Power Supply Patents (Class 348/372)
  • Publication number: 20130201294
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a first imaging unit, a second imaging unit whose use frequency is lower than that of the first imaging unit, an exterior case for housing the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit, and a brace mounting section mounted to the exterior case so as to be partially exposed to an outside. The first imaging unit, the second imaging unit and the brace mounting section are arranged so that a distance from the first imaging unit to the brace mounting section is longer than a distance from the second imaging unit to the brace mounting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Panasonic Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130182178
    Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a detector detecting a voltage of a battery. A first sensing processor senses a recording operation. A recorder executes a recording process according to the recording operation. A second sensing processor senses a predetermined operation other than the recording operation. A processor executes a predetermined process according to the predetermined operation. A first controller executes the predetermined process when the predetermined operation is sensed during a time a power fed from the power feeding device is being received. A second controller prohibits the recording process if the voltage of the battery is smaller than a predetermined threshold value when the recording operation is sensed during a time the power fed from the power feeding device is being received, and executes the recording process if the voltage of the battery is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value when the recording operation is sensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130169861
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup control portion which includes an image pickup portion and a processing portion performing a process of image picking-up; a position information acquiring portion which acquires position information; a time information acquiring portion which acquires time information; and a power management portion which controls supply of power to the portions, the power management portion and the time information acquiring portion are continuously supplied with power, when the time information corresponds to a predicted use time, the position information acquiring portion is supplied with power, and when the position information is separated from position information of a predetermined place by a predetermined distance or more, a memory for program execution is supplied with power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Sony Corporation
  • Patent number: 8477236
    Abstract: A lens apparatus 200 includes an image-pickup optical system 202, 204, an optical element 210 capable of being inserted into and extracted from the image-pickup optical system, an actuator 212 which moves the optical element so as to be inserted into and extracted from the image-pickup optical system, and a controller 201 which operates the actuator in accordance with an insert/extract command signal which instructs insertion and extraction of the optical element. The controller limits an operation of the actuator in accordance with an input of the insert/extract command signal during recording or broadcasting an image taken by a camera 100 using the lens apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junichi Kasuya
  • Patent number: 8477238
    Abstract: Modular digital camera systems, such as modular digital still and motion cameras are disclosed. Individual modules may be removed from the system and replaced, such as to benefit from upgraded technology, while preserving the remaining modules in the system. The modules may be disassembled and reconstructed to convert the physical form of the camera, such as between still configurations, motion configurations, ENG configurations, DSLR configurations and studio configurations. Universal lens mount modules are provided, to enable use of lens systems from a variety of commercial manufacturers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Red.com, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Jannard
  • Patent number: 8466979
    Abstract: A digital image processor and method of improving user recognition in the digital image processor are provided. The digital image processor includes a view finder for a user to view a subject and a display unit on which an image is electrically realized, the digital image processor includes: a sensing unit for sensing rotation of the digital image processor; a detecting unit disposed at one side of the view finder and comprising an emission unit for emitting light and a light receiving unit for receiving light reflected by the user; and a control unit for increasing time for emitting light from the emission unit when the rotation is sensed by the sensing unit and controlling power supply to the display unit based on an output value corresponding to an amount of incident light onto the light receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeon-ji Choi, Hong-ju Kim
  • Publication number: 20130148015
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sony Corporation
  • Patent number: 8462261
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koutarou Koike
  • Patent number: 8441571
    Abstract: A control method for an image sensing apparatus is provided with an operation unit for receiving input from a user and a communication unit for communicating with an external processing device, and having a power saving mode for stopping the supply of electrical power to at least a part of the image sensing apparatus if no input to the operation unit is performed for a predetermined time period is disclosed. The control method selects one of a plurality of operation modes including at least image sensing mode and playback mode, and controls a shift to the power saving mode depending on the selected operation mode and a state of communication with the external processing apparatus using the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoichi Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 8432483
    Abstract: A method that includes determining that a device mount power supply included within a device mount is compatible with an electronic device power supply included in an electronic device. The method further includes receiving power transferred from the device mount power supply via a power connection that is provided by a device mounting adapter that is affixed to the device mount and configured to couple the electronic device and the device mount and align the electronic device and the device mount to facilitate charging the electronic device power supply; and charging the electronic device power supply with power received from the device mount power supply via the power connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Yao-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 8427552
    Abstract: A storage buffer and a hard-disk drive are provided in a video data storage application. The hard-disk drive operates normally in a powered-down state, and video data are stored in the storage buffer during a first time interval. The hard-disk drive is operated in a powered-up state. A portion of the video data stored in the storage buffer is transferred to and stored in the hard-disk drive in the powered-up state during a second time interval that is substantially shorter than the first time interval. The hard-disk drive is returned to the powered-down state. A total hard-disk drive storage time, representing a sum of the second time intervals, spent transferring to and storing a portion of the video data in the hard-disk drive is substantially less than a total buffer storage time, representing a sum of the first time intervals, spent storing the video data in the storage buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: VideoIQ, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas H. Marman, Mahesh Saptharishi
  • Patent number: 8427575
    Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes: an image sensor which generates an electrical signal commensurate with an amount of incident light, and has a photoelectric conversion characteristic comprised of a linear characteristic area where the electrical signal is outputted after being linearly converted in relation to the amount of incident light, and a logarithmic characteristic area where the electrical signal is outputted after being logarithmically converted in relation to the amount of incident light; an exposure evaluation value detector which detects an exposure evaluation value based on luminance information acquired from a subject in sensing an image of the subject; and an exposure controller which acquires a setting value for exposure based on the exposure evaluation value detected by the exposure evaluation value detector to control exposure of the image sensing apparatus, wherein the exposure controller determines a subject luminance for exposure setting based on the exposure evaluation value, and con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Kamon, Kazuchika Sato, Jun Minakuti
  • Publication number: 20130088639
    Abstract: Inadvertent or malicious viewing of an information handling system end user by an integrated camera is prevented with a mechanical shutter that actuates to selectively impede transmission of light to the camera. Mechanical blocking of the camera lens prevents malicious code from hijacking the operation of the camera and provides a visual indicator that capturing images is impeded with the lens physically blocked. In one embodiment, actuating the mechanical shutter also powers down the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Mundt, Ernesto Ramirez
  • Patent number: 8416341
    Abstract: A 3D image display device is provided. The 3D image display device can sense a posture change of a 3D display using a gyro-sensor and prevent an image for an LE and an image for an RE from being converted using a sensed posture change. The 3D image display device includes a main body a multi-view type display, a gyro-sensor, and an image-conversion controller. The multi-view type display provides a 3D image for an LE and a 3D image for an RE. The gyro-sensor is mounted in the main body to sense a posture change of the display and the image-conversion controller prevents conversion of a provided 3D image using the posture change of the display sensed by the gyro-sensor. Therefore, an image signal for an RE and an image signal for an LE are provided to viewing regions where an RE and an LE of a viewer are located, so that the viewer can view a 3D image properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-hoon Cha, Dac-sik Kim
  • Publication number: 20130083238
    Abstract: A present invention solar power camera includes: a) a digital camera main housing; b) digital camera internal mechanisms, including imaging and storage processors located within the main housing, imaging and storage controls, and a lens connected to the imaging processor and located on the main housing; c) a rechargeable power storage unit connected to the digital camera internal mechanisms; and, d) at least one solar cell panel connected to the rechargeable power storage unit and movably connected to said main housing, said at least one solar cell panel having a first position, being a closed position, and having a second position, being an open position; wherein the at least one solar cell panel is movable from the first position to the second position for solar recharging of the rechargeable power storage unit, and is movable from the second position to the first position for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Alex P. Glynn
  • Publication number: 20130063632
    Abstract: A focus detecting apparatus, comprising a first pair of sensor blocks each including a sensor unit and a detection unit, and a power supply unit configured to supply power to the detection unit, wherein when one of the first pair of sensor blocks operates in a first mode, the other operates in a second mode, the detection unit of the sensor block operating in the first mode detects an output of the sensor unit, the sensor unit of the sensor block operating in the second mode accumulates charges and terminates the charge accumulation operation in response to the detection operation, and the power supply unit shuts off power supply to the detection unit of the sensor block operating in the second mode for at least part of the period of time during the operation in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuro Yamamoto, Hidetoshi Hayashi, Tatsuhiko Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8384823
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a maximum sustained flash current over the whole length of a flash using a programmable current drive in a handheld portable device powered by a battery. The method involves measuring the battery voltage before and after a flash is initiated and calculating the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the battery. The calculated ESR is then used to adjust the flash current. The process may be repeated to correct for errors in the flash current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ryan Alexander Geris, Lyall Kenneth Winger, Christopher Simon Book
  • Patent number: 8378855
    Abstract: A control device includes a sensor, an analysis unit, and a control unit. The sensor includes a stationary member and a rotatable member. The stationary member includes a first electrode and at least two second electrodes. The rotatable member includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The first electrode electrically contacts the third electrode and each second electrode electrically contacts the fourth electrode in sequence when the stationary member is rotated. The analysis unit is configured for determining which second electrode electrically contacts the fourth electrode. The control unit is configured for executing a corresponding command based upon the determination of the analysis unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiun-Nan Lu, Chih-Hsiang Tsai, Sheng-Han Yang
  • Publication number: 20130033610
    Abstract: A digital imaging device includes at least two image sensors carried by a body and having image axes oriented transverse to one another and facing in different directions transverse to one another. The image sensors are rotatable with respect to the body and each have a rotational axis parallel with a respective corresponding image axis. Each image sensor has an upright physical orientation corresponding to an upright orientation of the optical image and is capable of rotation about the rotational axis to orient the image sensor in the upright orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Calvin Osborn
  • Publication number: 20130033639
    Abstract: A camera module includes an imaging sensor, a power feed electrode, a first conductive member, and a first sealing member. The imaging sensor includes a light-receiving surface receiving light gathered by a lens. The power feed electrode is formed to a surface including the light receiving-surface of the imaging sensor, and the power feed electrode is configured to make a power feed. The first conductive member is configured to electrically connect the power feed electrode and a drive electrode. The drive electrode is provided to a drive section configured to drive the lens in accordance with the power feed. The first sealing member is formed by sealing the first conductive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki IWAFUCHI, Toshihiro Furusawa, Yoshihito Higashitsutsumi
  • Patent number: 8368785
    Abstract: An image sensing device characterized by including: a pixel array; a plurality of first holding capacitances; a plurality of second holding capacitances; a first reference power supply pattern; and a second reference power supply pattern, wherein at least part of the first reference power supply pattern is arranged in a first region where reference power supply electrodes of the plurality of first holding capacitances are arrayed, at least part of the second reference power supply pattern is arranged in a second region where reference power supply electrodes of the plurality of second holding capacitances are arrayed, and the first reference power supply pattern and the second reference power supply pattern are isolated in a region including the first region and the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ryoki, Toru Koizumi, Masanori Ogura
  • Patent number: 8369787
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of switching a channel under wireless network circumstances is provided, which can secure network resources by performing channel switching and channel bonding with an adjacent network if the network resources of the currently participating network are insufficient in performing wireless data communications. The apparatus includes a message analysis unit analyzing at least one received channel information message and confirming whether a channel corresponding to the channel information message and a channel adjacent to the channel are usable, a channel switching unit performing a channel switching with a usable target channel among the channels with reference to whether the confirmed channel and the adjacent channels are usable, in accordance with a result of determining whether network resources of a currently used channel are insufficient, and a channel bonding unit performing a channel bonding between the channel-switched target channel and the adjacent channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Joo Chung, Dae-Yong Sim
  • Patent number: 8363158
    Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit, a buffer unit, an image processing unit, a processing determining unit and a power control unit. The imaging unit has an imaging sensor converting a subject image into an electrical signal and generates an image data of a photographed image. The buffer unit has a terminating resistor and temporarily stores the image data. The image processing unit performs image processing on the image data. The processing determining unit determines whether or not high-speed processing requiring a high-speed data transfer is performed. The power control unit disables the terminating resistor of the buffer unit and sets a clock supplied to the buffer unit at low speed compared to a case in which the terminating resistor is enabled when the high-speed processing is not performed. As a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the imaging device supporting the high-speed processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kawano, Koji Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20130021522
    Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes an image-pickup element, a first wiring substrate where the image-pickup element is mounted, a second wiring substrate which is electrically connected with the first wiring substrate and a structure which has electrical conductivity. The first wiring substrate has a first wiring portion where a differential signal line is formed and a second wiring portion where a power-supply line is formed, a ground portion is formed on at least one surface of the first and second wiring portion which faces each other, the first wiring substrate is bended so that at least parts of the first and second wiring portion are overlapped with each other and the ground portion is located between the differential signal line and the power-supply line, and the bended first wiring substrate is arranged in the structure so that the second wiring portion is located between the first wiring portion and the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Motonari Yamada
  • Patent number: 8358371
    Abstract: The crane block camera system attaches onto a crane block in order to provide video footage of the area around the crane block. The system attaches onto the crane block and includes electrical generating means thereon. The video footage is transmitted wirelessly where it is received by a receiver and monitor located near the crane operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Keith Dickey
  • Publication number: 20130016279
    Abstract: A portable hand-held device is provided having components housed in a body. The components include a power supply, an image sensor for sensing images of a scene, a flash unit for illuminating the scene, a network interface for sharing images between the device and a network, and an integrated circuit processor. The processor has integrated circuit parts for respectively operating the other components and is configured so that the respective components and integrated circuit parts are powered by the power supply only during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8355071
    Abstract: An optical system of the present invention includes a storage unit which stores an operated position of an operation unit and a position of an optical member. When the power supply to the optical system terminates and then restarts, a control unit compares the stored operated position and the operated position detected by a first sensing unit upon restart. If they are different, the control unit controls a driving unit such that the position of the optical member detected by a second sensing unit can be a target position. If they are the same, the control unit controls the driving unit such that the position of the optical member detected by the second sensing unit can be the stored position of the optical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoaki Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8352755
    Abstract: A digital image system which transmits digital image data, and more particularly, to a digital image system in a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) format or a digital visual interface (DVI) format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Opticis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: TaeHoon Bae
  • Patent number: 8350958
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: plurality of control units configured to control an imaging function; a requesting unit configured to request execution of start-up processing of a plurality of the control units; a detecting unit configured to detect movement to be applied to a device main unit; and a start-up control unit configured to cause, upon the detecting unit detecting particular movement in a power-off state wherein the movement of the device main unit externally appears to be stopped, each of a plurality of the control units to start the start-up processing still in the power-off state, and upon execution of the start-up processing being requested from the requesting unit, cause a plurality of the control units to start reception of an imaging command according to the states of the start-up processing of a plurality of the control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Niizato
  • Publication number: 20130002897
    Abstract: An accessory is supplied with power from a camera, and includes an accessory control section that controls a process executed in the accessory in accordance with an image capture mode of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuharu IMAFUJI, Akihiro OZONE, Keiko TSUCHIYA, Izumi KUMAZAWA, Yasuyuki MOTOKI
  • Publication number: 20130002944
    Abstract: An accessory is an accessory supplied with power from a camera. The accessory includes an accumulation section that accumulates power, a receiving section that receives a control command, for instructing a charging operation on the accumulation section, from the camera, a charging section that charges the accumulation section with the power supplied from the camera in accordance with the control command, and an accessory control section that outputs, to the camera, a charging request that requests to output the control command from the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuharu IMAFUJI, Akihiro OZONE, Keiko TSUCHIYA, Izumi KUMAZAWA, Yasuyuki MOTOKI, Akihiro SUGIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130002943
    Abstract: An accessory is an accessary controlled by a camera. The accessory includes an information holding section that holds predetermined information by which the camera determines whether or not the accessary requests a supply of power consumed in the accessory to the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuharu IMAFUJI, Akihiro OZONE, Keiko TSUCHIYA, Izumi KUMAZAWA
  • Publication number: 20130002942
    Abstract: An accessory which is controlled by a control signal supplied from a camera, includes: a terminal section having a plurality of terminals located adjacent to each other in an array that extends in an array direction, the plurality of terminals including at least a power terminal to which power is supplied from the camera and a signal input terminal to which the control signal is input from the camera; and a ground portion corresponding to the power terminal. The power terminal is disposed at a first end of the array the signal input terminal is disposed near a second end of the array opposite the first end, and the ground portion is disposed in a position further away from the power terminal than is the signal input terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki MOTOKI, Akihiro OZONE, Akihiro SUGIYAMA, Kazuharu IMAFUJI
  • Patent number: 8345153
    Abstract: A camera system according to an embodiment includes a camera device, a control device, and an application server. The camera device, which includes a camera module and a power line communication (PLC) camera adaptation module, captures and provides audio/video information. The camera device modulates the audio/video information, and provides the modulated information. The camera device also demodulates the modulated signal transferred from a power line to obtain a control signal, and adjusts camera parameters according to the control signal. The control device is connected to the PLC camera adaptation module via the power line. The control device demodulates a received modulated signal of the audio/video information, and provides the demodulated signal. According to a received control indication information, the control device generates a control signal, modulates the control signal, and controls the camera module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: China Mobile Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Zhangzhe Liu, Congxing Ouyang, Han Li, Guanghai Zhang
  • Patent number: 8346915
    Abstract: A method of recording activity at a wireless device is provided. The method includes receiving a record command, determining a user activity at the wireless device, and determining available memory at the wireless device. The method further includes recording the user activity to create a device recording at least partially based on the user activity and the available memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jonathan K. Kies, Jee Y. Park, Giridhar D. Mandyam
  • Patent number: 8339509
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to enable reliable supply of oxygen which is necessary for a fuel cell to generate electric power, to the fuel cell. In a bottom surface of a casing of a camera, a tripod socket for mounting a tripod is disposed in the vicinity of the right end portion, and air orifices for linking the space inside a cell compartment for accommodating a fuel cell with the outside of the casing is disposed in the vicinity of the left end portion, respectively. As a result, even when the tripod is connected to the camera, the air orifices are not closed by the pan head of the tripod, oxygen (air) can be constantly supplied to the fuel cell accommodated inside the cell compartment, and the fuel cell can continuously generate a sufficient quantity of electricity. The present invention can be employed in a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Nishzawa, Takayuki Shirotani
  • Publication number: 20120320263
    Abstract: A battery assembly for providing a stable, quick release between an image recording apparatus and a structural support apparatus includes a housing defining a closed interior area for accommodating an energy cell. A threaded bore and a depression are defined in said housing, with the depression extending into the closed interior area. A mounting mechanism having a threaded post is provided for releasably engagaing with the depression such that an expansive mounting surface is provided when at least a portion of the mounting mechanism is engaged within the depression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: ANTON/BAUER, INC.
    Inventor: ALEXANDER P. DESORBO
  • Publication number: 20120320259
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus is provided that is capable of avoiding an image pickup device and control system devices thereof from being affected by heat generated by a wireless transmitter-receiver unit, whereby the control system devices can stably be operated, while avoiding the quality of photographed image from being deteriorated. In the image pickup apparatus, a power unit has an upper limit of guaranteed temperature higher than that of the image pickup device and higher than those of an image processing unit and a control unit which are the control system devices, and is mounted on a mounting surface of a board together with the image processing unit and the control unit. A wireless transmitter-receiver unit is disposed parallel to and facing the mounting surface of the board so as to cover the power unit mounted on the board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ayumu Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8330853
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that can reduce power consumption of the image pickup apparatus, and take high-definition moving images at high speed without bringing about decreases in recordable time and the number of still images taken. An image pickup processing unit is operated in a plurality of operation modes, and has an image pickup device and a plurality of processing units that process image pickup signals outputted from the image pickup device. An interval control circuit causes the image pickup processing unit to switch between a standby ON state and a standby OFF state in predetermined timing. A control signal is outputted to the interval control unit according to an operation mode of the image pickup processing unit. When the image pickup processing unit lies in a predetermined operation mode, a control signal for causing the interval control circuit to perform the switching is outputted to the interval control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Ise
  • Patent number: 8330854
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed digital electronic camera that is designed to operate both on land and underwater to great depths, and method of making same. The present invention is a camera which is hermetically sealed by being totally encapsulated, preferably by being cast in plastic, with no seals, holes, joints, penetrating pins, wires or other objects. Wireless means are used for communicating information, electrical power and control signals. The invention is impervious to atmospheric contamination and absolutely incapable of leaking under water to great depths and pressures. In an alternate embodiment camera optics are not encapsulated but are immersed in water when the encapsulated digital camera is placed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation International
    Inventor: Philip Kossin
  • Publication number: 20120293709
    Abstract: A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling power of the digital photographing apparatus so as to reduce power consumption of the digital photographing apparatus by analyzing image frames that are compressed and transmitted and then by determining a screen change in the image frames, when the digital photographing apparatus is remotely controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soon-hoon Hwang, Hyun-doc Seo
  • Patent number: 8306416
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a mount to which a lens unit is mountable, an imager operable to generate an image signal from light incident through the lens unit, a light-emitter operable to emit light, and an electric storage device operable to supply electric power to the light-emitter. The electric storage device is disposed behind the mount and below the imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20120274839
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an image capturing unit and a processor. The processor controls the image capturing unit to periodically capture an image in front of the electronic device, and analyzes the captured image to determine whether a user is using the electronic device, and further controls the electronic device to be in a working state if a user is using the electronic device. A method for controlling an electronic device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: QIANG YOU
  • Patent number: 8300142
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a power supply; a first voltage converter producing first and second voltages which are different from each other based on an output of the power supply and outputting them to first and second output systems, respectively; a second voltage converter producing the first voltage based on the second voltage and outputting the first voltage to a third output system; an imaging element operated by the first voltage; at least one circuit element operated by at least one of the first and second voltages; a sensitivity setting section setting an input sensitivity of the imaging element based on at least one of a user's operation and information of a photographic subject; and a power supply switching section switching to supply the first voltage of the first output system to the imaging element in the case where the input sensitivity is lower than a predetermined sensitivity and switching to supply the first voltage which is outputted from the third output system to the imaging element i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Konno
  • Publication number: 20120270600
    Abstract: This invention relates to a case for portable, handheld electronic devices such as those manufactured by Apple Inc., including the iPod touch, iPad and/or the iPhone, which case supplements the functional properties which are not present on a particular model of the portable, handheld electronic devices such as the iPod touch, iPad and/or the iPhone by providing an integrated speaker and/or microphone and/or at least one camera, in addition to providing the usual protective and/or cushioning aspects of an ordinary case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: STEVE TERRY ZELSON
  • Patent number: 8294792
    Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control to change power consumed by a lens unit or operation state of an actuator of the lens unit during processing of an image signal obtained from an image pickup element according to a noise tolerance of a camera and a set state of the camera, such as an ISO speed rating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Kawanami
  • Patent number: 8294804
    Abstract: A method of operating a camera is disclosed. A shutter button is pressed to trigger capturing an image. Subsequently, a display-related signal is prevented from transferring to a display panel at least for a duration during which image data are being read out of an image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ability Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Hsu Tsai, Chien-Fu Chen, Chih-Yuan Wang
  • Publication number: 20120262625
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a first controller operable to control image capturing; an operation section including a switch; a detector operable to detect a change to an image capturing mode and to send a signal representing the change; a second controller operable to monitor and process the sent signal, the second controller having a power consumption less than that of the first controller; and a power supply operable to supply power to the first controller, the second controller, and a functional section of the device. When the second controller receives the signal sent from the detecting section in a power saving state in which power is supplied from the power supply to the second controller, the power saving state is changed to a power supplying state capable of image capturing by supplying power from the power supply to portions of the device including the first controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8289442
    Abstract: In S104, it is determined whether an instruction has been input to drive a wiper serving as an optional member. If a wiper driving instruction has been input, the process shifts to S105 to perform wiper driving control. If no wiper driving instruction has been input, the process shifts to S106. In S106, it is determined whether the wiper is during driving. If the wiper is during driving, the process shifts to S107. If the wiper is not during driving, the process shifts to S113. In S107, it is determined whether information of the capacity of current suppliable from a television camera (2) to a television lens (1) has been output. Also in S107, the current capacity information is monitored. If no current capacity information has been output or the current capacity is small, the process shifts to S108 to stop driving control of a focus lens and zoom lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keisuke Hirai
  • Patent number: 8284303
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided which includes an image sensor including a plurality of photoelectric conversion units, an output unit configured to output a signal from the plurality of photoelectric conversion units, and a reading unit configured to read the signal from the plurality of photoelectric conversion units via the output unit, a display unit configured to display image data from the image sensor, and a control unit configured to control a first operation in which image data serially read from the image sensor is displayed by the display unit as a serial image and a second operation in which a still image is shot according to an instruction for picking up the still image while the first operation is being performed, and further configured to restrain/inhibit supplying power to the output unit at a predetermined timing during a time period in which the first operation is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Miyanari