optical system L includes a first optical region D1 which primarily passes therethrough light oscillating in a direction of a first polarization axis and a second optical region D2 which passes therethrough light oscillating in every direction; and the arrayed optical device K makes light having passed through the first optical region D1 incident on the first pixels P1 and makes light having passed through the second optical region D2 incident on the second pixels P2.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norihiro Imamura, Tsuguhiro Korenaga, Michihiro Yamagata
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Patent number: 9639778Abstract: In an information processing apparatus, an object recognition process is performed on each image of a multi-viewpoint image group based on focal length information and information about objects. Objects are specified in each image. A target object is determined based on relationship information indicating a relationship between the objects. An image that contains the determined target object is generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoyuki Shimizu
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Patent number: 9621793Abstract: A spread degree of a geometric feature in a surface of an object to be measured is estimated. The geometric feature is included in a geometric pattern, and will be observed in an image obtained by capturing the object on which the geometric pattern is projected. A parameter is set based on the estimated spread degree. Based on the parameter, a point on the geometric pattern is set in a captured image obtained by capturing the object to be measured on which the geometric pattern is projected. A three-dimensional position on the surface of the object corresponding to the set point is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hisayoshi Furihata, Masakazu Fujiki, Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Masahiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 9605944Abstract: Disclosed is a distance measuring device including an imaging lens configured to condense incident light from an object, a lens array configured in such a manner that light having passed through the imaging lens is incident thereon, an imaging element array configured to receive light having passed through the lens array to output image information, and a distance calculating part configured to calculate a distance to the object based on the image information, wherein the lens array includes plural lenses with different numeric apertures.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Yuji Yamanaka, Kensuke Masuda
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Patent number: 9571192Abstract: A communications system made up of a number of multi-channel optical node (MCON) platforms uses free space optical communications terminals that have the ability to track, detect, measure, and respond to the acceleration or movement of the platform. Instead of using mirrors or traditional beam steering techniques, the platform uses a series of telecentric lens systems to re-align the focal plane such that beams are maintained in original pointing directions. A network of control systems is used to detect and measure movement of the platform, to re-align the platform after such movement, and to maintain connection with a number of other MCON platforms.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Space Photonics, Inc.Inventor: Charles H. Chalfant, III
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Patent number: 9460516Abstract: In a method for generating a depth map for an image, an image processing apparatus is configured to: determine a depth level for each of at least two objects in the image according to an angle of incidence in which light incident upon the object is projected onto an image sensor of a light-field camera; calculate a depth value of the depth level associated with one of the objects; estimate a depth value for the depth level associated with another one of the objects; and generate a depth map according to the depth values. The depth value is estimated based on a distance between first and second locations on the image sensor, on which light incident upon the reference and relative objects are projected.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignees: National Taiwan University, Lite-On Technology Corp.Inventors: Jiun-Huei Proty Wu, Ching-Feng Cheng
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Patent number: 9350456Abstract: The invention discloses a method for improving luminous intensity adaptability and a device thereof, relating to photo-electronic communication field. In the method, the device is configured with more than one level load resistors, the device collects voltage value and if the device collects predetermined numbers of voltage values which meet some requirement, it computes an average value of all collected voltage values, sets voltage value according to the average value, determines whether the set voltage is satisfied with a predetermined requirement, if yes, collects data according to the set voltage; otherwise, switches the load resistor according to a predetermined rule, in which the load voltage has influence on collecting voltage. The invention has advantages of improving luminous intensity adaptability of a screen when collecting optical signal and reducing rate of error codes.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Feitian Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhou Lu, Huazhang Yu
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Patent number: 9245380Abstract: The present invention provides a local multi-resolution 3-D face-inherent model generation apparatus, including one or more 3-D facial model generation cameras for photographing a face of an object at various angles in order to obtain one or more 3-D face models, a 3-D face-inherent model generation unit for generating a 3-D face-inherent model by composing the one or more 3-D face models, a local photographing camera for photographing a local part of the face of the object, a control unit for controlling the position of the local photographing camera on the 3-D face-inherent model, and a local multi-resolution 3-D face-inherent model generation unit for generating a local multi-resolution face-inherent model by composing an image captured by the local photographing camera and the 3-D face-inherent model, a local multi-resolution 3-D face-inherent model generation using the local multi-resolution 3-D face-inherent model generation apparatus, and a skin management system.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Kap Kee Kim, Seung Uk Yoon, Bon Woo Hwang, Ji Hyung Lee, Bon Ki Koo
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Patent number: 9208569Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a captured image data acquisition unit configured to acquire captured image data, an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information of object distances of objects, a refocus image generation unit configured to generate a refocus image at a predetermined focus position in the captured image data, a display unit configured to display the refocus image on a display medium, a designation unit configured to designate an address in the refocus image displayed by the display unit, and a distance calculation unit configured to calculate distances between the designated address and positions of the objects in the refocus image, wherein the refocus image generation unit generates a refocus image using, as a focus position, an object distance of one of the objects based on the distances.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masanao Yokoyama
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Patent number: 9116249Abstract: An apparatus for detecting radiation is provided. In embodiments, at least one sensor medium is provided, of a kind that interacts with radiation to generate photons and/or charge carriers. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode arrangement configured to collect radiation-generated charge from a sensor medium that has been provided. The apparatus also includes at least one photodetector configured to produce an electrical output in response to photons generated by radiation in such a sensor medium, and an electronic circuit configured to produce an output that is jointly responsive to the collected charge and to the photodetector output. At least one such electrode arrangement, at least one such photodetector, and at least one such sensor medium are combined to form an integral unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Liam D. Claus, Mark S. Derzon, Randolph R. Kay, Todd Bauer, Douglas Chandler Trotter, Michael David Henry
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Patent number: 9065999Abstract: An auto focus image system that includes a pixel array coupled to a focus signal generator. The pixel array captures an image that has a plurality of edges. The generator generates a focus signal that is a function of a plurality of edge-sharpness measures for the plurality of edges. The generator compares a sequence of gradients across the edge with one or more reference sequences of gradients and/or reference curves defined by data retrieved from a non-volatile memory. The generator may reject or de-emphasize the edge using result of the comparison. The edge sharpness measure is a quantity whose unit is a positive or negative, integer or non-integer power of a unit of length. It may be measured from the edge and/or a reference sequence/curve matched to the edge, or may be retrieved for the matched reference sequence/curve from a non-volatile memory.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Inventor: Hiok Nam Tay
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Publication number: 20140332661Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus has: an imaging unit that is capable of outputting a pair of focus detection signals by photoelectrically converting rays of light which pass through different pupil areas of a focusing optical system; a focus detection unit for detecting a first defocus amount by executing a first filter processing to the pair of focus detection signals; a determination unit for determining a focus state on the basis of the first defocus amount; an evaluation value generation unit for generating an evaluation value of the first defocus amount by executing a second filter processing to the pair of focus detection signals in accordance with a result of the determination; and a control unit for evaluating the result of the determination about the focus state on the basis of the evaluation value and controlling a focus adjustment in accordance with a result of the evaluation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Koichi Fukuda
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Patent number: 8861949Abstract: An apparatus and method of adjusting an auto focus are provided. The apparatus includes: an imaging pickup device for generating an image signal by capturing light passing through an imaging lens; a shutter for controlling light exposure of the image pickup device; a focus detector that calculates a contrast value from the image signal and detecting a focus from the contrast value; and a release controller for controlling a release operation constituting a photographing operation of a still image, wherein the release controller includes, as driving modes, a first mode that directs a focus lens included in the imaging lens to be driven while driving the shutter, and a second mode that directs the focus lens not to be driven while driving the shutter. Accordingly, a photographing time is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Ishibashi, Masataka Hamada
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Patent number: 8809756Abstract: A vision measuring device includes: a camera which images a workpiece and transfers image information of the workpiece; a position control unit which controls an in-focus position of the camera and outputs the in-focus position as position information representing a position in a Z-axis direction; and a vision measuring machine which performs vision measurement on the workpiece based on image information and position information. The position control unit acquires and retains position information in response to a trigger signal output from the camera or the position control unit to the other at a certain timing of an imaging period during which the camera images the workpiece. The vision measuring machine calculates position information representing a position of image information in the Z-axis direction based on image information transferred from the camera and position information output from the position control unit, and performs auto-focusing control.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Yoshida
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Publication number: 20140191109Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation are described. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated analysis in a multi-well plate assay format.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Ian Chamberlin, Charles M. Clinton, Eli N. Glezer, Bandele Jeffrey-Coker, Manish Kochar, Sandor Kovacs, D.T. Le, Aaron Leimkuehler, George Sigal, Leo Tabakin, Jon Willoughby
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Patent number: 8766153Abstract: A vision measuring device includes: a camera which images a workpiece and transfers image information of the workpiece; a position control unit which controls an in-focus position of the camera and outputs the in-focus position as position information representing a position in a Z-axis direction; and a vision measuring machine which performs vision measurement on the workpiece based on image information and position information. The position control unit acquires and retains position information in response to a trigger signal output from the camera or the position control unit to the other at a certain timing of an imaging period during which the camera images the workpiece. The vision measuring machine calculates position information representing a position of image information in the Z-axis direction based on image information transferred from the camera and position information output from the position control unit, and performs auto-focusing control.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Mitutoyo CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Yoshida
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Patent number: 8660418Abstract: An apparatus and method of adjusting an auto focus are provided. The apparatus includes: an imaging pickup device for generating an image signal by capturing light passing through an imaging lens; a shutter for controlling light exposure of the image pickup device; a focus detector that calculates a contrast value from the image signal and detecting a focus from the contrast value; and a release controller for controlling a release operation constituting a photographing operation of a still image, wherein the release controller includes, as driving modes, a first mode that directs a focus lens included in the imaging lens to be driven while driving the shutter, and a second mode that directs the focus lens not to be driven while driving the shutter. Accordingly, a photographing time is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Ishibashi, Masataka Hamada
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Patent number: 8515291Abstract: The light receiving device includes a pixel array, such as a two-dimensional pixel array, of pixels each having a light-receiving element for receiving input signal light, an output selecting unit for selecting the outputs of pixels within the pixel array, a selected output adding unit for adding and outputting the selected outputs of the pixels, and an amplifying unit for amplifying the output of the selected output adding unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Tadao Inoue
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Patent number: RE45692Abstract: An automatic focusing apparatus performs focusing using a first automatic focusing method in which lens drive control is performed based on a focus signal so that a focus lens is moved to an in-focus point, and a second automatic focusing method in which lens drive control is performed based on information corresponding to an object distance so that the focus lens is moved to an in-focus point. The direction in which the focus lens is moved to the in-focus point according to the second automatic focusing method is compared with the direction in which the focus lens is moved to the in-focus point according to the first automatic focusing method. Based on the result, it is determined whether to perform the lens drive control according to the second automatic focusing method.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsuya Yamazaki