Testing Of Camera Patents (Class 348/187)
  • Patent number: 9077915
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interweaving infrared and visible moving image data using a single optical system and imager device based on an infrared input signal and a visible input signal are disclosed. Infrared image frames can be substituted in for complete visible image input frames or for partial visible image input frames, i.e. substituting in an infrared image input frame for one or more of the color channels in one or more visible image input frames. Moving video or computer-generated moving graphics can include both infrared and visible image data to be displayed users viewing the resulting images with and without night vision imaging devices. In particular, the system and method can be used in projection systems for night-vision imaging device team training simulators to reduce the cost of the system while increasing the ease of use and performance of such systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Projectiondesign AS
    Inventors: Kristian Kolstad, Kjell Einar Olsen
  • Patent number: 9066074
    Abstract: A camera module testing device for detecting light leakage in relation to a camera module includes a base, a first fixing plate, a second fixing plate, a movable element, a stepping motor, a sliding table, a support mechanism, a board and a power supply module, and a processing unit. The movable element includes a first movable plate, a second movable plate, and a third movable plate. The support mechanism and the camera module are driven to rotate to various predetermined angles. The stepping motor drives movable element, the support mechanism and the camera module to swing a predetermined number times for each predetermined angle. The lens captures an image each time. The processing unit compares an image captured each time with a predetermined image and analyze if there is a problem of light leakage for the camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Hao Chu
  • Publication number: 20150146014
    Abstract: An imaging system may include a camera module with an image sensor having an array of image sensor pixels and one or more lenses that focus light onto the array. The system may include processing circuitry configured to mitigate flare artifacts in image data captured using the array based on at least one image flare map. The image flare map may identify a portion of the captured image data on which to perform image flare mitigation operations. The processing circuitry may perform image flare mitigation operations such as pixel value desaturation on the identified portion of the captured image data without desaturating portions of the image data that do not include flare artifacts. The flare map may be generated using a calibration system that characterizes the location, intensity, and color of all possible image flare artifacts that may be generated by the imaging system during normal imaging operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Black, Jonathan Michael Stern
  • Publication number: 20150146015
    Abstract: Collaborative sighting is performed using plural optical sighting apparatuses that each comprise: a camera unit and a display device. Geometric calibration of the camera units with respect to the imaged scene is performed by detecting features within captured images, generating descriptors from respective patches of the image at the features; detecting corresponding descriptors from different images, Position and deriving the geometric calibration from the positions in the respective images of the corresponding descriptors. A target location in the image captured by a first optical sighting apparatus is designated and a corresponding location relative to the image captured by the second one optical sighting apparatus is identified from the geometric calibration. The display device of the second optical sighting apparatus indicates where the corresponding location lies relative to the displayed image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Eric Sommerlade, Emmet Spier, Julian Morris
  • Publication number: 20150146016
    Abstract: A camera testing apparatus includes a frame assembly, a control unit, and a plurality of first light sources and second light sources coupled to the frame assembly and in communication with the control unit. Each of the first and second light sources is in one of an illuminated first state or a non-illuminated second state, and each of the plurality of first and second light sources is adapted to be within a field of vision of a camera disposed remote from the first and second light sources. The control unit sends a first command to each of the first light sources to change a first operational parameter. The control unit sends a second command to a first one of the second light sources to illuminate at a first brightness and a third command to a second one of the second light sources to illuminate at a second brightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Fan He, Paul W. Brazis, JR.
  • Patent number: 9041815
    Abstract: An operator friendly camera testing module is described. The camera testing module includes at least a color shift evaluation unit and a color non-uniformity evaluation unit. The color shift evaluation unit providing a color shift metric and the color non-uniformity evaluation unit providing a color non-uniformity metric each used to characterize a digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Hongqin Zhang, Shizhe Shen, Michael DiVincent, Chong Yip Chow
  • Patent number: 9041807
    Abstract: An image processing device configured to be installed in a vehicle includes an image acquirer, an image selector, a first luminance adjuster, a synthetic image generator, and an image provider. The image acquirer acquires camera images captured by cameras provided on the vehicle. The image selector selects one of the camera images as a representative image based on luminances of the camera images. The first luminance adjuster adjusts a luminance of at least one of the other camera images based on a luminance of the representative image. The synthetic image generator generates a synthetic image showing a periphery of the vehicle, based on the representative image and the other camera images the luminance of at least one of which has been adjusted by the first adjuster. The image provider outputs, to a display device installed in the vehicle, information corresponding to the synthetic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignees: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Masahiko Murakami, Nobunori Asayama
  • Patent number: 9041734
    Abstract: Image information displayed on an electronic device can be modified based at least in part upon a relative position of a user with respect to a device. Mapping, topological or other types of positional data can be used to render image content from a perspective that is consistent with a viewing angle for the current relative position of the user. As that viewing angle changes, as a result of movement of the user and/or the device, the content can be re-rendered or otherwise updated to display the image content from a perspective that reflects the change in viewing angle. Simulations of effects such as parallax and occlusions can be used with the change in perspective to provide a consistent user experience that provides a sense of three-dimensional content even when that content is rendered on a two-dimensional display. Lighting, shading and/or other effects can be used to enhance the experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Howard D. Look, Leo B. Baldwin, Kenneth M. Karakotsios, Dennis Hodge, Isaac S. Noble, Volodymyr V. Ivanchenko, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Publication number: 20150130951
    Abstract: An interactive camera calibration tool is presented that provides live feedback on the state of the calibration and produces tightly-distributed calibration parameters even when used by novices. Target positions are suggested by the calibration tool. Once the target has been aligned with the target positions, image data of the target is captured and used to compute calibration parameters. This process is repeated until the computed parameters meet the accuracy requirements specified by the user. A novel calibration quality metric is also leveraged to automatically determine whether a calibration is sufficiently accurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Edwin B. Olson, Johannes Strom, Andrew Richardson
  • Patent number: 9030580
    Abstract: A method for designing a color filter module used in a plenoptic XYZ imaging system. In one approach, the color filter module is spatially partitioned into filter cells, and the spatial partition is designed by considering data captured at the sensor in light of variations in ?E.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lingfei Meng, Kathrin Berkner, Ivana Tosic
  • Publication number: 20150116506
    Abstract: A method for noise simulation of a CMOS image sensor comprises performing a frequency domain noise simulation for a readout circuit of the CMOS image sensor using a computer, wherein the readout circuit includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit, wherein the frequency domain noise simulation includes a CDS transfer function to refer a noise introduced by the CDS circuit back to an input node of the readout circuit. The method further comprises calculating noise at the input node of the readout circuit based on the referred back noises caused by one or more components in the readout circuit and estimating noise of the CMOS imaging sensor by comparing the calculated noise at the input node of the readout circuit to an original input signal to the readout circuit of the CMOS imaging sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shang-Fu YEH, Kuo-Yu CHOU, Yi-Che CHEN, Wei Lun TAO, Honyih TU, Calvin Yi-Ping CHAO, Fu-Lung HSUEH
  • Patent number: 9019382
    Abstract: A diagnosis unit for an electronic camera comprises a housing and a coupling device for coupling the diagnosis unit to an objective connection of a camera or to a camera objective, wherein the coupling device surrounds a light exit opening of the housing. The diagnosis unit further comprises at least one light source arranged in the housing for outputting a diagnosis illumination through the light exit opening, and an interface for electrically connecting the diagnosis unit to a camera. A camera system comprises a diagnosis unit and an electronic camera having an image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Michael Cieslinski
  • Patent number: 9019428
    Abstract: An electronic device may include a camera module. Control circuitry within the electronic device may use an image sensor within the camera module to acquire digital images. The camera module may have lens structures that are supported by lens support structures such as a lens barrel and lens carrier. An actuator such as a voice coil motor may control the position of the lens support structures relative to internal support structures such as upper and lower spacer members. Springs may be used to couple the lens support structures to the internal support structures. Outer wall structures in the camera module such as a ferromagnetic shield structures may surround and enclose at least some of the internal support structures. The outer wall structures may have openings. The internal support structures may have pins or other alignment structures that protrude through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ashutosh Y. Shukla, Kenta K. Williams, Shashikant G. Hegde, Tang Yew Tan, David A. Pakula
  • Publication number: 20150109461
    Abstract: A device testing capability is presented herein. The device testing capability supports automated testing of media devices (e.g., cameras, microphones, speakers, or the like) for verifying that the media devices are functioning properly. The device testing capability may support automated verification by an endpoint that one or more media devices or one or more sets of media devices associated with endpoint are functioning properly. For example, the device testing capability may support automated verification by a computer that a camera associated with the computer is functioning properly. For example, the device testing capability may support automated verification by a computer that a speaker and a microphone that are associated with the computer are functioning properly. The device testing capability may support automated verification, by a management system, of the proper functioning of media devices associated with endpoints in a set of endpoints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: ALCATEL-LUCENT USA INC.
    Inventors: Sudhir R. Ahuja, Mauricio Cortes
  • Publication number: 20150103187
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting operating parameters of a video camera in response to detected temperatures uses temperature sensors that detect temperatures of the components within the video camera and an external temperature for an area surrounding the video camera. These temperatures are combined to determine an operating temperature of the video camera. Then, operating parameters of the video camera are adjusted to ensure that the operating temperature of the video camera does not create an over-temperature condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Steven W. Schieltz, Walter A. Martin
  • Publication number: 20150097969
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an image capture device, comprises the steps of: applying lighting levels onto the image capture device; capturing luma values for the applied lighting levels; calculating luma gains for lens coordinates as a function of the applied lighting levels and the captured luma values, wherein each of the lens coordinates having multiple ones of the calculated luma gains; and storing the calculated luma gains to calibrate the image capture device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Amlogic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Yip, Dongjian Wang, Xuyun Chen
  • Patent number: 9001214
    Abstract: A method, system and reference target for estimating spectral data on a selected one of three spectral information types is disclosed. Spectral information types comprise illumination of a scene, spectral sensitivity of an imager imaging the scene and reflectance of a surface in the scene. The method comprises obtaining a ranking order for plural sensor responses produced by the imager, each sensor responses being produced from a reference target in the scene, obtaining, from an alternate source, data on the other two spectral information types, determining a set of constraints, the set including, for each sequential pair combination of sensor responses when taken in said ranking order, a constraint determined in dependence on the ranking and on the other two spectral information types for the respective sensor responses and, in dependence on the ranking order and on the set of constraints, determining said spectral data that optimally satisfies said constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: University of East Anglia
    Inventor: Graham Finlayson
  • Publication number: 20150085141
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for calibrating a multi-spectral sampling system are provided. The method includes: sampling scene information of a scene to obtain a two-path multi-spectral image comprising a multi-spectral image consisting of a plurality of sampling points and a RGB color image; calibrating a spectrum of each of the plurality of sampling points to obtain a spatial location thereof and a spectral wavelength corresponding to the spatial location; providing two scanning videos in different scanning directions, demonstrating and shooting the two scanning videos to obtain two two-path multi-spectral videos, in which each two-path multi-spectral video comprises a multi-spectral video and a RGB color video; and based on the spatial location of each of the plurality of sampling points, obtaining a matching point of each of the plurality of sampling points, so as to implement a spatial location calibration of the multi-spectral sampling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Qionghai Dai, Mingjie Zhang, Jinli Suo
  • Publication number: 20150085142
    Abstract: Methods and systems for use in calibrating imaging data, are provided that include using a calibration array to generate a test pattern. The calibration array can emit a test pattern having geometric, temporal, and electromagnetic characteristics. The collected data can be compared with the geometric, temporal and electromagnetic characteristics to determine an error factor that can then be used in analyzing the collected data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Carl N. GUERRERI, Lester Anderson FOSTER, III
  • Patent number: 8988530
    Abstract: A reliable and repeatable accuracy of focus measurement device to measure the focus accuracy of cameras. The measurement device includes a frame having a substantially planar front face with a focusing target located thereon, and at least one depth-of-field ruler coupled to the frame with a transverse axis falling within a front face plane and a long axis that is angularly adjustable with respect to the front face plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: PictureFlow LLC
    Inventor: Michael Tapes
  • Publication number: 20150070510
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose a color measurement device and method for use with cameras or other imaging devices. The color measurement device may be configured to determine many different colors via a commonly owned device. Embodiments utilize sinusoidal grayscale rings to determine an exact color match of an unknown color, even if there is perspective distortion of an obtained image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Peter H. MUI
  • Patent number: 8976250
    Abstract: A lens testing system may have a test pattern source that generates a test pattern of light. A lens may have a lens surface that reflects the test pattern of light. A digital camera system may capture an image of the reflected test pattern of light. Computing equipment may perform image processing operations to evaluate the captured image of the reflected test pattern. The test pattern may contain a known pattern of test elements such as a rectangular array of spots or test elements of other configurations. During image processing operations, the computing equipment may analyze the reflected version of the spots or other test elements to measure characteristics of the lens such as radius of curvature, whether the lens contains flat regions, pits, or bumps, lens placement in a support structure, and other lens performance data. The computing equipment may compare the measured lens data to predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. Armstrong-Muntner, James J. Dudley, Richard Ruh, Anant Rai
  • Patent number: 8976251
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing camera lenses and presenting information regarding camera lenses performance are described. An interactive user interface is provided over a network for display on a user terminal by a computer system. A user request is received at the computer system from the user terminal for lens data from a first lens. Lens data, including test data obtained via a first digital image captured using the first lens at the first focal length setting and the first aperture setting is accessed from memory and transmitted to interactive user interface. The interactive user interface is configured to display an identification of the first camera body, an identification of the first lens, the first focal length setting used to capture the image, and the first aperture setting used to capture the image. Using the lens test data, the interactive user interface generates and displays sharpness graph data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Askey, Andrew C G Westlake, Jaysen B. Marais, Simon Ashley Joinson
  • Publication number: 20150062351
    Abstract: A device and method incorporates features of a temporal contrast sensor with a camera sensor in an imager. The method includes registering the camera sensor with the temporal contrast sensor as a function of a calibration target. The method includes receiving camera sensor data from the camera sensor and temporal contrast sensor data from the temporal contrast sensor. The method includes generating a plurality of images as a function of incorporating the temporal contrast sensor data with the camera sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: Simon HEINZLE, Aljoscha SMOLIC, Oliver WANG, Alexander Sorkine HORNUNG, Yael PRITCH, Henning ZIMMER
  • Publication number: 20150062352
    Abstract: A method of operating an electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving, by an electronic device, an input relating to data to be transmitted, monitoring a state of the electronic device, determining whether to transmit the data on a basis of at least part of a result of the monitoring, and transmitting the data according to a result of the determining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Woo-Yong LEE, Jun-Young PARK, Seung-Hyup BAIK, Yun-Son YOO
  • Publication number: 20150054966
    Abstract: Imaging devices and methods detect ambient light level using array pixels. In one embodiment, an imaging device includes an array of imaging pixels that are configured to acquire an image, and an array of dark pixels. A controller may cause at least one of the imaging pixels and of the dark pixels to image concurrently. A monitoring circuit may measure a difference between currents drawn by the imaging pixel and the dark pixel during the concurrent imaging. An indication of ambient light level can be generated according to the difference. The indication can be used as desired, for example to manage the brightness of the display screen. As such, no separate sensors are required, apart from the imaging array that is already provided for imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yibing M. WANG
  • Patent number: 8964258
    Abstract: Scanners and scanner housings are disclosed. An example scanner includes a housing to carry an optical element, the housing having a first support feature, and a printed circuit board having a second support feature to mate with the first support feature of the housing, the printed circuit board to provide vertical support to the housing when the first and second support features are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Edward A. Hill, Donald G. Harris, John H. Arterberry
  • Patent number: 8953047
    Abstract: An imaging system may include an array of image pixels and verification circuitry. The verification circuitry may inject a test voltage into the pixel signal chain of a test pixel. The test voltage may be output on a column line associated with the column of pixels in which the test pixel is located. The test signal may be provided to a column ADC circuit for conversion from an analog test signal to a digital test signal. Verification circuitry may compare the digital output test signal with a predetermined reference signal to determine whether the imaging system is functioning properly (e.g., to determine whether column ADC circuits or other circuit elements in the pixel signal chain are functioning properly). If the output test signals do not match the expected output signals, the imaging system may be disabled and/or a warning signal may be presented to a user of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Tore Martinussen
  • Publication number: 20150035991
    Abstract: A method for dynamically calibrating rotational offset in a device includes obtaining an image captured by a camera of the device. Orientation information of the device at the time of image capture may be associated with the image. Pixel data of the image may be analyzed to determine an image orientation angle for the image. A device orientation angle may be determined from the orientation information. A rotational offset, based on the image orientation angle and the device orientation angle, may be determined. The rotational offset is relative to the camera or orientation sensor. A rotational bias may be determined from statistical analysis of numerous rotational offsets from numerous respective images. In some embodiments, various thresholds and predetermined ranges may be used to exclude some rotational offsets from the statistical analysis or to discontinue processing for that image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Todd S. Sachs, Kevin L. Hunter, Marco Zuliani, Claus Molgaard
  • Publication number: 20150035992
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating an array camera are disclosed. Systems and methods for calibrating an array camera in accordance with embodiments of this invention include the capturing of an image of a test pattern with the array camera such that each imaging component in the array camera captures an image of the test pattern. The image of the test pattern captured by a reference imaging component is then used to derive calibration information for the reference component. A corrected image of the test pattern for the reference component is then generated from the calibration information and the image of the test pattern captured by the reference imaging component. The corrected image is then used with the images captured by each of the associate imaging components associated with the reference component to generate calibration information for the associate imaging components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Mullis
  • Patent number: 8947537
    Abstract: An example system for testing camera modules may include: a polygonal structure that is rotatable, where the polygonal structure includes faces, each of which is configured to receive at least one camera module under test; and targets facing at least some of the faces of the polygonal structure, where each target is usable in testing a corresponding camera module facing the each target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: David Walter Lewinnek, Richard Pye
  • Publication number: 20150029345
    Abstract: There is provided a camera calibration device capable of highly precisely and easily estimating camera parameters without installing a piece of special calibration equipment or measuring 3D coordinates of reference points employed for calibration. A normal vector acquisition means 81 acquires normal vectors perpendicular to a reference horizontal plane from an image of a camera to be calibrated. A rotation matrix estimation means 82 projects the acquired normal vectors on a projection virtual plane perpendicular to the reference horizontal plane and evaluates that the projected normal vectors are perpendicular to the reference horizontal plane thereby to estimate a rotation matrix employed for calibrating the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroo Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20150022669
    Abstract: Real-time registration of a camera array in an image capture device may be implemented in the field by adjusting a selected subset of independent parameters in a mapping function, termed registration coefficients, which have been determined to have the largest contribution to registration errors so that the array can be maintained in its initial factory-optimized calibrated state. By having to adjust only a relatively small subset of registration coefficients from within a larger set of coefficients (which are typically determined using a specialized calibration target in a factory setting), far fewer matching patterns need to be identified in respective images captured by cameras in the array in order to correct for registration errors. Such simplified pattern matching may be performed using images that are captured during normal camera array usage so that registration may be performed in real-time in the field without the need for specialized calibration targets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Hall
  • Publication number: 20150022670
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a biometric sensing device connected to a processing channel that includes at least one amplifier having a gain. One or more processing devices is operatively connected to the biometric sensing device and adapted to compensate for signal fixed pattern noise in signals received from the processing channel. The signal fixed pattern noise can include signal measurement variation noise and gain variation noise. The biometric sensing device captures a new image or data, and at least one processing device compensates for the signal fixed pattern noise in the newly captured image or data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Giovanni Gozzini, Benjamin B. Lyon, William M. Vieta, Pavel Mrazek
  • Patent number: 8937662
    Abstract: By a conventional technique, it is not possible to provide an image refocused accurately at a desired subject distance. An image processing device is characterized by including an image data acquiring unit configured to acquire calibration image data obtained by an image capturing device including an aperture to adjust an amount of incident light, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses is arranged, and an image sensing element to photoelectrically convert an image of a subject via the lens array and obtained in a state where the aperture is stopped down in accordance with an instruction of calibration; and a unit configured to acquire a position of an image on the image sensing element corresponding to each of the lenses based on the calibration image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shohei Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20150015721
    Abstract: A camera device is provided. The camera device includes a flash unit, an image capture module, and a controller. The flash unit generates a preset flash with a predetermined Correlated Color Temperature value to illuminate an object, and the image capture module captures a test image from the object when the preset flash illuminates the object. The controller determines an adjusted CCT value according to a color difference between the test image and a predetermined color. When the controller has determined the adjusted CCT value, the flash unit generates an adjusted flash with the adjusted CCT value to illuminate the object. When the adjusted flash illuminates the object, the image capture module captures an adjusted image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Fu-Cheng FAN, Chih-Jen HU, Ming-Tien LIN, Chun-Ta LIN
  • Publication number: 20150009341
    Abstract: A method of testing analog and digital paths of a pixel in a row of an imager, includes the following steps: (a) injecting first and second charges into the analog path of the pixel, wherein the first charge is in response to a light exposure, and the second charge is in response to a built-in test; (b) sampling the first and second charges to form an image signal level and a test signal level, respectively; and (c) converting, by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the image signal level and the lest signal level to form image data end test data, respectively. The method then validates the image data based on the test data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Per Olaf Pahr
  • Publication number: 20140375822
    Abstract: An interventional system employing an interventional tool (20) having a tracking point, and an imaging system (30) operable for generating at least one image of at least a portion of the interventional tool (20) relative to an anatomical region of a body. The system further employs a tracking system (40) operable for tracking any movements of the interventional tool (20) and the imaging system (30) within a spatial frame reference relative to the anatomical region of the body, wherein the tracking system (40) is calibrated to the interventional tool (20) and the imaging system (30) and a tracking quality monitor (52) operable for monitoring a tracking quality of the tracking system (40)s as a function of a calibrated location error for each image between a calibrated tracking location of the tracking point within the spatial reference frame and an image coordinate location of the tracking point in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Ameet Kumar Jain, Vijay Parthasarathy
  • Patent number: 8917324
    Abstract: In an image capturing and processing system, a device and method is provided. The lens is made of simple lens with high diffractive materials and known strong color aberrations. The method includes the steps of: calibrating or measuring a Point Spread Function (PSF) for each color components at a set of distances, capturing image data, and calculating the image obtained using a de-convolution method based on the PSF found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jennifer Jinghan Yu
  • Publication number: 20140368668
    Abstract: A failure-determination apparatus is provided with: a radar device (2); a camera unit (3); a moving target determination unit (12) that determines whether or not the object detected by the radar device (2) is a moving target; an object extraction unit (13) that extracts a specific object from the image captured by the camera unit (3); and a failure-determination unit (14) that determines that the camera unit (3) is in an abnormal state when the object which has been determined to be the moving target by the moving target determination device (12), cannot be determined to be the specific object by the object extraction unit (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Yoji Sasabuchi, Hiroyuki Koike
  • Publication number: 20140368667
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems are herein described for providing a method for calibrating a channel by employing a training sequence during at least one blanking interval. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first control logic to send a command to generate a predetermined data pattern during at least one blanking interval. In addition, the apparatus includes a second control logic to determine whether a received data pattern matches the predetermined data pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Steven A. Peterson, Haran Thanigasalam, Sriram Balasubrahmanyam
  • Publication number: 20140368666
    Abstract: Enhancement of the reliability of an imaging device comprising several pixels is provided, each of the pixels comprising several first blocks of electronic components organized as a matrix and joined by links to row buses and column buses of the matrix allowing the powering and control of each of the first blocks for its nominal operation. Each of the pixels moreover comprises, associated with the first block, programmable means for disconnection of the first block from the at least one of the buses. Locating of a fault in a device is also provided, the fault occurring in one of the first blocks and leading to a generalized fault in several first blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicants: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES, TRIXELL
    Inventor: Marc Arques
  • Patent number: 8913135
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for measuring response curve of an image sensor. The method comprises: taking at least one photograph of a Grey Scale card with an image sensor to be measured, wherein the photograph comprises a plurality of greyscale image blocks; calculating relative exposure values for each greyscale image block respectively corresponding to the greyscale blocks of the Grey Scale card; plotting a plurality of reference points based on pixel values of pixel points within each greyscale image block and the relative exposure values, and executing an interpolation calculation based on the reference points to obtain a response curve of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Spreadtrum Communications (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Peng, Yuan Chen, Sen Wang, Fuhuei Lin, Yuchun Huang
  • Patent number: 8908046
    Abstract: There is provided a method for determining the reliability of a fault detection of a camera in a camera system. According to the method data relating to environmental conditions are received (204) and compared to accessed (202) criteria relating to environmental conditions external to the camera and affecting the reliability of the fault detection test. If the received data complies with the criteria it is determined (206) that the fault detection test gives a reliable result. This is advantageous in that false fault detection tests may be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventors: Anders Johannesson, Stefan Lundberg, Wilfried Rakow
  • Publication number: 20140354828
    Abstract: A system for calibrating multi-camera array images, comprising an array of at least four acquisition devices, configured to acquire images; at least one reference acquisition device configured to acquire at least one reference image at least partially overlapping at least four of the images; and a processor configured to extract tie points between the at least four of the images and the at least one reference image and utilize the tie points for calibrating the at least four of the images in respect of the at least one reference image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Ron Rubinstein, Victor Gostynski, Michael Abraham
  • Publication number: 20140347498
    Abstract: An imager including a self test mode. The imager includes a pixel array for providing multiple pixel output signals via multiple columns; and a test switch for (a) receiving a test signal from a test generator and (b) disconnecting a pixel output signal from a column of the pixel array. The test switch provides the test signal to the column of the pixel array. The test signal includes a test voltage that replaces the pixel output signal. The test signal is digitized by an analog-to digital converter (ADC) and provided to a processor. The processor compares the digitized test signal to an expected pixel output signal. The processor also interpolates the output signal from a corresponding pixel using adjacent pixels, when the test switch disconnects the pixel output signal from the column of the pixel array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Solhusvik, Tore Martinussen
  • Patent number: 8896705
    Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a response speed of a display panel is provided. The measuring device includes a microcontroller and at least one photo sensor. The microcontroller provides a control command, according to which a display controller of the display panel provides test pattern to the display panel. The photo sensor senses a test frame displayed corresponding to the test pattern by the display panel, and provides a corresponding sensing signal associated with brightness and a response signal. According to the response signal, the response speed of the display panel is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: MStar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang Chiu, Tien-Hua Yu, Wen-Cheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20140340528
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor having a plurality of light receivers that receive light, a detector to detect a monitoring voltage which corresponds to a difference between a dark voltage corresponding to dark current generated from at least one of the plurality of light receivers and a predetermined reset voltage, and a controller to reset the image sensor if the monitoring voltage detected by the detector becomes lower than a threshold voltage. Accordingly, the imaging apparatus can perform divided exposure promptly and accurately to minimize the problem occurring due to dark current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ji-woong PARK, Shuichi SHIMOKAWA
  • Patent number: 8890959
    Abstract: There is provided a method for configuring a set of image capturing settings of a camera for a first scene condition type currently viewed by the camera. The method comprises detecting the first scene condition type; instructing the camera to acquire a plurality of test images, each test image corresponding to a set of image capturing settings; receiving input relating to a selected test image, and storing the set of image capturing settings corresponding to the selected test image as the configured set of image capturing settings for the first scene condition type to be used by the camera upon future detections of the first scene condition type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventor: Stefan Carlsson
  • Patent number: 8890974
    Abstract: A method for calibrating automatic white balance (AWB) in a digital system is provided that includes capturing an image of a test target under a natural lighting condition, generating a first color temperature reference from the captured image, and outputting AWB configuration data for the digital system, wherein the AWB configuration data comprises the first color temperature reference and a second color temperature reference generated using the test target under simulated lighting conditions. A method for calibrating automatic white balance (AWB) in a digital system comprising a first imaging sensor is provided that includes receiving a reference for AWB that was generated using an image captured using a second imaging sensor, and compensating a histogram reference into a histogram reference for AWB for the first imaging sensor in the digital system based on R, G, B adjustment values from the second imaging sensor to the first imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Buyue Zhang