Control Devices Patents (Class 348/211.4)
  • Patent number: 8284267
    Abstract: A virtual camera component allows multiple camera-use applications to share a camera simultaneously. For example, a first application can request access to the camera for a first set of data, and a second application can also request access to the camera for a second set of data. The virtual camera component is coupled between the first and second applications and the camera, and caches and then processes the data according to respective requirements of the first and second applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc.
    Inventors: Shaolan Wang, Hongning Zeng
  • Patent number: 8259185
    Abstract: A terminal device includes: a communication means radio communicatable to access points; a storage means for storing a database associating identification information and position information of an access point connected with the communication means in association with each other; a position information acquiring section that acquires current position information; and a control section that causes a display section to display related information of the access point based on the database when the communication means does not detect a connectable access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kanma
  • Patent number: 8243145
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus which performs connection setting to a desired processing apparatus among more than one processing apparatus connected to a network comprises a control unit which instructs each of the processing apparatuses so as to perform identification display for identifying the processing apparatus, and an imaging unit which image the identification displays performed by the processing apparatuses based on the instructions. The control unit specifies the desired processing apparatus to perform connection setting on the basis of data acquired by imaging the identification display by means of the imaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8223213
    Abstract: A system for Unmanned Air Vehicles and security applications that enables the use of a megapixels commercial digital camera with high resolution stills picturing capability, integrated with a camera control interface unit, long range wireless analog video link or CCTV link having 5 MHz bandwidth, but still able to transmit the high resolution pictures in full, by breaking the megapixels stored picture of the digital camera to a multitude of “subpictures”, each limited in resolution and 5 Mhz bandwidth. The wireless received analog video “subpictures” stream feed a P.C with frame grabber and software that reconstruct the complete megapixels picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Wireless Avionics
    Inventor: Alon Wallach
  • Patent number: 8164670
    Abstract: A high speed video camera 10 comprises a camera body 20 and a camera lens 30. The rear of the camera body 20 is formed with a handle 40 adjacent to rear face 50 of the camera. Mounted upon or within the handle 40 is a plurality of status LED 60, preferably in a horizontal row. A camera micro processor controls an LED driver which drives the status LED 60 commonly but independently. This permits various different patterns or sequences to be generated, in turn to provide an indication, to a remote user, a plurality of different camera statuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Keymed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Robinson, Timothy Nicholas Dammery, Nicki John Paris
  • Patent number: 8164640
    Abstract: The invention concerns a control device for controlling an information device arrangement. Control device includes camera means (CAM) and display means (VF) to allow operating of a destined location (21) of the information surface. Destined location is adapted for determination from the control information being in the image information (IMAGE) formed by the camera means (CAM). The control device is arranged at least to determine from the control information of the image information (IMAGE) data (x1, y1, hei, wid, gx, gy) in order to determine a continuous stream of locations pointed by the control device. System, method and program products are also targets of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Panu Vartiainen, Suresh Chande, Kimmo Rämö
  • Patent number: 8159548
    Abstract: A device is described that includes an encoder/decoder (CODEC) in which functionality is partitioned between a video front end (VFE) and a video back end (VBE). The VFE encapsulates functionality and image processing operations to support a variety of applications, and presents a flexible inter-processor by which an external master device can easily control these operations. The video back end (VBE) operates as an encoder and/or a decoder to generate encoded and/or decoded video sequences. The VFE and VBE may execute within an operating environment provided by a slave device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Chienchung Chang
  • Patent number: 8154616
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus acquires images captured by cameras. A data processing apparatus 2 calculates relative positional relationship between the camera that captured an image and a camera that is captured in the captured image, by image recognition of the captured image. The data processing apparatus 2 aggregates positional relationships calculated for the captured images, respectively, and by having one camera as reference, calculates the relative positions and directions of other cameras. Based on the calculated results, a user interface for supporting selection of the captured image by a user is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Icho, Masayuki Misaki, Takashi Kawamura, Kuniaki Isogai, Ryouichi Kawanishi, Jun Ohmiya, Hiromichi Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8125530
    Abstract: An accident judgment device (105) judges whether or not an accident has occurred based on a detection signal of an impact sensor (104). Upon judging that an accident has occurred, an image saving device (106) extracts an image within several seconds before and after occurrence of the accident from a ring buffer (103) to save the same in a save memory (107). Upon judging that the accident has occurred, an image-record requesting device (108) transmits an image-recording request to a drive recorder (10) of target vehicles existing in the vicinity of the accident spot. Upon receiving the image-recording request, an image saving device (106) of the drive recorder (10) on the target vehicle extracts the image within several seconds before and after occurrence of the accident from the ring buffer (103) to save the same into the save memory (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Ooga, Akihiko Iketani
  • Publication number: 20120044365
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a live avatar include features for directing the live avatar gaze to be consistent with a remote operator's view of the live avatar's surroundings. Indication of gaze direction may be continuously provided to the live avatar using movable optics, for example a heads-up display, or a movable optical prism or lens. Gaze direction or operator commands may be communicated using a haptic device. Video and control streams from multiple live avatars may be aggregated through a host server and allocated via an online interface to multiple prospective remote operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: GARY STEPHEN SHUSTER
  • Publication number: 20120007999
    Abstract: An imaging control system for controlling a direction of an optical axis of an imaging unit is provided. The imaging control system includes a pan change unit configured to change the direction of the optical axis to a pan direction, a tilt change unit configured to change the direction of the optical axis to a tilt direction, and a display control unit configured to display the change direction to which the direction of the optical axis is changed by the pan change unit, corresponding to the change by the tilt change unit, together with an image captured by the imaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Horii
  • Patent number: 8081218
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a notification unit configured to notify another communication apparatus on a network of the start of a service, a reception unit configured to receive a service join request in response to the notification, a determination unit configured to determine whether to provide the service to the communication apparatus that has transmitted the join request, a transmission unit configured to transmit a service rejection message to a communication apparatus that is determined by the determination unit as a service rejection target, and a re-notification unit configured to re-notify another communication apparatus on the network of the start of the service on the basis of the determination result of the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuo Ido
  • Publication number: 20110298938
    Abstract: Method for remote management of at least one audiovisual information reproduction device comprising a host server connected to each audiovisual information reproduction device, the host server comprising a database containing management information for each audiovisual information reproduction device, wherein the host server also comprises a site manager communicating with the database, and comprising a number of screens, at least one first screen comprising a menu displaying the list of audiovisual information reproduction systems, validating the choice of each audiovisual information reproduction device causing the display of a first series of screens that the operator can use to modify the operating parameters of at least one selected audiovisual information reproduction device and/or a second series of screens that the operator can use to order at least one song for downloading onto the audiovisual information reproduction systems from a chosen list of devices or to delete at least one song, and/or a thir
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Touch Tunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Nathan, Tony Mastronardi, Jean-Marc Bourdelais
  • Publication number: 20110285864
    Abstract: To enable satisfactory simultaneous and widely varied pictures to be obtained, for example, by allowing a common user to obtain an overall picture while the common user performing desired image capturing, or the like. A first image capturing device image-captures a subject to record this image, and also transmits a trigger signal to a second image capturing device. The second image capturing device image-captures an image to record this image in accordance with the trigger signal. Thus, the first and second image capturing devices enable both of an overall image and a zoomed image to be obtained with simultaneous timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Kotaro Kashiwa, Kazuyuki Marukawa, Yukihiro Ohzeki
  • Publication number: 20110261212
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (10) for a camera assemblage (29), the control device (10) comprising: at least one controller (16) for the reception of image signals (11) of a camera (6) and for the output or setting of camera parameters (19, 20) for the camera (6), the image signals (11) comprising a sequence of frames (Fi, i=1, 2,). Provision is made according to the present invention that the control device (10) subdivides the sequence of frames (Fi) into at least two subsequences (12, 14), and the at least one controller (16) controls the subsequences (12, 14) separately, and outputs different camera parameters (19, 20) for controlling the subsequences. Separate controllers or one shared controller are usable in this context. Function modules (22, 23, 24, 25) preferably transmit status signals via interfaces to the at least one controller. The camera assemblage for a vehicle, and a method for controlling the camera, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Rous
  • Publication number: 20110261211
    Abstract: Construction of a direction control map for a capture device comprises detecting an image stimulus and redirecting the image capture device such that the stimulus coincides with a reference location on the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: ABERTEC LIMITED
    Inventors: Mark Howard Lee, Fei Chao
  • Publication number: 20110249132
    Abstract: A camera system includes: a camera device which outputs a picked-up image signal in synchronization with an input synchronization signal; a camera controller which is input with the image signal of the camera device; and a relay device which is connected between the camera device and the camera controller and relays the image signal to be transmitted from the camera device to the camera controller, wherein the relay device transmits at least an externally input synchronization signal to the camera device and outputs the image signal to the camera device in synchronization with the externally input synchronization signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Hideaki Murayama, Satoshi Tsubaki, Tamotsu Munakata, Eisaburo Itakura
  • Publication number: 20110157386
    Abstract: A control apparatus which controls a capturing device so as to obtain a plurality of captured images including an entire region of an object by capturing the object by a plurality of times while changing a capturing direction of the capturing device, the apparatus comprises: a derivation unit configured to derive a corrected capturing range when at least one of lens aberration correction and perspective correction which are based on a position and the capturing direction of the capturing device with respect to the object is applied to a capturing range obtained upon capturing the object by the capturing device; and a determination unit configured to determine a plurality of capturing ranges which cover the entire region of the object so that two corrected capturing ranges corresponding to two adjacent capturing ranges, respectively, overlap each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masatoshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 7969471
    Abstract: A control apparatus receives a third command from a remote control apparatus. The control apparatus determines which of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is used to connect an image capture apparatus and the control apparatus, if a mode of the image capture apparatus is not the same as a mode designated by the third command. If the first interface unit is used to connect the image capture apparatus and the control apparatus is determined, the third command is converted into a first command for changing the mode of the image capture apparatus to the mode designated by the third command. If the second interface unit is used to connect the image capture apparatus and the control apparatus is determined, the third command is converted into a second command for changing the mode of to the image capture apparatus to the mode designated by the third command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shunji Fujita
  • Publication number: 20110149078
    Abstract: A wireless anti-theft security communications service uses a wireless security device comprising a video camera, a force/wave sensor (e.g., accelerometer, motion detector, acoustic sensor, tilt sensor), a microphone, and a wireless communication component. Various levels of security are provided depending upon the configuration of the wireless security device. When a security breach is detected, the video camera and acoustic sensor(s) switch from stand-by mode to operating mode. A wireless session is initiated and video and audio information are sent to a designated destination via the wireless session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, LP
    Inventors: James Fan, Ari Craine
  • Publication number: 20110115932
    Abstract: A method of providing an image, the method including receiving an image capture start signal from a remote controller of the camera, successively capturing images after the image capture start signal is received, receiving an image capture end signal from the remote controller, and selecting an image captured at a time which is a predetermined period of time prior to a time at which the image capture end signal is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-ho SHIN, Seung-dong YU, Woo-yong CHANG, Se-jun PARK, Min-jeong MOON
  • Patent number: 7916179
    Abstract: A digital camera procures from an external device related to image-capturing upon image-capturing data on the external device and records the procured data and digital image data of the procured image in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsushi Nomoto
  • Publication number: 20110063462
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for wireless-communicating with a camera accessory which periodically transits to a sleep state, transmits a change signal for changing the setting of a power saving state in an accessory apparatus, to the accessory apparatus in accordance with a first operation for instructing an image pickup preparation to decide an setting for image pickup or a second operation for instructing the image pickup based on the image pickup preparation operation being accepted by an operation unit of the image pickup apparatus, thereby efficiently suppressing stand-by electricity consumption and preventing a delay from occurring in timing when a predetermined process is executed between apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koutarou Koike
  • Patent number: 7889238
    Abstract: A multicamera system including: a controller having a reset phase transmitting unit for transmitting information showing a reset phase corresponding to a position in a frame synchronized with a sync reference signal to one or each of plural image pickup apparatuses within a frame period of a one-precedent frame of the frame; and the one or plural image pickup apparatuses each having an image pickup unit for photographing light from an object, an image pickup driving unit for driving the image pickup unit so as to start the photographing of one image pickup frame on the basis of the reset phase information transmitted from the controller, and an output unit for outputting image pickup data of the one image pickup frame photographed by the image pickup unit on the basis of the sync reference signal transmitted from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 7876360
    Abstract: An image data processor converts an image signal into an image data. The multi-codec unit converts the image data into a transfer data. A communication unit receives a transfer request from an outside terminal device and transmits the transfer data to the outside terminal device. A time-sharing control unit controls to drive the image data processor and the multi-codec unit in a time-sharing manner in accordance with the transfer request. A transfer data selecting unit for selecting the transfer data corresponding to the transfer request from a group of the transfer data generated by the image data processing unit and the multi-codec unit which are controlled to drive in the time-sharing manner by the time-sharing management unit, and transmitting the selected transfer data to the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Arakawa, Toshinobu Hatano, Taichi Nagata, Kentaro Takakura
  • Publication number: 20110013032
    Abstract: To provide a new framework that can flexibly take images of a moving target in remote monitoring without the need to arrange a plurality of network cameras, an autonomously movable moving body is used to take an image of a photographic target in accordance with a request from a user terminal, and the photographic image is provided to the user terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Hidekazu Hatanaka
  • Publication number: 20110007171
    Abstract: A transmission device displays a public image (a first image) provided to unspecified users, a private image (a second image) provided to particular users, and a mask image of the private image in a time division multiplexed manner, and transmits a private image sync signal synchronized with display of the private image. A reception device receives the private image sync signal transmitted from the transmission device and shoots by a shooting unit the private image displayed on the transmission device by using the private image sync signal, and displays the shot image on a display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fujio Okumura, Osamu Ishibashi, Masao Imai
  • Publication number: 20100328474
    Abstract: A remote control system is used to control a plurality of cameras. The remote control system includes a frequency identification (RFID) reader and a plurality of RFID tags. Each tag has a unique code and is embedded in a corresponding camera. Each tag stores information of the corresponding camera. The RFID reader reads the information in the tag to control the corresponding camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MING-CHIH HSIEH
  • Patent number: 7859655
    Abstract: A first method determines a position of a point of interest on a target object surface in a target object coordinate system using orientation and distance measurements of a pointing instrument in an instrument coordinate system. A second method determines an orientation of a pointing instrument in an instrument coordinate system for the instrument to be aligned with a point of interest on a target object surface having a target object coordinate system, wherein a position of the point of interest in the target object coordinate system is known. A third method controls orientation of a laser beam of a laser in an instrument coordinate system for the laser beam to trace an image on a target object surface having a target object coordinate system, wherein positions of points for the image on the surface of the target object in the target object coordinate system are known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James J. Troy, Scott W. Lea, Gary E. Georgeson, Jeffrey M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7847825
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus (107-1) which captures an image of an object moving in a space where a light source (109) is placed, the light source emitting light whose intensity varies in a predetermined cycle, the imaging capturing apparatus includes: an imaging device (102-1) for capturing the image of the object and the light from the light source (109); a signal processing unit (103-1) for generating, from a signal outputted from the imaging device (102-1), an image signal that includes a picture sequence synchronized with an imaging apparatus drive signal obtained from the outside; and a phase difference detection unit (105-1), a phase different adjustment unit (106-1), and a drive signal generation unit (104-1), for generating a signal that is synchronized with the intensity variations of the light from the light source (109) which is captured by the imaging device (102-1), and outputting, as the imaging-apparatus drive signal, the generated signal into the signal processing unit (103-1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuji Aoki, Katsuhiro Kanamori
  • Publication number: 20100289910
    Abstract: A method for remotely controlling a camera is disclosed. One or more first control signals having a first protocol are externally sent to a first interface of a camera. One or more second control signals having a second protocol are externally sent to a second interface of the camera different from the first interface. The one or more first control signals and the one or more second control signals are coordinated to effect control of at least one exposure function of the camera. An apparatus for remotely controlling a camera is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: MORAN RESEARCH AND CONSULTING, INC.
    Inventor: Artem Vladimirovich Kamshilin
  • Patent number: 7796160
    Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a receiving portion 155 that receives a control signal from a remote controller, and a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 130 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 130 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein when the receiving portion 155 receives the control signal from the remote controller, the microcomputer 110 controls so as to shift the digital camera to a live view mode. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Kenichi Honjo, Naoto Yumiki, Toshio Makabe, Kenji Maeda, Kaoru Mokunaka, Kazuhiko Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 7791646
    Abstract: A monitoring camera which can realize a tracing function that allows simple tracing of an object. An image shooting unit repeatedly executes a cycle of processing including a shooting processing, an image analyzing processing and a motor driving processing. An image analyzing unit analyzes an image. A motor control unit controls a motor. The monitoring has a first mode of causing the image analyzing unit to obtain a first motor driving target value and causing the motor to start turning during the motor driving processing, and a second mode of obtaining a second motor driving target value based on a motor driving history and causing the motor to start turning in parallel to the image analyzing processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 7791671
    Abstract: A smart camera with modular expansion capabilities, including a housing, a camera directly attached to the housing for acquiring an image of an object, a functional unit comprised in the housing and coupled to the camera, where the functional unit is configurable to implement an image processing function, a backplane comprised in the housing and coupled to the functional unit to provide electrical communication, and one or more slots comprised in the housing, where each slot includes a connector that is electrically coupled to the backplane, and where each slot is adapted for receiving a function module. An inserted function module provides modular functionality to the smart camera, such as dedicated image processing functionality, pattern recognition, analysis, communication, sensor, sensor I/O, signal conditioning and/or conversion, control, measurement, and synchronization, among others. The function module may communicate a protocol to the functional unit which may be configured to implement the protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Schultz, Perry Steger, Stefanie Breyer
  • Patent number: 7791645
    Abstract: An imaging system includes plural portable terminals managed by a server; and the portable terminal to be imaged is notified that an imaging operation has been performed on a portable terminal which can communicate with a facility camera through a camera-terminal network. The notification is also provided to portable terminals belonging to the same group as the portable terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mihoko Yamamoto, Kumiko Sera, Hiroyuki Tominaga, Tetsuhisa Araki
  • Patent number: 7787014
    Abstract: In some implementations, a portable imaging system includes a host computer, a docking station connected to the host computer, and a portable imaging device intermittently attached to the docking station and configured to communicate data with the host computer through a wired connection when the portable imaging device is attached to the docking station, and through a wireless connection when detached from the docking station. In some implementations, a method for communicating data between a portable imaging device and a computer is also provided. In some implementations, the method includes determining whether a wired connection is established between the portable imaging device and the computer. In some implementations, if established, the wired connection is used to communicate data between the portable imaging device and the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Zeljko John Serceki
  • Patent number: 7782361
    Abstract: A position and an orientation of an image capturing device or an object to which an inclination sensor is mounted are obtained without performing iterative calculation. A position and orientation measuring method includes the steps of: inputting a measured inclination value of an inclination sensor mounted to one of an object and an image capturing device; inputting a captured image from the image capturing device; detecting an index on the object from the captured image; and calculating a position and an orientation of one of the object and the image capturing device to which the inclination sensor is mounted on the basis of the measured inclination value, an image coordinate of the detected index, and already-known positional information on the detected index without performing iterative calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Kotake, Kiyohide Satoh
  • Publication number: 20100194900
    Abstract: An image sensing apparatus that is capable of communicating with an external apparatus, comprising: an image sensing unit configured to sense an object and generate image data; an identification data generation unit configured to generate, from the image data, identification data for identifying a feature of the object; a storage unit configured to store the identification data; a display unit configured to display the image data; a communication unit configured to receive identification data for identifying a feature of an object captured by another image sensing apparatus during communication with the other image sensing apparatus; a determination unit configured to determine the image capture status of each object based on the identification data received by the communication unit; and a control unit configured to control the display unit to identifiably display the image capture status of each object determined by the determination unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hajime Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100194882
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for monitoring using a movable video device. The video device is movable to a plurality of positions definable by three dimensions. In an example method, the video device is moved to one of the plurality of positions. Within the video device, video data is acquired at the one of the plurality of positions. Further, within the video device, the acquired video data is processed using a processing algorithm that is configured according to a predetermined profile associated with the one of the plurality of positions. The result of the processing is sent to an external receiving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Ajit Belsarkar, David N. Katz
  • Publication number: 20100182436
    Abstract: The present disclosure is configured to perform a method of recording the movement of a user during a sporting event session. The method may include detecting the user's movement during a first portion of the sporting event session, and recording the user's movement via a recording device upon the user's first location being confirmed via a location determination device. Examples of sporting event sessions may include, BMX biking, race tracks, motocross, skate boarding, skiing, snowboarding, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: CORE ACTION GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Bill Boman, Kenton Robert Holcomb, Joao B. Alencar
  • Patent number: 7755668
    Abstract: The invention is a mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus comprising (1) a fully rotatable camera mounted to a vehicle for capturing images, (2) a display-control box having an image display screen and control buttons for controlling the camera and its movement, and (3) an image capture box for storing the captured images or transmitting the captured images to a remote location. The display-control box is attached to an adjustable mount in the vehicle within an operator's view and reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory E. Johnston, Arie Levinkron
  • Publication number: 20100165133
    Abstract: The LOST registration request reception unit acknowledges a direction to cause an imaging device to capture an image and to acknowledge identification information of the imaging device. A device information reception unit acknowledges from the imaging device the identification information of the imaging device via a network. A device information examination unit directs an image to be captured when the identification information acknowledged by the LOST registration request reception unit and the identification information acknowledged by the device information reception unit match. An imaged data reception unit acknowledges the image. An imaged data transmission unit transmits the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Haoming SHEN, Hisashi MITSUYA, Yoko TANAKA, Masaya OKUMURA
  • Patent number: 7742078
    Abstract: Provided is a modular pen-shaped imaging and printing assembly, the assembly having imaging and printing modules operatively linked via a serial bus interface through male and female connectors of each module. The assembly includes a timer module having a chassis molding, an LCD mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) within the chassis molding, and a microcontroller mounted on the PCB for managing timing functions. Also included is a control button via which a user is able to instruct the microcontroller to increment of decrement timing units maintained by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7733375
    Abstract: An imager comprises an image sensor and a controller coupled to the image sensor. The image sensor is configured to obtain an image of a field of view of the image sensor with a configuration pattern placed in the field of view. The controller is configured to determine a location of the configuration pattern within the image, interpret the configuration pattern, and set a parameter of the imager based on the interpretation of the configuration pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Marvell International Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter H. Mahowald
  • Patent number: 7728875
    Abstract: An external I/F gives numerical information on an imaging device, input from PC or PLC, to a memory. The memory outputs the numerical information to CPU as well as retaining the numerical information. CPU transmits the numerical information through a camera to an operation control unit. The operation control unit performs correction using a correction value from a correction table. In order to correct a variation individually possessed by a lens unit or an illumination unit, the correction table is previously produced for each lens unit or illumination unit based on the numerical information from the camera. The post-correction control signals are output to a lens unit 62 and an illumination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Suzuki, Yutaka Kato
  • Patent number: 7705887
    Abstract: A terminal device 1 including a wireless communication unit 11 is carried by a subject user who will become a subject, and a wireless communication unit 21 for performing directional data communication in an imaging direction is provided in a camera 2. When the terminal device 1 and the camera 2 become able to communicate data each other, the subject user carrying the terminal device 1 is photographed, and image data obtained in this way are transmitted to the terminal device 1. The terminal device 1 displays the image data. If necessary, the subject user issues an instruction to print the image data, and transmits information on the instruction to print to the camera 2. The camera 2 assigns the information on the instruction to print to the image data, and transmits the information on the instruction to print and the image data to an image server 4 and further to a printer 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Hisayoshi Tsubaki
  • Patent number: 7679643
    Abstract: A remote instruction system includes a control portion. The control portion transmits a first image to a remote terminal and controls a projection portion to project a first annotation image onto a subject according to an instruction issued from the remote terminal on the basis of the first image, and the control portion transmits a second image to the remote terminal and controls the projection portion to project a second annotation image onto the subject according to the instruction issued from the remote terminal on the basis of the second image, the first image being captured by a first image capturing portion provided for capturing the first image of the subject, the second image being captured by a second image capturing portion provided for zooming a given area of the subject to capture the second image, when the given area in the first image is selected from the remote terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Shingu
  • Publication number: 20100033585
    Abstract: System and method for controlling an image collecting device to carry out a target location are provided, which includes: an acoustic sound source locating unit, configured to carry out target location based on a received acoustical signal and transmit the located position to an application layer strategy unit; a voice recognition unit, configured to carry out a recognition and matching process with a stored acoustical signal based on the received acoustical signal, and transmit the recognition result to the application layer strategy unit; and the application layer strategy unit, configured to decide an expected PTZ position of the image collecting device based on the position and the recognition result. The system controls the image collecting device to automatically carry out a target location based on the results of the acoustic sound source location and voice recognition, which thus improves an operating maintainability of the image collecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Maolin Ye
  • Publication number: 20100020183
    Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes: a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit communicates with an external apparatus via a first transmission line and a second transmission line. The control unit determines whether or not the communication unit is in a predetermined state, in a case where the operation mode of the image capture apparatus changed to either a playback mode or an image capture mode. The control unit does not execute a connecting process in a case where the communication unit is in the predetermined state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kimoto, Isao Abe
  • Publication number: 20090326954
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a sound collecting unit configured to collect speech in a monitored environment, a shooting unit configured to shoot video in the monitored environment, a detection unit configured to detect a change in a state of the monitored environment based upon a change in data acquired by the sound collecting unit, the shooting unit and a sensor for measuring the state of the monitored environment, a recognition unit configured to recognize the change in state with regard to speech data acquired by the sound collecting unit and video data acquired by the shooting unit, and a control unit configured to start up the recognition unit and select a recognition database, which is used by the recognition unit, based upon result of detection by the detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kawai, Yasuo Nakamura, Shinji Shiraga