Detachable Patents (Class 348/333.07)
  • Patent number: 11556009
    Abstract: To address privacy issues with “always on” cameras of an AR headset, the cameras can be muted and content displayed by the headset adjusted to provide a user with a visual indication that the cameras are deactivated. The headset includes a display element configured to display content to a user and an eye tracking system that includes a camera configured to track eye motion of the user. In response to the headset receiving a camera muting event from the user or the external environment, the headset deactivates the camera and adjusts the content displayed on the display element to provide the user with a visual indication that the camera is deactivated. In one embodiment, the visual indication is an adjustment of the display from a default RGB color mode to “monochrome” or other predefined color map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kennedy, Sam Sarmast, Fletcher Nelson
  • Patent number: 11340461
    Abstract: A head-wearable spectacles device for determining one or more gaze-related parameters of a user is disclosed. In one example, the device includes a spectacles body having a middle plane and configured for being wearable on a user's head, a nose bridge portion, a left lateral portion, a right lateral portion, a left ocular opening and a right ocular opening. The middle plane intersects the nose bridge portion. The respective ocular opening is located between the nose bridge portion and the respective lateral portion. The device includes a left camera, a right camera, and a scene camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Pupil Labs GmbH
    Inventors: Moritz Kassner, Hannes Geipel
  • Patent number: 10827052
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display screen, a support frame, a first side housing, a first reel, and a first driving assembly. The display screen is arranged on the support frame, and a first side portion of the display screen is made of a flexible material. The first reel is arranged in a cavity in the first side housing, and the first side portion of the display screen circumferentially surrounds about the first reel. The first driving assembly is connected to the first side housing through a first telescopic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gaocai Han
  • Patent number: 10771662
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic device with high portability, a highly browsable electronic device, or an electronic device having a novel light source that can be used in shooting photographs and video. The electronic device includes a camera and a flexible display portion. The display portion has a first region and a second region. The first region has a function of emitting light to a photographic subject. The second region has a function of displaying an image of the photographic subject shot by the camera. The display portion can be bent so that the first region and the second region face in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hideaki Shishido
  • Patent number: 10459314
    Abstract: A digital camera with which a captured image can be easily recognized through an electronic viewfinder regardless of whether the digital camera is oriented vertically or horizontally. A camera having an imaging lens, an electronic viewfinder to observe the image captured by the imaging lens, a guide mechanism guiding the vertical movement of the electronic viewfinder, and a biaxial rotation mechanism capable of causing the electronic viewfinder to rotate according to the vertical screen position or the horizontal screen position. The biaxial rotation mechanism is provided with a linking part linking the electronic viewfinder and the guide mechanism; a first shaft part for supporting the electronic viewfinder on the linking part so as to rotate in a first direction; and a second shaft part supporting the linking part on the guide mechanism so as to rotate in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Minoru Inaba
  • Patent number: 10449681
    Abstract: An oral hygiene device for use with a wireless network is disclosed. The device comprising a toothbrush for brushing teeth surface; a sensor for generating an output in response to a physical phenomenon; an first antenna for coupling to the wireless network using Radio-Frequency (RF) waves; a first wireless transceiver coupled between the first antenna and the sensor for transmitting a first data that is responsive to the sensor output over the wireless network; a rechargeable battery for powering the sensor, the toothbrush, and the first wireless transceiver; and an handheld casing housing the rechargeable battery, the toothbrush, the sensor, the first antenna, and the first wireless transceiver. The wireless network may be a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) such as Bluetooth, or may be a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) such as WiFi (IEEE 802.11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 10194120
    Abstract: There is disclosed a surveillance apparatus comprising: —a retractable support member the member having a first end and a second end; a housing; a spooling mechanism mounted at the housing, and being rotatable relative to the housing, and being attached to the second end of the retractable support member, the spooling mechanism being: Operable to rotate in a first direction to convert the retractable support member from a coiled condition to an extended condition and thereby pay-out the support member from the housing, Operable to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first to convert the retractable support member from the extended condition to the coiled condition and thereby retract the support member into the housing; A mount attached to the first end of the retractable support member; A surveillance device attached to the mount for receiving environmental signals, a human interface remote from the surveillance device; and an electrical connection operably connecting the surveillance device to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Mohammed-Asif Akhmad
  • Patent number: 10142547
    Abstract: To provide an electronic device capable of a variety of display. To provide an electronic device capable of being operated in a variety of ways. An electronic device includes a display device and first to third surfaces. The first surface includes a region in contact with the second surface, the second surface includes a region in contact with the third surface, and the first surface includes a region opposite to the third surface. The display device includes first to third display regions. The first display region includes a region overlapping with the first surface, the second display region includes a region overlapping with the second surface, and the third display region includes a region overlapping with the third surface. The first display region has a larger area than the third display region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hajime Kimura
  • Patent number: 10046258
    Abstract: A device for locking a filter in a conduit for use in heat exchangers is described. The device includes: a main body apt to be associated with the filter and made in two parts, and three locking arms, which branch off from the main body and have each a first longitudinal end which can be tightened within the main body and a second longitudinal end which abuts on the conduit to block the filter. The locking arms are movable with respect to the main body so as to assume a first configuration of minimal encumbrance, in which the insertion of the device in the conduit is allowed, and a second locking configuration, in which the second longitudinal ends are abutted on the walls of the duct. The device allows a removable locking of the filter in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: PROVIDES METALMECCANICA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Franco Provenziani
  • Patent number: 9800817
    Abstract: A method for transmitting an image and an electronic device thereof are provided. An image transmission method of an electronic device includes displaying a message transmission/reception history with at least one other electronic device, sensing a selection of a camera execution menu, displaying a preview screen of a camera within a screen in which the message transmission/reception history is displayed, detecting a touch on the displayed preview screen, if the displayed preview screen is touched, capturing an image of a subject, detecting a gesture for the captured image, and, if the gesture for the captured image is detected, transmitting the captured image to the at least one other electronic device according to the detected gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Hyun Park, Young-Keun Choi
  • Patent number: 9743537
    Abstract: A rollable display device includes a flexible display panel, a housing, and a guide part. The flexible display panel is configured to display an image. The housing is configured to house the flexible display panel when the flexible display panel is rolled inside the housing. The guide part is provided at an edge portion of the flexible display panel. When the flexible display panel is rolled inside the housing, the flexible display panel includes a plurality of display panel layers, the display panel layers being spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Younjoon Kim, Sangjo Lee, Junghun Lee, Jusuck Lee, Mi Jang, Kyungmin Choi
  • Patent number: 9420111
    Abstract: Disclosed is a communication device including a first communication part, a calling processing part, and a second communication part. The first communication part generates a response by a virtual communication party to a user's input and outputs the response from an output unit to realize first communication. The calling processing part controls a communication unit and performs calling processing on a communication device of a real communication party to call the real communication party when the first communication is realized by the first communication part. The second communication part controls the communication unit to supply the user's input accepted by the input unit to the communication device of the real communication party, acquires a response to the user's input from the communication device of the real communication party, and outputs the response to the output unit to realize second communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu Kii, Yasuhide Hosoda
  • Patent number: 9414003
    Abstract: A method for transmitting an image and an electronic device thereof are provided. An image transmission method of an electronic device includes displaying a message transmission/reception history with at least one other electronic device, sensing a selection of a camera execution menu, displaying a preview screen of a camera within a screen in which the message transmission/reception history is displayed, detecting a touch on the displayed preview screen, if the displayed preview screen is touched, capturing an image of a subject, detecting a gesture for the captured image, and, if the gesture for the captured image is detected, transmitting the captured image to the at least one other electronic device according to the detected gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Hyun Park, Young-Keun Choi
  • Patent number: 9350912
    Abstract: There is provided a portable device that transmits an image obtained through photographing to another device managed in association with the portable device each time when photographing is performed, receives the image transmitted from the other device each time when photographing is performed in the other device, and displays the image received from the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Suki, Mayu Kosaka, Aya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9036079
    Abstract: A combination apparatus and an operating method thereof are provided. The combination apparatus includes a first device, a second device and a connecting mechanism. The first device includes a first display unit and a first image capturing unit, wherein a picture is captured by the first image capture unit and converted into an image signal for the first display unit to display. The second device includes a second display unit with resolution different from that of the first display unit and is capable of wirelessly controlling the first device. The connecting mechanism is configured to detachably fasten the first device and the second device. The operating method of the combination apparatus includes utilizing the first device and/or the second device to capture a picture; and utilizing the first display unit and/or the second display unit to display the picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Chang-Yi Huang, Deng-Ke Guo, Wei-Wei Lei, Hai-Tao Zhang, Hsiang-Yin Lin
  • Patent number: 9004784
    Abstract: A camera mount assembly is disclosed that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the camera body, a viewfinder tube, and an inverted kinematic arm. A camera mount assembly is also disclosed that includes: a camera having a camera body and a lens, a D-shaped telescopic handle, wherein the handle is coupled to the top of the camera body, a removable eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is operatively coupled to the D-shaped telescopic handle, a viewfinder tube rotatably coupled with the camera body, and an inverted kinematic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Rolf Kestermann
  • Patent number: 8830142
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a head-mounted display and a method of controlling the same, more particularly, a method of providing a first content or second content to a display unit according to detachment or mounting of a camera from or to the head-mounted display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jihwan Kim, Jongho Kim, Sinae Chun, Eunhyung Cho
  • Patent number: 8825123
    Abstract: A passthrough case for a smart phone which provides a supplemental screen and controls for operating a camera of the smart phone. The passthrough case for a smart phone generally includes a cover for retaining a smart phone. The cover includes a phone receiving portion in which the smart phone is frictionally retained and which allows the display and controls of the smart phone to be fully accessible. A male connector extending from the cover interfaces with the data port of the smart phone to passthrough camera functionality to the cover. The user of the present invention may utilize a screen and controls on the cover to control camera functionality of the smart phone, thus significantly easing the process of taking self-portraits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Gudino
  • Patent number: 8780185
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: an image pickup unit; a first connection unit that allows a stereoscopic shooting interchangeable lens and an ordinary shooting interchangeable lens to be selectively attached thereto so that an image of a subject can be formed on the image pickup unit; a second connection unit that allows a finder including two display units corresponding to a right eye and a left eye, the finder being capable of displaying a plurality of images, and a finder including a single display unit, the finder being capable of displaying a single image, to be selectively attached thereto; and a display control unit that controls display of an image picked up by the image pickup unit on the finder, based on at least one of information on the interchangeable lens connected to the first connection unit and information on the finder connected to the second connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Tsubasa Kasai, Hiroshi Kodama
  • Patent number: 8773568
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging are provided. An imaging device photographs a subject and outputs an image signal. Each of a plurality of view finders displays an image based on the image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Masatsugu Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20140104447
    Abstract: A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Woodman Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas D. Woodman
  • Patent number: 8692923
    Abstract: A digital camera is provided that includes a first wireless communication module and image data processor. The first wireless communication module transmits image data to a monitor device via wireless communication. The image data processor processes image data before transmitting it to the monitor device via the wireless communication module. The image data processor has a first mode in which the image data are compressed at a predetermined compression ratio when transmitting a through-the-lens image to the monitor device, and a second mode in which the image data are compressed less than the predetermined compression, including zero compression, while carrying out at least one of reducing a frame rate compared to the first mode or extracting part of an image comprising the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8587711
    Abstract: A system for enhanced operation of a camera that utilizes an adjustable focusing eyepiece assembly that removeably attaches to a small section of the touch sensitive display face of a mobile device such s a smartphone, or mp3 player so as to eliminate all outside light. The small area encapsulated by the eyepiece assembly surrounds a miniaturized camera viewfinder image and the associated control icons that indicate the operation status of the camera as controlled by the operator's finger manipulation on the touch screen through the specialized, associated mobile device software application. The mobile device's camera may be operated much more accurately with this system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Paul S Anderson
  • Patent number: 8570422
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus, such as a digital camera, provided with a scene recognition function is disclosed, in which images photographed according to a photographing mode or color candidate corresponding to a recognized scene are played back according to a predetermined classification. Live view data and actually-photographed image data representing a subject are acquired, and the live view data is analyzed to recognize at least one scene representing the subject. Then, a photographing mode or a color candidate corresponding to the scene is selected. The photographing mode or color candidate selected for each actually-photographed image data is recorded together with the actually-photographed image data acquired according to the selected photographing mode or color candidate. A photographing mode or color candidate for playing back the actually-photographed image data is specified to play back all the actually-photographed image data acquired according to the specified photographing mode or color candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Oishi, Masako Suehiro
  • Publication number: 20130107101
    Abstract: An image display device that improves the operability of its operation unit when operated by a photographer/user in a state that an image display unit of the device has been adjusted to assume an angle where the photographer/user can easily view a displayed image. The image display device is coupled through its mounting unit to an image pickup apparatus main unit and causes the image display unit to display an image captured by the apparatus main unit. The image display device has an operation unit configured to be operated to control the apparatus main unit and the image display unit. The image display unit is coupled through a hinge mechanism to the operation unit for rotation relative thereto and the operation unit is coupled through a rotary mechanism to the mounting unit for rotation relative thereto about a rotation axis perpendicular to an operation face of the operation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoru Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8395669
    Abstract: In a case where a display screen of a transmission originator, including image data such as photographs, is displayed remotely on a device of a transmission destination, compressed image data of the image portion such as photographs on the display screen which is stored in a storage unit of the transmission originator is transmitted to the transmission destination device so that the image of the photograph portion can be displayed remotely on the screen of the transmission destination device with high image quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8345141
    Abstract: An imaging device that is able to display an image with an aperture value at the time when actually photographing on a liquid crystal display monitor for displaying an image, in a single-lens reflex digital camera is provided. In a depth-of-field preview mode, a quick return mirror (4) is retracted from an optical path and light is incident on an imaging sensor (11). Then, an imaging optical system is controlled to be in an actual aperture state, and by displaying an image data obtained at the imaging sensor (11) on the liquid crystal display monitor (16) for displaying an image, a plurality of images with aperture values at the time of actually photographing, in other words, actual aperture live view images, can be concurrently displayed simultaneously on the liquid crystal display monitor (16) for displaying an image. By doing so, it is possible to easily compare images with different depths of field, and it is possible to simultaneously photograph images with different depths of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naoto Yumiki
  • Patent number: 8325263
    Abstract: A camera operates in cooperation with a wearable image display apparatus configured to be wearable on an eye region of a user. The camera includes an imaging unit, a vibration detection unit, a transmission availability judgment unit and a communication unit. The imaging unit acquires an image of a subject. The vibration detection unit detects vibration of the camera. The transmission availability judgment unit permits transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when the vibration detection unit does not detect the vibration of the camera, and prohibits transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when the vibration detection unit detects the vibration of the camera. The communication unit transmits the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kato, Osamu Nonaka
  • Patent number: 8259194
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus having portable multimedia player (PMP) functions. The photographing apparatus provides the PMP functions to store multimedia content such as images, music and moving image files and to play back the stored multimedia content using recording and playback functions of the photographing apparatus so that portability can be improved and a user can enjoy the multimedia content. Specifically, the photographing apparatus includes a photographing module to provide a photographing function and a PMP module to record and play back the photographed image and to provide the PMP function. Therefore, if a display unit is part of the PMP module and the PMP module is attached to the photographing apparatus, the display unit may be used as a part of the photographing apparatus, and if the display unit is separated from the photographing apparatus, the display unit may be used as a PMP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electroncis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8223203
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle-mounted type of camera capable of being reduced in the space required for installation on the windshield of a vehicle. An imaging unit 15 is provided on a substrate 19 and has an optical axis in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. The substrate 19 is set up in parallel with respect to the windshield of the vehicle. A lens 14 is disposed on the optical axis. A mirror 16 is also provided on the optical axis of the imaging unit 15, and is adapted to change a direction of the optical axis to a frontward direction of the vehicle, thus guiding frontward visual field information of the vehicle to the imaging unit 15. The mirror 16 is retained in an attachment 11. The attachment 11 can be engaged with and disengaged from an enclosure 12 that holds the lens 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Ohsumi, Jun Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8174605
    Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus allowing a user to easily process a captured image. This image processing apparatus displays an image generated based on image data and an item representing processing for the image data on a screen, detects a change in the orientation thereof, and performs processing upon the image data corresponding to the displayed image based on a detection result of the change in the orientation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motonari Yamada
  • Patent number: 8164636
    Abstract: A method of capturing a still frame is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating a plurality of initial frames with a sensor in response to an optical signal and (B) generating the still frame by combining the initial frames using a noise reduction technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ambarella, Inc.
    Inventor: Elliot N. Linzer
  • Patent number: 8159592
    Abstract: A portable terminal, comprises: a terminal body provided with a display unit to output visual information relating to a capturing mode, and having wireless communication functions; a touch input unit provided at the display unit, and configured to input information when at least one of the visual information is touched; a camera body arranged at the terminal body in a longitudinal direction, and rotatably coupled to the terminal body so that a direction of a camera mounted therein rotates in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal direction of the terminal body; and camera manipulation units disposed on the camera body, and receiving input manipulations relating to an operation of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Won-Seok Joo, Choong-Hyoun Cho
  • Patent number: 8125554
    Abstract: A viewfinder according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display unit including a display surface on which a picture is displayed based on a picture signal supplied from an imaging apparatus; and an eyepiece unit, which is detachably attached to the display unit, configured to enlarge a picture displayed on the display surface to make the picture visually recognizable; wherein the display unit includes the display surface, a display control unit configured to display the picture on the display surface based on the picture signal, and a detecting unit configured to detect the presence/absence of attachment of the eyepiece unit; and wherein the display control unit is configured so as to laterally invert a picture to be displayed on the display surface based on the detection of the detecting unit, and also so as to change the brightness of a picture to be displayed on the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 8045042
    Abstract: An image rotating adapter includes: a first prism forming a subject image transmitted through an imaging lens on a position; and a second prism further reversing the subject image reversed by the first prism. The adapter also includes: a rotation drive unit rotating the second prism; a control unit controlling the rotation drive unit; a rotation instruction unit instructing the control unit to start or stop rotation; a target position setting unit previously setting one or more target positions to stop the second prism; a preset instruction unit instructing the control unit to perform a preset function for moving the second prism to the target position; a speed control unit adjusting rotation speed of the second prism; and a detection unit detecting a rotation position and a rotation direction of the second prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuya Mogi
  • Patent number: 8045050
    Abstract: A cradle device on which a camera device is mounted can be mounted on a printer device. There is provided a printing system that includes a camera device having an imaging unit and a memory for storing image data photographed by the imaging unit, a cradle device having a camera mounting section mounted in the state that the camera device is electrically connected and a terminal unit or an operating unit that is provided on the back surface and is electrically connected to other electronic devices, and a printer device that has a cradle mounting section mounted in the state that the cradle device is electrically connected and prints image data inputted from the cradle device, wherein the cradle mounting section has a covering portion that covers the terminal unit or the operating unit provided on the back surface of the cradle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Nogo, Yoichi Miyajima, Masatsugu Honma
  • Patent number: 8040422
    Abstract: The present invention provides a viewfinder including: a rail removably attached to an image pickup apparatus; a seat coupled to the rail so as to be movable in an extending direction of the rail; a display panel formed in a rectangle having left and right sides and upper and lower sides to have a display surface on which an image picked up by the image pickup apparatus is displayed; and a pair of left and right arms supporting the display panel on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8023033
    Abstract: A viewfinder includes: a main unit to be detachably attached to a camera body; and a display unit including a display portion on which a picture to be imaged at the camera body side; wherein the display portion includes a supporting member, a display panel including a display surface, a first connecting mechanism configured to connect the main unit and the supporting member so as to rotate, and a second connecting mechanism configured to connect the supporting member and the display panel so as to swing between a laid state in which the display panel is laid on the supporting member and a standing state in which the display panel stands from the supporting member; wherein the first connecting mechanism is configured such that the supporting member can rotate within a range of at least not less than 180 degrees on the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kirihara, Eiji Kaji
  • Patent number: 8023039
    Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes a housing body, an image capture optical system, an image capture device, a connector, a cover, and an operation member. The display panel is provided to the housing body to be pivotable between a usage position where a display surface of the display panel is visible and a storage position where the display surface of the display panel is in contact with a surface of the housing body. The cover opens or closes the insertion/removal opening by extending or retracting on the insertion/removal opening from an interior of the housing body. The operation member is provided to the housing body, and is operated to move the cover along a direction of opening or closing the insertion/removal opening, the operation member being provided to the housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Mito, Nobutatsu Takahashi, Hidetoshi Isawa
  • Patent number: 8013926
    Abstract: An exemplary digital photo frame includes an image memory configured for storing a display image, a display device configured for reading and displaying the display image, an infrared sensor configured for detecting infrared light, generating a first detecting signal when the infrared light is detected, generating a second detecting signal when the detected infrared light is no longer detectable, and a camera control circuit including a reference image therein. The camera control circuit generates an instant image and compares the instant image with the reference image when the first detecting signal is generated. The digital photo frame is configured to operate in a monitor mode or a display mode according to a comparing result when the infrared light is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventors: Chu-Jung Shih, Shun-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7956922
    Abstract: A viewfinder includes a main body detachably attached to a camera body, a display unit on which an image captured at the camera body is displayed, and an eyepiece unit detachably attached to the display unit. The eyepiece unit magnifies the image. The display unit includes a support connected to the main body in a rotatable manner, a display panel having a display surface on which the image is displayed, and a connecting mechanism that connects the display panel to the support in a rotatable manner. The support and the display panel can be set to a first folded state in which a rear surface of the display panel that is opposite to the display surface is placed on the support, a second folded state in which the display surface is placed on the support, and an unfolded state in which the display panel is raised from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Kaji, Toru Kirihara
  • Publication number: 20100208121
    Abstract: A camera operates in cooperation with a wearable image display apparatus configured to be wearable on an eye region of a user. The camera includes an imaging unit, a vibration detection unit, a transmission availability judgment unit and a communication unit. The imaging unit acquires an image of a subject. The vibration detection unit detects vibration of the camera. The transmission availability judgment unit permits transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when the vibration detection unit does not detect the vibration of the camera, and prohibits transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when the vibration detection unit detects the vibration of the camera. The communication unit transmits the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit is permitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Shigeru Kato, Osamu Nonaka
  • Patent number: 7750939
    Abstract: An image photographing device (1), which converts an optical image of a subject into an electric signal by an image pick up device, and stores image data by the electric signal in an information recording medium (21), includes a communication interface (25), which communicates the image data, a determination device (31), which determines whether a device connected to the communication interface is an external device (2) or a release device (3), a communication process device (10), which conducts a communication process with the external device if the determination device determines that the external device is connected, and a photographing process device (10), which conducts a photographing process if the determination device determines that the release device is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kobayashi, Takayoshi Shimizu, Koji Oka
  • Patent number: 7649550
    Abstract: A main frame adapter is detachably mounted, instead of a camera head, on a camera main frame from which the camera head is separated. The camera head comprises an image taking optical system and an imaging device. The camera main frame is adapted to receive an image signal from the camera head that is detachably mounted on the camera main frame. A head adapter that is detachably mounted, instead of the camera main frame, on the camera head separated from the camera main frame. Both the adapters have each the radio communication section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Ishiyama, Hiroshi Tanaka, Takehiko Senba, Keiichiro Takahashi, Kentaro Tokiwa
  • Patent number: 7612821
    Abstract: Modular camcorders are described. According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a modular camcorder includes a digital video camera unit (“camera unit”) and a portable multimedia player (PMP) modular unit (“PMP unit”). The camera unit includes a camera means for capturing images of an object, and a recording means for recording the captured images and associated audio therewith. The PMP unit comprises a display monitor (e.g., LCD) and a storage device (e.g., hard disk). In the standalone mode, the PMP unit is an apparatus such as a MP3 player. When the PMP unit is coupled to the camera unit via a pair of matching connectors, the combined device becomes the modular camcorder. The pair of matching connectors (e.g., a female/male, or male/female) is designed such that one of them is located on the camera unit and the other on the PMP unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Team Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Chorng-Guang Hsia
  • Patent number: 7602436
    Abstract: A lens apparatus is provided that is capable of more accurate Auto Focusing (AF) operating by representing a delay time in a camera unit using an AF evaluating value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20090195685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aiming device for a camcorder. An open frame with an attachment means is mounted to the camcorder such that one can see what the camcorder will record through the open frame yet still view the non recorded material at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: John Drew Hurst
  • Patent number: 7483074
    Abstract: An appearing and disappearing type image pickup device having a lens unit and/or a terminal connection unit mounted to be capable of selectively appearing and disappearing in relation to a main body of the image pickup device so that the image pickup device can be used as a multipurpose device. The image pickup device comprises a lens unit for capturing an image of an object, a main body receiving the lens unit in one end of the main body to be capable of appearing and disappearing, an image outputting unit provided at one side of the main body, a recording unit provided in the main body, and a battery installed in the main body for supplying power to the respective components of the image pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-seok Bang, Yong-il An
  • Patent number: 7471335
    Abstract: An imaging unit to be inserted into a camera body from a predetermined direction, thus to constitute a digital camera in combination with the camera body, is provided. The imaging unit is provided with an image pickup unit including an imaging device that obtains an object image, an imaging device driver that drives the imaging device, an image processor that processes an output signal of the imaging device; a casing for accommodating the image pickup unit, the imaging device driver and the image processor, and a lid attached to the casing so as to slide between a closed position where the lid covers a receiving surface of the image pickup unit, and an open position where the lid does not cover the receiving surface of the image pickup unit. In this structure, the lid is moved to the open position by a force exerted for inserting the imaging unit into the camera body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeo Enomoto
  • Patent number: 7394485
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination image-capturing apparatus and method. A combination image-capturing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body, a combination image-capturing unit installed on the main body to be location-changeable that include first and second signal processing units, and first and second recording media. The combination image-capturing apparatus further comprises a mode selection switch unit for generating an operation mode signal corresponding to a selected image-capturing unit according to position changes of the combination image-capturing unit, a photo switch for generating an image-capturing trigger signal, and a control unit for controlling storage of the first and second formatted signals in the first recording medium and the second recording medium if the image-capturing trigger signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Ho Kim