With Plural Image Scanning Devices Patents (Class 348/262)
  • Patent number: 7570286
    Abstract: A support apparatus for sense of vision includes: a filter device that extracts low frequency components, and respective high frequency components in at least a horizontal direction and a vertical direction from original images obtained by image capture by a plurality of image pickup devices, a frequency component combining device that combines the low frequency components of each of the original images extracted by the filter device to generate a combined low frequency component, and combines the high frequency components of each of the original images extracted by the filter device in at least the horizontal direction and the vertical direction to generate a combined horizontal high frequency component and a combined vertical high frequency component; and a composite image formation device that combines the low combined frequency component, the combined horizontal high frequency component, and the combined vertical high frequency component, generated by the frequency component combining device, to generate
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Massachusetts Intstitute of Technology
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Koike, Yoichi Sugimoto, Ichiro Masaki, Izumi Kondo, Shugo Kondo
  • Patent number: 7564597
    Abstract: An image sensor includes P (P?2) red-light, P green-light and P blue-light photosensors and is mounted in an image scanning device to expose and read multiple scan lines of a to-be-scanned document. The scanning device includes a driving device for driving the image sensor to move relative to the document. When the image sensor acquires an image of the document, the P red-light photosensors, the P green-light photosensors and the P blue-light photosensors read 3P adjacent scan lines respectively in each exposure. The image sensor continues to read the 3P corresponding adjacent scan lines when the driving device further drives the image sensor to move by P scan lines relative to the document in a specific direction in each step of the driving device. The driving device continues to drive the image sensor to move relative to the document until all the scan lines have been read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Avision Inc.
    Inventor: Chuang-Hua Chueh
  • Patent number: 7561191
    Abstract: A camera phone includes a phone stage for generating voice signals, a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output, a first fixed focal length wide angle lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor, a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output, and a second fixed focal length telephoto lens pointing in the same direction as the first lens and forming a second image of the same scene on the second image sensor. A control element selects either the first sensor output from the first image sensor or the second sensor output from the second image sensor. A processing section produces the output image signals from the selected sensor output, and a cellular stage processes the image and voice signals for transmission over a cellular network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. May, Paul D. Ludington, Kenneth A. Parulski, Wilbert F. Janson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090167909
    Abstract: Provided is an image generation apparatus that generates a new video sequence from video sequences including image regions for which corresponding point detection and motion estimation cannot be performed correctly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Taro Imagawa, Takeo Azuma
  • Publication number: 20090135280
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of scanning devices and light receivers, enabling a plurality of images of a site to be displayed using output signals produced in response to light from the light receivers. To avoid crosstalk caused by light receivers receiving light emitted by a plurality of scanning devices, different wavebands of light can be applied to different scanning devices, the received light can be filtered, or the light can be supplied to one scanning device at a time to multiplex either frame-by-frame, or pixel-by-pixel, or the light supplied to each scanning device can be modulated and the received light demodulated so that an image is produced in response to light from a single scanning device. Expensive components such as laser light sources, optical detectors, a controller, and processor can be shared by multiple imaging devices to minimize the cost of the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Richard Johnston, Eric Seibel, Charles David Melville
  • Patent number: 7532241
    Abstract: An image capture device includes a first clock generating unit that generates a first clock for sampling a video signal using a first crystal oscillator, a second clock generating unit that generates a second clock for sampling an audio signal using a second crystal oscillator, a calculating unit that calculates a correction value for adjusting a shift between the first clock and the second clock, and an adjusting unit that adjusts a driving timing of a capturing unit according to the correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideyuki Rengakuji
  • Publication number: 20090102946
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products for real-time high dynamic range (HDR) imaging are provided. A method includes creating a first HDR image file for a subject image captured from a first angle and at a first time increment (T1). The first HDR image file is created by a first image capturing device. The method also includes receiving a second HDR image file for the subject image captured from a second angle at T1, creating a first composite HDR image file by combining elements of the first HDR image file with elements of the second HDR image file, and generating a first three-dimensional HDR image from the composite HDR image file. The second HDR image file is received in real-time, such that the first three-dimensional HDR image reflects the subject at T1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T BLS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: Steven Tischer
  • Patent number: 7515317
    Abstract: A method of compensating a zipper image by a K-value, and a method of calculating the K-value. Whether the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is obtained by primary line scan is determined. If the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is obtained by primary line scan, the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is compensated as the nth primitive pixel of the mth line minus a sum of the (n?1)th primitive pixel of the (m?k)th line and the (n+1 )th primitive pixel of the (m?k)th line multiplied by the K-value. If the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is obtained by secondary line scan, the nth primitive pixel of the mth line is compensated as the nth primitive pixel of the mth line minus a multiplication of the K-value and a sum of the (n?1)th primitive pixel of the (m+k)th line and the (n+1)th primitive pixel of the (m+k)th line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Chen-Hsiang Shih
  • Patent number: 7511849
    Abstract: Provided is an image processing device capable of efficiently executing index printing based on motion picture data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masatoshi Matsuhira
  • Patent number: 7496293
    Abstract: A versatile camera that operates in various visibility conditions, such as daylight and poor visibility conditions, the camera including at least two sensors that capture images in a scene and provide a digital representation of the captured images, each sensor having a particular operational wavelength, and an optical and routing module that receives incoming rays from the scene and routes the incoming rays toward the two sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Elbit Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Hanan Shamir, Yossi Yaeli
  • Publication number: 20090041293
    Abstract: The present invention is an imaging system for detecting concealed objects on an individual. The imaging system includes an imaging zone that is illuminated with millimeter wave energy. A plurality of millimeter wave cameras are focused to fully surround the imaging zone and have the ability to detect millimeter wave frequencies reflected from the imaging zone. As an individual passes through the imaging zone the plurality of millimeter wave cameras detect concealed objects by identifying differences in the millimeter wave energy reflected by the individual's body and a concealed object. A composite image is generated by a central processing unit and displayed on a monitor showing the concealed object on the individual through optical contrast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Andrew, John Carter
  • Publication number: 20090033776
    Abstract: A photo detector matrix may have a plurality of photo detectors arranged in a matrix each generating an output signal, and a plurality of wires coupled with the photo detectors, wherein a number of wires is less than a number of photo detectors and the plurality of photo detectors are assigned to the plurality of wires such that signals generated by the plurality of photo detectors encode a location of a light peak applied to the photo detector matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Niraj K. Doshi
  • Publication number: 20090021614
    Abstract: A method for determining a plurality of spatial relationships associated with a plurality of image capturing devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present method acquires sets of a plurality of source images from a plurality of image capturing devices. The present method then determines a plurality of transforms for each such set of source images for combining the acquired source images into a plurality of seamless images. The present method then determines a plurality of relative positions associated with the plurality of image capturing devices based on the plurality of transforms The present method then determines a plurality of spatial relationships associated with the plurality of image capturing devices based on the transforms and plurality of relative positions associated with the plurality of image capturing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Henry Harlyn Baker, Zeyu Li, Robert Samuel Schreiber
  • Patent number: 7474339
    Abstract: A first image sensor receiving light from a subject and a second image sensor capable of receiving light of the same image as the first image sensor and having a spectral sensitivity characteristic different from that of the first image sensor are provided. A color-correcting coefficient determining part calculates, based on each output value photoelectrically converted in the first and the second image sensors, a color-correcting coefficient with which a color-correcting part performs color correction on the output value of the first image sensor. Using the first and the second image sensors of different spectral sensitivity characteristics, parameters for receiving/recognizing light from a subject field can be easily increased to obtain a favorable color reproduction characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Hoshuyama
  • Publication number: 20080303927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a digital camera, in particular to a digital motion picture camera, for the taking of images, having a first sensor, a second sensor and a beam splitter to direct received light onto the first sensor and onto the second sensor, said sensors each including a plurality of sensor elements for the generation of exposure-dependent received signal values, with the sensor elements of the first sensor being associated with the sensor elements of the second sensor such that the mutually associated sensor elements detect the same image regions. An evaluation and control device compares the received signal value of at least some of the sensor elements of the first sensor or of the second sensor with a respective threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Tran Quoc Khanh
  • Patent number: 7460167
    Abstract: A tunable imaging sensor includes a housing with four lenses mounted on a front side. A removable or rotatable filter plate/wheel fits inside the enclosure adjacent the lenses, with a camera plate holding four CMOS or CCD imagers fitting inside the enclosure adjacent the filter plate/wheel. The filter plate includes four filters, one for each lens, while the filter wheel includes sixteen filters which are rotated into position so that four filters are always aligned with the lenses and imagers. Rotating the filter wheel provides sixteen different filter combinations for the sensor. The images from each of the imagers are processed to form a composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: PAR Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jon Stuart Schoonmaker, Joseph James Dirbas, Andrew Bruce Bush, J. Antonio Mireles
  • Publication number: 20080291272
    Abstract: A system and method, the method including calibrating an image capturing system; capturing a video sequence with the image capturing system; detecting a subject of interest in the video sequence; tracking the subject over a period of time; and extracting data associated with a motion of the subject based on the tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Nils Oliver Krahnstoever, Gianfranco Doretto, Peter Tu, Jens Rittscher, Mark Grabb
  • Patent number: 7453510
    Abstract: An imaging device comprising at least one image capturing subsystem of a first type, comprising a lens arrangement, configured to produce images. The device further comprises at least one image capturing subsystem of a second type comprising a lens arrangement, having optical or light gathering properties different from the subsystem of first type, configured to produce an image, and a controller configured to select the subsystem with which an image is to be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Timo Kolehmainen, Markku Rytivaara, Timo Tokkonen, Jakke Mäkelä, Kai Ojala
  • Patent number: 7443431
    Abstract: A method of minimizing noise in an image produced by an electronic imager comprising: determining a correction system for a range of imager integration times and a range of imager temperatures for an electronic imager which has taken a series of dark capture images and a series of flat field capture images in a calibration mode; and applying the correction system to an image produced by the electronic imager in an image capture mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Sean C. Kelly, Robert M. Guidash, Bruce H. Pillman
  • Patent number: 7443447
    Abstract: A camera device captures a plurality of images and superimposes them to output image data of a superimposed image. The plurality of images are captured by a plurality of cameras. A processor superimposes the plurality of images to produce the superimposed image, which is displayed on screen and is sent by moving-image mail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotsugu Shirakawa
  • Publication number: 20080259179
    Abstract: A system for automatically acquiring high-resolution images by steering a pan-tilt-zoom camera at targets detected in a fixed camera view is provided. The system uses automatic or manual calibration between multiple cameras. Using automatic calibration, the homography between the cameras in a home position is estimated together with the effects of pan and tilt controls and the expected height of a person in the image. These calibrations are chained together to steer a slave camera. The manual calibration scheme steers a camera to the desired region of interest and calculates the pan, tile and zoom parameters accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew William Senior, Sharathchandra Pankanti, Arun Hampapur, Lisa Marie Brown, Ying-Li Tian
  • Publication number: 20080252758
    Abstract: An image capturing device including an optical unit arranged to receive an image of a scene and to convey the scene image to an area outside the image capturing device designed for the eye or eyes of a user looking into the image capturing device, a first image capturing unit arranged to capture eye movements so as to register the directions or movement of the eye or eyes of a person seeking through the scene, and a second image capturing unit arranged to capture the image of the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Hakan Manley
  • Publication number: 20080218614
    Abstract: An imaging system implementing a scheme for enhancing the dynamic range of the device. An array of radiation detecting pixels produces an output in response to a stimulus. The signal from each pixel is read once for evaluation. If the voltage at an individual pixel satisfies a programmed condition, such as exceeding a predetermined threshold voltage at a particular time, that pixel is reset and begins producing an output signal anew. If the pixel output signal does not satisfy the condition, it is allowed to continue producing the signal without being reset. After the evaluation read, all of the pixels are then read row by row into a buffer and digitally processed. A memory register tracks which pixels have been reset, and the corresponding output signals are adjusted accordingly. This scheme allows the system to process input signals across a broader range of intensity without losing information due to pixel saturation or sacrificing sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Atul Joshi, David Chiaverini, Vincent Douence
  • Publication number: 20080218613
    Abstract: An electronic camera includes first and second imaging stages for capturing separate images of a scene, one of the stages being designated as a default imaging stage. A processor enables capture and display of the separate images, and further responds to an operator selection of one of the imaging stages as a primary capture unit which is to be primarily used for capturing an image of the scene that is stored by the digital camera. If the operator selection does not occur within a predetermined time period, or if the camera is actuated before the time has run out, the processor automatically selects the default imaging stage as the primary capture unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Wilbert F. Janson, Kenneth A. Parulski
  • Publication number: 20080218611
    Abstract: An electronic camera for producing an output image of a scene from a captured image signal includes a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output and a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor, and a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output and a second lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor. The sensor output from the first imaging stage is used as a primary output image for forming the captured image signal and the sensor output from the second imaging stage is used as a secondary output image for modifying the primary output image, thereby generating an enhanced, captured image signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Parulski, Wilbert F. Janson, John N. Border, John R. Fredlund, Joseph A. Manico, Robert J. Parada
  • Publication number: 20080218612
    Abstract: An electronic camera for producing an output image of a scene from a captured image signal includes a first imaging stage comprising a first image sensor for generating a first sensor output and a first lens for forming a first image of the scene on the first image sensor, and a second imaging stage comprising a second image sensor for generating a second sensor output and a second lens for forming a second image of the scene on the second image sensor, where the lenses have different focal lengths. A processing stage uses the sensor output from one of the imaging stages as the captured image signal and uses the images from both imaging stages to generate a range map identifying distances to the different portions of the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: John N. Border, Amy D. Enge, Efrain O. Morales, Bruce H. Pillman, Keith A. Jacoby, James E. Adams, Russell J. Palum, Andrew C. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20080211929
    Abstract: A camera control system having a terminal device connected to a plurality of cameras via a network is provided. In response to an operation that exceeds a maximum control value (maximum control angle) of the PTZ of a camera that is the target of control, the terminal device displays peripheral camera information, which corresponds to a shooting direction in which the operation has been requested, together with video shot by the camera being controlled. The peripheral camera information includes installation camera position information, viewable angle information, control status information and peripheral map information as well as at least one item of captured video from a camera other than the camera being controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masato Uchihara
  • Publication number: 20080211941
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing image data from multiple image sensors and generating an output image sequence are disclosed. The multiple image sensors capture data with one or more different characteristics, such as: staggered exposure periods, different length exposure periods, different frame rates, different spatial resolution, different lens systems, and different focal lengths. The data from multiple image sensors is processed and interleaved to generate an improved output motion sequence relative to an output motion sequence generated from an a single equivalent image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Aaron T. Deever, Kenneth A. Parulski, John R. Fredlund, Majid Rabbani, Andrew F. Kurtz, Joseph A. Manico
  • Patent number: 7405751
    Abstract: An image photographing apparatus includes a body, on which a tape cassette is removably mounted, and a camera unit installed in the body and provided with a plurality of camera sections. The camera sections have different pixel numbers and the camera sections are independently driven. The image photographing apparatus also includes a mode sensing unit to sense a photographic mode to correspond to at least one of the camera sections, and a control unit to select a photographic mode according to a signal transferred from the mode sensing unit and to drive a camera unit to correspond to the selected photographic mode. The image photographing apparatus includes a display unit provided in the body to show an image photographed by at least one of the camera sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-hee Lee, Bum-cheol Park, Nam-il Kim, Tae-won Moon
  • Patent number: 7403710
    Abstract: This invention provides an image processing apparatus that corrects an image blur by using a plurality of images acquired by image capturing means. The apparatus comprises: blur detection means that detects a blur amount between the plurality of images; image composition means that performs the composition of the plurality of images using the detected blur amount; acquisition means that acquires, based on a difference value between the plurality of images and a threshold value thereof, region data for separating the image into regions by changing the threshold value; and display means that selectably displays the region data for each threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Itokawa
  • Publication number: 20080150861
    Abstract: An exemplary liquid crystal display (2) includes a first camera (23) configured for capturing video from a first orientation, a second camera (24) configured for capturing video from a second orientation different from the first orientation, and a capture circuit (20) electrically connected to the first and the second cameras. The capture circuit is configured for controlling the first and the second cameras to capturing video asynchronously or simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Yue-Qin Lu, Tong Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080151084
    Abstract: A method of making a curved sensor is described. The method involves projecting portions of a curved three dimensional structure such as a hemisphere onto a two dimensional substrate in an outline pattern. The outline pattern typically serves as a perimeter of a sensor. After forming a sensor in the shape of the outline pattern, the two dimensional substrate is flexed to form a three dimensional sensor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Jeng Ping Lu, Christopher L. Chua
  • Publication number: 20080122958
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining the camera field of view in a camera network. The system has a plurality of spatially separated cameras and direction sensors, carried on respective cameras, configured to measure the angle directions of the field of views of the cameras. Elevation sensors are operably coupled to respective cameras to measure the elevation angles of thereof. A controller is configured to process direction and elevation measurement signals transmitted from the cameras to automatically determine the cameras' fields of views. One or more cameras having a field of view containing or nearby an event of interest can be selected from the determined field of views and indicated to a user via a graphical user interface. Selected cameras which are rotatably mounted can be rotated if need be to automatically bring the event of interest into the field of views of the selected cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Steve D. Huseth, Saad J. Bedros
  • Publication number: 20080122949
    Abstract: A method for configuring parameter values for a plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is disclosed. In the first step of the method, image data from the plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is acquired. Secondly, the image data from the plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is buffered. Thirdly, the buffered image data from the plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is displayed. Fourthly, at least one parameter value for a first subset of said plurality of cameras is changed. Fifthly, the at least one parameter value is transmitted to said first subset of cameras. Sixthly, the changed image data from a second subset of said plurality of cameras is acquired. Seventhly, the buffered image data for said second subset of cameras is replaced with said changed image data for said second subset of cameras. Finally, the stored image data for said plurality of cameras (100a-100f) is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: AXIS AB
    Inventors: Mattias Kindborg, Hans Olsen, Michael Reichenauer
  • Publication number: 20080117316
    Abstract: A multi-eye camera includes imaging units which are detachably attached to a camera main body. The camera main body has a concave container portion to which at most four imaging units in either vertical or horizontal orientation can be attached at the same time. A length between the optical axes of two imaging units is denoted by a base length R. Attachment positions and orientations of the imaging units can be changed according to a distance from the multi-eye camera to a subject for being captured, so that the length of the base length R is optimized for the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaaki ORIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20080100731
    Abstract: A system for producing and displaying images of a person is described. The system includes sets of cameras for capturing camera information to form K images of the person from more than one perspective. The system also includes a multi-screen display system for showing images of the person from the more than one perspective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry Moscovitch
  • Patent number: 7365794
    Abstract: A camera module according to the invention comprises one flexible substrate, first and second camera units mounted on the same face of this flexible substrate, and bent parts so set in prescribed positions of the flexible substrate that the directions of the fields of view of the first and second camera units be reverse to each other. As these features can provide a configuration in which the directions of the fields of view of the two camera units are reverse (180 degrees) to each other, there is no need to provide an FPC, which is a printed circuit board for control use, for each camera but one common FPC can suffice, resulting in an advantage of simpler structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichiro Yasui
  • Patent number: 7339614
    Abstract: Large format, digital camera systems (10, 100, 150, 250, 310) expose single detector arrays 20 with multiple lens systems (12, 14, 16, 18) or multiple detector arrays (104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 152, 162, 172, 182, 252, 262, 272, 282, 322, 324) with one or more single lens systems (156, 166, 176, 186) to acquire sub-images of overlapping sub-areas of large area objects. The sub-images are stitched together to form a large format, digital, macro-image (80, 230?, 236?, 238?, 240?), which can be colored. Dampened camera carrier (400) and accelerometer (404) signals with double-rate digital signal processing (306, 308) are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gruber, Franz W. Leberl, Martin Ponticelli
  • Publication number: 20070188650
    Abstract: A digital camera enables high-speed zooming operation without use of a zoom lens. Light originating from a fixed-focal-length lens is split into two beams by a beam splitter, to thus form respective images on a first image sensor and a second image sensor. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are equal to each other in terms of the number of pixels, but differ from each other in terms of a pixel size. The first image sensor acquires a wide image, and the second image sensor acquires a telephotography image. An output is produced by means of switching between the first image sensor and the second image sensor, in response to zooming operation. When the image from the first image sensor is recorded, focus detection is performed by use of an image signal from the second image sensor, to thus effect automatic focusing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Masao Kobayashi, Hideo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7248295
    Abstract: A solid-state imager 20 outputs image signals corresponding to picture elements received from light-receptive areas thereof. A sample-and-hold circuit 24 performs a sample-and-hold operation for the image signals at prescribed times. A driving circuit 22 generates driving pulses and sample-and-hold pulses. A horizontal charge-transfer circuit of each light-receptive area is driven with the driving pulses, and the sample-and-hold circuit 24 is driven with the sample-and-hold pulses in synchronization with the driving pulses. The driving circuit 22 intermittently drives the horizontal charge-transfer circuit and the sample-and-hold circuit after the output of at least one of the first and last image signals. Consequently, noise that would be produced in picture elements located at the junctures between adjoining light-receptive areas can be reduced, and loss of image quality that would be caused by the effects of operations in subsequent processes performed in various circuits can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Hoso Kyokai
    Inventor: Kohji Mitani
  • Patent number: 7236175
    Abstract: An apparatus for projecting computer generated stereoscopic images, comprising: a computer, a dual-port video signal output device, two image projection devices, an image projection software and a stereoscopic image file, wherein the stereoscopic image file is processed and outputted to the two image projection devices through the cooperating operation of the computer, the dual-port video signal output device and the image projection software, so that a stereo image can be projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: National Center for High Performance Computing
    Inventors: Po-Ying Li, Charlie H. Chang, San-Liang Chu
  • Patent number: 7215364
    Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining a wide field of view comprises a plurality of imaging devices each having a defined field of view and each of the imaging devices having a mechanism for capturing an image at a selected time instant. The imaging devices are positioned such that the field of view of each device overlaps the field of view of each adjacent device. A control module simultaneously actuates each of the imaging devices to capturing an image within the field of view of all devices concurrently. The resulting images from each of the devices are merged to produce a wide field of view image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: PanX Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Wachtel, John Keable, Richard Paulson
  • Patent number: 7202891
    Abstract: A method of capturing a color image includes steps of operating a first sensor of a camera to integrate a first charge over a first time interval, operating a second sensor of the camera to integrate a second charge over a second time interval and scanning the first and second sensors to readout the respective first and second charges during a third time interval. The first time interval overlaps the second time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the first time interval. The third time interval includes no overlapping time with the second time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Dalsa, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon G. Ingram
  • Patent number: 7176967
    Abstract: A camera includes a first sensor disposed to image light that propagates along a reflected axis, a second sensor disposed to image light that propagates along a direct axis, and a rotatable structure disposed to define a rotation plane that is oblique to both the reflected axis and the direct axis. The rotatable structure includes either a first transmission sector, a first reflection sector disposed adjacent to the first transmission sector, a second transmission sector disposed adjacent to the first reflection sector and a second reflection sector disposed adjacent to the second transmission sector or the rotatable structure includes a first reflection sector, a first opaque sector disposed adjacent to the first reflection sector, and a first transmission sector disposed adjacent to the first opaque sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Dalsa, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Dykaar, Colin J. Flood, Charles Russell Smith
  • Patent number: 7164857
    Abstract: To provide a mechanism that enables preparation of a program for photographing regardless of the type of camera device and obtaining image data in a unified format. Mobile phone 10 comprises: means for selecting a camera device; means for generating, in a case that image data of said object photographed by a selected camera device is to be stored, a camera object including attributes corresponding to said camera device; means for calling a program to photograph an object; means for photographing the object with said camera device in accordance with the program called by the camera function calling means and for storing image data representing image of said object in the camera object; and means for obtaining image data stored by the image storing means in a unified format from the camera object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Mao Asai, Nobuyuki Watanabe, Masayuki Tsuda, Yasunori Hattori, Tatsuro Oi, Masakazu Nishida, Naoki Naruse, Yuichi Ichikawa, Atsuki Tomioka, Masato Takeshita, Kazuhiro Yamada, Satoshi Washio, Dai Kamiya, Naoki Yamane, Keiichi Murakami
  • Patent number: 7139473
    Abstract: There are provided a first casing 100A that has a photosensor section 113 for capturing an image, a second casing 100B that has a lens section 122 for projecting the image of a subject onto the photosensor section 113 of the first casing 100A and a connection section 100C that foldably connects the first casing 100A with the second casing 100B. The photosensor section 113 and the lens section 122 are arranged so that the photosensor section 113 and the lens section 122 are superposed on each other in a state in which the first casing 100A and the second casing 100B are folded together. With this arrangement, the folding type camera device and the folding type portable telephone equipped with this device can be reduced in thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoharu Shimano, Masayuki Ehiro, Yoshinori Tanida, Katsuitsu Nishida
  • Patent number: 7088391
    Abstract: A technique for producing electronic video signals representative of color images of a scene includes use of a regular CCD for the color channel and a back-thinned CCD for a luminance channel; a technique for deriving blue and reconstructing full resolution R, G, B from full resolution white and a red and green checkerboard pattern; and a technique for deriving an automatic gain control signal using an unshielded white area on the CCD to obtain a white reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Florida Atlantic University
    Inventors: William E. Glenn, John W. Marcinka
  • Patent number: 7061526
    Abstract: Light from an object to be picked up as condensed by a condensing lens system is made incident to be separated into two directions by a spectroscope, wherein an overall image of the object to be picked up, obtained by forming one of the separated light on a primary area pickup element through a primary image-forming lens system of an overall image pickup unit, is picked up for outputting an overall image signal. Simultaneously therewith, a part of the object to be picked up obtained by forming the other light as separated by the spectroscope on a secondary area pickup element, which is of similarly low resolution as the primary area pickup element, through a secondary image-forming lens system of a detailed image pickup unit is picked up for outputting a detailed image signal of high resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Osafumi Nakayama, Morito Shiohara
  • Patent number: 7027090
    Abstract: In an image input apparatus having an image sensor that is composed of plural chips, the stepwise difference in density on a chip boundary is made inconspicuous by a limited amount of compensation memory. The image input apparatus obtains the stepwise differences in density between pixels that are positioned in adjacent places to adjoining chips of the image sensor and for plural lines, averages the differences, reads an image, and displays the same on a screen after compensating for the stepwise difference in density between the chips for each line by using the average value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Takahashi, Fumio Fujimura
  • Patent number: 7019777
    Abstract: A spatial resolution enhancement and dynamic range extension for a Computerized Airborne Multicamera Imaging System (CAMIS). CAMIS is a multispectral imaging system for diverse manned and unmanned aerial vehicles to fly along flexible paths and altitudes for a wide variety of applications. CAMIS comprises four spectral bands of progressive scan CCD video cameras with 782×576 square pixels each, giving a total of 1.82 million effective pixels. These cameras are synchronized and aligned in parallel with sub-pixel-accurate spatial offsets over a common field of view. A software procedure interpolates the original four-band 782×576 captures into 1564×1152 ones using a bi-linear algorithm, and then performs geometric correction and band-to-band pixel registration. The result is a more precisely registered, spatial resolution enhanced multispectral image, sized 1540(H) ×1140(V)×4(Bytes).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Flight Landata, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiuhong Sun