Power Supply Patents (Class 348/372)
  • Patent number: 8284302
    Abstract: A video camera includes a processor that is operable to obtain a capacity value of a battery by communicating over a communications line with a battery pack that contains the battery and which provides power to the video camera. The capacity value indicates a number of cell structures in the battery. The processor is also operable to set a correction value based on the capacity value, to correct a low power warning voltage value by subtracting the correction value from the low power warning voltage value, to generate a low power warning when a detected battery voltage is less than or equal to the corrected low power warning voltage value, and to generate a residual power indication when the detected battery voltage is greater than the corrected low power warning voltage value. A display is operable to display the low power warning or the residual power indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinari Higuchi, Satoshi Ebato, Shinji Ieki
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8279331
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus is provided that includes a fuel cell device, an image pickup device, a temperature sensor, and a system controller. The electronic apparatus is mobile and may be held in a user's hand while being operated. The fuel cell device controls generation of electrical power. The image pickup device is position relative to the fuel cell device and converts an image into an image pickup signal. The temperature sensor obtains a temperature from the image pickup device. The system controller configured to control operation of the fuel cell device based on the temperature from the image pickup device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hosoe
  • Patent number: 8279332
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a fuel cell device, an image pickup device, a lens unit, a temperature sensor, and a system controller. The electronic apparatus is mobile and held in a user's hand while being operated. The fuel cell device controls electrical power generation. The image pickup device is positioned relative to the fuel cell device and converts an image into an image pickup signal. The lens unit provides the image to the image pickup device. The temperature sensor obtains a temperature from the lens unit. The system controller controls operation of the fuel cell device based on the temperature. A secondary battery stores electrical power generated by the fuel cell device. When the temperature exceeds a reference temperature and a remaining power level in the secondary battery is equal to a reference power level, the system controller halts a moving supply of fuel to the fuel cell device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hosoe
  • Patent number: 8279330
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus able to reliably detect a power supply abnormality even in an arrangement in which power supplies are managed by using a communication unit of single system. The image pickup apparatus includes a recording unit for writing image data onto a recording medium, and a power supply control unit for selecting and executing either a monitoring operation to monitor a state of a power supply for a camera main unit or a communication operation to communicate with a power supply for an accessory unit. The power supply control unit selects and executes the monitoring operation while the recording unit is performing an image data writing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhito Takaki
  • Publication number: 20120242892
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a fuel cell device, an image pickup device, a lens unit, a temperature sensor, and a system controller. The electronic apparatus is mobile and held in a user's hand while being operated. The fuel cell device controls electrical power generation. The image pickup device is positioned relative to the fuel cell device and converts an image into an image pickup signal. The lens unit provides the image to the image pickup device. The temperature sensor obtains a temperature from the lens unit. The system controller controls operation of the fuel cell device based on the temperature. A secondary battery stores electrical power generated by the fuel cell device. When the temperature exceeds a reference temperature and a remaining power level in the secondary battery is equal to a reference power level, the system controller halts a moving supply of fuel to the fuel cell device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hosoe
  • Publication number: 20120229661
    Abstract: Conventional apparatuses did not pay enough attention to assisting operations when the user is in a state differing from the normal, state. Therefore, provided is a photography lens that comprises a first biometric detection apparatus that is capable of detecting change in biometric information of a photographer, or a photographing apparatus that captures an image and comprises a holding section, an operating section for performing an image capturing operation, and a second biometric detection apparatus that is capable of detecting change in biometric information of a photographer and that is disposed in at least one of the holding section and the operating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masakazu SEKIGUCHI, Toshiaki MAEDA, Toshikazu MORIKAWA, Hisashi SANO, Misa KAWAMURA
  • Patent number: 8259221
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a digital camera configured to be powered by rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. The digital camera includes one or more rechargeable NiMH batteries, and first internal circuitry configured to receive power from a universal serial bus (USB) port associated with an external power source and to charge the rechargeable NiMH batteries without removing the rechargeable NiMH batteries from the digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Kaplan, John Louis Warpakowski Furlan, Paul Raymond Schaefer, Edward Vernon Bacho, Joseph Yao Hua Chu, Robert Lin, Richard Tobais Inman, William Orner
  • Publication number: 20120200762
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor; an image obtainer that obtains a plurality of images from the image sensor; a posture detector that obtains posture information of the imaging apparatus; a posture information accumulating buffer that accumulates the posture information obtained by the posture detector; and a power saving mode setter that activates and deactivates a power saving mode in which power consumption is suppressed, wherein the power saving mode setter determines to activate and deactivate the power saving mode based on the accumulated posture information in the posture information accumulating buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Akira Nakano
  • Patent number: 8239783
    Abstract: A user interface can display active and passive content. For example, a camera viewfinder image can be displayed on a screen, as part of a strip, concatenated with one or more other images, for example, images that were previously taken with the camera. A user can cause the viewfinder image and the other images to move together across the screen. This can allow a user to easily examine the other images and the viewfinder image without, for example, switching between different screens in a user interface. Media captured with a device can be associated with a media category by positioning a user interface element near one or more other elements associated with the category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Cheng-Yao Fong, Donald Allen Barnett
  • Publication number: 20120188406
    Abstract: There are provided systems and techniques for reducing power consumption in video image capture devices. In particular, in some embodiments, a computing system is provided that includes an image capture device and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) filter coupled to the image capture device. The ASIC filter includes an averaging circuit configured to provide an output representing an average value of a first set of values of a pixel grouping and an outlier determining circuit configured to determine if a value of a target pixel is outside a range of values for first set of values of the pixel grouping. A multiplexer is provided and configured to replace the value of the target pixel with the average value if the value of the target pixel is determined to be an outlier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Craig Hyatt
  • Patent number: 8223263
    Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 133 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 133 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein the microcomputer 110 controls so that, when the live view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and setting information on the digital camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, in accordance with the manipulation of the manipulation portion 140. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Kenichi Honjo, Naoto Yumiki, Toshio Makabe, Kenji Maeda, Kaoru Mokunaka, Kazuhiko Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 8223262
    Abstract: One embodiment sets forth a method for modifying video content stored on a hand-held digital video camera (DVC). The method includes transmitting video data to a computer system to which the hand-held DVC is coupled via a data connector, receiving a request for a set of instructions related to a processing operation being performed on the computer system and involving the video data, transmitting the set of instructions to the computer system via the data connector. The method also includes drawing power from the computer system via the data connector and charging at least in part a battery associated with the hand-held DVC with the power drawn from the computer system, where the hand-held DVC remains coupled to the computer system via the data connector for the steps of transmitting, receiving, drawing and charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Kaplan, John Louis Warpakowski Furlan, Ariel Braunstein, Simon Fleming-Wood, Greg Allen Cummings, Eric Allan MacIntosh, Maarten Dinger
  • Patent number: 8218071
    Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 133 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 133 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein the microcomputer 110 controls so that, when the live view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and setting information on the digital camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, in accordance with the manipulation of the manipulation portion 140. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Kenichi Honjo, Naoto Yumiki, Toshio Makabe, Kenji Maeda, Kaoru Mokunaka, Kazuhiko Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 8218074
    Abstract: A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device is embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing, such that the imaging device is able to capture an image of a viewing area proximate to the distal end of the flexible cable. One or more light sources also protrude from the outwardly facing end of the cylindrical imager housing along a perimeter of the imaging device such that the imaging device is recessed between the light sources. A display housing is coupled to the other end of the flexible cable and configured to be grasped by a user of the device. A display device supported by the display housing receives a video signal from the imaging device and converts the video signal to a video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Perceptron, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Pease, Al Boehnlein, Tye Newman, Paul J. Eckhoff
  • Patent number: 8218070
    Abstract: An image pick-up apparatus comprising an area sensor in which detecting elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a substrate, and a reference supply circuit, for supplying a reference voltage to the detecting elements, which comprises a regulator for regulating the reference voltage. A low-pass filter is arranged between the regulator and the detecting elements. The reference voltage is supplied through the low-pass filter from the reference supply circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Kameshima
  • Publication number: 20120169918
    Abstract: A box-type camera housing having a four-piece structure which allows an external interface connector to be provided in an arbitrary face among five faces except a front face is configured by a lens mount, a board mount frame, a tri-face cover, and a connector metal bracket attached with an external interface connector. In addition, the camera functions are integrated by containing, in an imaging chamber in the camera housing, a control board for controlling a sensor substrate and a power supply board for controlling supply of an operation power for the sensor board and control board, in addition to a sensor board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TELI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoshi Hasegawa, Shuji Honma, Sayaka Asami, Masayoshi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Harada
  • Publication number: 20120147193
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a digital imaging subsystem with a lens having an optical axis. A case encloses and supports the digital imaging subsystem in a first defined positional relationship to the case. A removable panel is coupled to the case and held in a second defined positional relationship to the case that covers the digital imaging subsystem without the removable panel being directly connected to the digital imaging subsystem. An optical component is supported by the removable panel such that the optical component is aligned with the optical axis and alters optical characteristics of the digital imaging subsystem. The device may include a power supply and an electronic control system coupled to the digital imaging subsystem and the power supply enclosed in and supported by the case. Electrical connectors may couple the power supply and the electronic control system to an electrical component on the removable panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: APPLE INC
    Inventor: Richard Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120147256
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a computer or a printer, and a power save mode changeover unit that changes over a power save mode to either an ON or an OFF state according to the operational state of the electronic camera, if the power save mode is changed over to ON by the power save mode changeover unit, the wireless communication unit stops its operation when radio waves are not being transmitted, and if the power save mode is changed over to OFF, the wireless communication unit operates in a standby state when radio waves are not being transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya UMEYAMA, Keiichi HIROSE
  • Publication number: 20120140112
    Abstract: An imaging device includes measures to prevent it from becoming unusable due to battery discharge or no storage in the storage medium. The device includes a battery charge function and a data transfer function. After detecting the charge amount remaining in the battery and the remaining storage capacity in the storage medium, the order of priority for performing battery charge and data transfer is set. The imaging device is switched between the battery charge function and the data transfer function based on the set priority order. The battery charge is executed in accordance with the detected remaining charge and the data transfer in accordance with the detected remaining storage capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shuichiro MATSUSHIMA
  • Patent number: 8194149
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating image maps. Some embodiments include a method comprising the steps of: capturing a first image illuminated by natural light and capturing a second image illuminated by infrared light. The second image may be captured at the same time as the first image. The R, G, and B values for each pixel in the first image may be determined. The intensity for each pixel in the first image may be calculated. An IR intensity for each pixel in the second image may be calculated. A depth value may then be estimated for each pixel using the ratio of the IR intensity and the intensity of corresponding pixels in the first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Thomas, Indu Mahadevan
  • Patent number: 8194154
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable video magnifying apparatus. The video magnifying apparatus of the present invention comprises a main frame; a short distance image detecting part which is pivotably disposed at the main frame so as to allow proximity photographing with respect to a subject on a right under surface of the short distance image detecting part or therearound; a long distance image detecting part which is provided with a long distance photographing lens for photographing a long distance subject and which is disposed at the main frame; and a display part which outputs one out of the short distance image, the long distance image and an image input through an external portion, which is selected by a user. Therefore, it is possible to help the weak-sighted or aged person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Hims International Corporation
    Inventors: Yang Taik Yoon, Kyeong Seon Choi, Il Hyung Kim, Wock Lyul Lee
  • Patent number: 8194179
    Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic immediate imaging system. The electronic immediate imaging system includes an image capturing module and a display module. The image capturing module includes an image capturing/processing unit, a multiplexer, and an image converting/transmitting unit. The image capturing/processing unit is used for capturing an image to generate a first image signal related to the image. The multiplexer is coupled to the image capturing/processing unit and for receiving and converting the first image signal to a second image signal. The image converting/transmitting unit, coupled to the multiplexer, is for converting the second image signal to a third image signal and transmitting the third image signal out. The display module includes a first image receiver and a display unit. The first image receiver is coupled to the image converting/transmitting unit and for receiving the third image signal. The display unit is used for displaying the image according to the third image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Min Chao
  • Patent number: 8194180
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an optical system including a focus lens, a driver configured to drive the focus lens, a controller configured to control a supply of power to the driver, and a setting unit configured to set a power supply mode for specifying a method of supplying power to the driver. When a predetermined power supply mode is set, the controller determines according to a magnitude of a depth of field of the optical system during whether holding power for holding the state of the focus lens is supplied to the driver when the focus lens is stopped, and controls the supply of the holding power to the driver according to the result of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Shibuno, Takahiro Ikeda, Hiroyuki Kawahara, Takashi Abe
  • Publication number: 20120120306
    Abstract: A method is performed in a power sourcing device (PSD). The method includes, for each of a plurality of powered devices (PDs) configured to time-varyingly draw power from the PSD, (a) receiving a set of power requirements for that PD, (b) assigning a set of amounts of power to be allocated to that PD, each assigned amount respectively indicating an assigned power allocation to that PD at a different time slot, and (c) during each time slot, providing an amount of power to that PD in accordance with the assigned amount. The set of power requirements includes (1) a plurality of different amounts of power to be drawn by the PD, each different amount of power being associated with an operational mode in which the PD can operate and (2) a policy indicating which operational mode the PD should operate in at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick R. Schindler, Daniel Biederman
  • Patent number: 8175659
    Abstract: A mobile terminal device includes a wireless communication interface and a wired communication interface. The device further includes a wired communication determination unit configured to determine whether or not communication with a network by the wired communication interface, an external power source supply unit configured so as to be supplied power from the outside for charge or replacement of a built-in battery, a power supply state detection unit configured to detect that a state, in which power is supplied from the outside to the external power source supply unit, is attained, and a control unit configured to set a state in which the wireless communication interface is available regardless a determination result of the wired communication determination unit after the power supply state detection unit detects the state in which the power is supplied from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Toyoda, Takahisa Endo
  • Patent number: 8159601
    Abstract: A sequential shooting controller includes both high and low load drive modes, and first and second power-voltage detectors. The high/low load drive modes drive a device under high/low loads. The first power-voltage detector detects a power-voltage by connecting a load. The second power-voltage detector detects the voltage across the device. The first power-voltage detector is actuated at the beginning of sequential shooting before a first image capturing operation starts. The high load image capturing operation starts when the voltage detected by the first power-voltage detector is higher than a first threshold. The low load image capturing operation starts when the voltage detected by the first power-voltage detector is lower than the first threshold. The second power-voltage detector is driven during a high load image capturing operation. The second power-voltage detector is disabled during a low load image capturing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kakiuchi, Yutaka Ohsawa, Shigeru Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8159569
    Abstract: A method for processing an image abnormality caused by power supply is provided, which is used in a digital image-capturing apparatus. The method can be described as follows. First, power of the digital image-capturing apparatus is turned on. Next, a line data of an image being captured is started to be transmitted, wherein the line data has a dummy pixel region and an effective pixel region, and the dummy pixel region is first transmitted, and then a plurality of pixel data of the effective pixel region is transmitted. Next, a horizontal driving current to be input to a horizontal driver is processed, so that the horizontal driving current substantially approaches a stable state before the effective pixel region is output. Finally, the above steps are repeated for continually transmitting a next line data of the image being captured until the image of the digital image-capturing apparatus is completely transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Min-Hui Hung, Chung-Chih Luo
  • Patent number: 8154651
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image recording apparatus capable of preventing maloperations when entering into sleep mode. The image recording apparatus comprises a display module, a detecting unit, a power supply unit, a first switch, a second switch and a control unit having an interrupt unit. The control unit controls the first switch in an on-state to supply power to the display module and the detecting unit and executes a corresponding operation. After an idle status of the image recording apparatus exceeds a predetermined time, the control unit disables the interrupt unit and controls the second switch in an on-state and the first switch in an off-state to supply power to the detecting unit via the second switch. After a default time, the control unit enables the interrupt unit, therefore, maloperations when entering into the sleep mode can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-chao Chen, Jung-ching Wang
  • Patent number: 8149311
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor includes a unit pixel including controlled by a high voltage; a reference high voltage generator for generating a reference high voltage; and a high voltage output unit for generating the high voltage by using the reference high voltage as an operating voltage to thereby output the high voltage to the unit pixel, wherein a level of the high voltage is stably maintained regardless of a variations of the reference high voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures II LLC
    Inventor: Seong-Han Yu
  • Patent number: 8144201
    Abstract: This invention discloses a portable computer capable of performing a digital photo frame function under a main-power-off state. The portable computer includes a base, a display device, an image capturing device, an image capturing switch, and a processor. The display device includes a frame pivotally connected to the base. The image capturing device and the image capturing switch are disposed at the frame. The image capturing switch is operated to output a first request signal to the processor. In response to the first request signal, the processor drive the image capturing device to capture a first image under the main-power-off state, and the processor instantly displays the first image on the display device under the main-power-off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-chi Lee, Ching-sung Yeh
  • Patent number: 8139134
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor includes a unit pixel including controlled by a high voltage; a reference high voltage generator for generating a reference high voltage; and a high voltage output unit for generating the high voltage by using the reference high voltage as an operating voltage to thereby output the high voltage to the unit pixel, wherein a level of the high voltage is stably maintained regardless of a variations of the reference high voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures II LLC
    Inventor: Seong-Han Yu
  • Patent number: 8139106
    Abstract: Provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images, and a recording unit which records at least one of an image group including one or more of the images captured during a predetermined period among a period of a time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit or an image group including one or more of the images picked at predetermined time intervals among the period of the time-lapse capturing performed by the time-lapse imaging unit. Thus, data generated in time-lapse photography are managed favorably in a microscope apparatus provided with a time-lapse imaging unit which repeatedly captures a specimen at predetermined time intervals and generates a plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Maiya
  • Publication number: 20120062780
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first image capturing unit that captures first image data through a first optical system, a second image capturing unit that captures second image data through a second optical system, and a mode switching unit that switches between a normal mode and a power saving and speedy capturing mode that has a lower consumed power than the normal mode. In a case of operating in the power saving and speedy capturing mode, an operation stopping unit stops the first image capturing unit and the control unit captures an image by use of the second image capturing unit. A battery remaining amount can also be detected. In a case the battery remaining amount is less than a threshold value, a display mode switching unit switches from first display mode displaying a monitored image of first image data to a second display mode displaying a monitored image of second image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Taijiro MORIHISA
  • Patent number: 8120699
    Abstract: A digital camera capable of setting a special shooting mode for shooting a plurality of images to be synthesized to form one image and comprises an imaging device, a strobe device, a storage unit temporarily storing at least one image shot by the imaging device, a shooting control circuit, an electrical battery serving as a power source, and a power source control circuit. The power source control circuit comprises a charge control unit charging the strobe device in a state where a temporary OFF mode is set, which stops electrical power supply to the imaging device, the storage unit and the shooting control circuit in the case that a strobe shooting is conducted, and the charge control unit charges the strobe device without the temporary OFF mode being set in the case that the strobe shooting is conducted in a state where the special shooting mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Miyata
  • Patent number: 8120700
    Abstract: An image sensor may have a power supply voltage regulator controlled by a feedback loop. The feedback signal may be derived by applying the supply voltage at a point distant from the voltage regulator to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which may be a spare channel of an ADC provided for the output of the pixel array. The digital feedback loop may be controlled via a chip I2C bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: Justin Richardson
  • Patent number: 8115862
    Abstract: An electronic camera comprises a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with a computer or a printer, and a power save mode changeover unit that changes over a power save mode to either an ON or an OFF state according to the operational state of the electronic camera, if the power save mode is changed over to ON by the power save mode changeover unit, the wireless communication unit stops its operation when radio waves are not being transmitted, and if the power save mode is changed over to OFF, the wireless communication unit operates in a standby state when radio waves are not being transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Umeyama, Keiichi Hirose
  • Patent number: 8111323
    Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 133 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 133 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein the microcomputer 110 controls so that, when the live view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and setting information on the digital camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, in accordance with the manipulation of the manipulation portion 140. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueda, Kenichi Honjo, Naoto Yumiki, Toshio Makabe, Kenji Maeda, Kaoru Mokunaka, Kazuhiko Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 8102438
    Abstract: An imaging device of the present invention includes a solid-state image sensing device; a vertical transfer drive circuit for feeding a subpulse to the solid-state image sensing device; and a control circuit, and repeats a series of photographing operations in a cycle same as or longer than a period during which the series of photographing operations are performed, the series of photographing operations including an exposure operation for exposing an imaging area after the subpulse is fed to the solid-state image sensing device to sweep out electric charges accumulated in pixels. The control circuit stops the subpulse from being fed from the vertical transfer drive circuit to the solid-state image sensing device during a period during which the exposure operation included in the series of photographing operations is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kido
  • Patent number: 8102466
    Abstract: An imaging device capable of preventing the imaging device from becoming unusable due to the battery running out or a lack of storage capacity in the storage medium, by performing battery charge and data transfer in a limited period of time. The imaging device includes a battery charge function for charging a battery and a data transfer function for transferring data recorded in a storage medium to an external apparatus. An amount of charge remaining in the battery is detected. A remaining storage capacity available for recording data in -the storage medium is detected. An order of priority for performing battery charge and data transfer is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuichiro Matsushima
  • Publication number: 20120013790
    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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Yao-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 8098324
    Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit configured to execute processing to capture image data, a global positioning system (GPS) device configured to execute position calculation processing based on data received from a satellite, and a main controller configured to measure an imaging frequency of the imaging unit, to determine or update a control parameter as a condition for a transition of an operation state of the GPS device based on the measured imaging frequency, and to cause a transition of the operation state of the GPS device based on the determined or updated control parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Ueno, Hitoshi Mitani, Baiping Liao
  • Patent number: 8094226
    Abstract: A solid-state image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged; a driving circuit for driving each pixel of the pixel array; and a power supply circuit for stepping down an external source voltage supplied from an external power source to generate a pixel source voltage to be supplied to each pixel of the pixel array, where the power supply circuit includes a driver transistor for generating a pixel source voltage from the external source voltage and the driver transistor is operative in a saturated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Hattori, Kiyoshige Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8089552
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is provided backward an imaging device. A temperature of the imaging device is always detected when a through image is displayed and result of measurement is output to an MPU. The MPU compares a temperature t input from the temperature sensor with a predetermined threshold value tc. When the temperature t of the imaging device becomes a value equal or higher than the predetermined threshold value tc, a warning display continues for a predetermined time, for example 15 seconds and then the through image on the backside liquid crystal display is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20110317064
    Abstract: A remote inspection device is disclosed. The device has an imager housing with an imager device, a grip housing, a cable connecting the imager and grip housings, a display housing removably attached to the grip housing, and a power tool battery pack removably attached to the grip housing. The display housing includes a battery and a display for showing images generated by the imager device. The battery may be charged by the power tool battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Fred S. Watts, Andrzej R. Wojcicki, James P. Bascom, Christine H. Potter, Francis C. Ng
  • Patent number: 8085342
    Abstract: A miniaturized camera which is programmable and provides low power consumption. An active pixel image sensor used in the highly miniaturized camera provides improved imaging functionality as well as reduced power consumption, extending the possible life time of the camera system. The spread spectrum nature of transmission and reception improves data integrity as well as data security. The ability of the highly miniaturized wireless camera to receive commands as well as transmit image data provides improved functionality and a variable rate of power consumption to be set according to the application and needs of the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Martin J. Agan, Eric R. Fossum, Bob H. Nixon, Brita H. Olson, Bedabrata Pain, Chris Pasqualino, Ed H. Satorius, Tim J. Shaw, Gary L. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8085310
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus is separably connected to a display device. The display device has a remote power supply control function of activating or deactivating the image capturing apparatus via a circuit. The image capturing apparatus activates the image capturing apparatus when a power supply button arranged on the image capturing apparatus is operated by the user, causes the display device to activate the power supply by remote control, causes the display device to deactivate the image capturing apparatus by remote control, and switches between inhibiting power supply deactivation and permitting power supply deactivation depending on whether the power supply is activated by a direct power supply activation unit or by a remote power supply activation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8085341
    Abstract: A digital camera has a battery that supplies electric power, a battery level detector, a time detector, a remaining voltage calculator, and a boot controller. When the digital camera is turned off, the battery level detector detects a remaining voltage level of the battery. When the digital camera is turned on, the time detector detects an elapsed time from the last electric power OFF operation to the current electric power ON operation, namely, a time period in which the camera is in the OFF state. Further, when the digital camera is turned on, the remaining voltage calculator calculates a remaining voltage-level of the battery on the basis of the detected elapsed time, the last detected remaining voltage level, and the discharge characteristic of the battery. Then, the boot controller allows the digital camera to boot if the calculated remaining voltage level is larger than a limited voltage necessary to boot the digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhito Taneoka
  • Patent number: 8085340
    Abstract: A camera is disclosed, which has a simple structure and capable of detecting a flash light amount at high accuracy. The camera comprises a camera body unit, a exterior unit fixed to the camera body unit, a flash unit provided on the exterior unit, a first light-leading member which has a flexibility and is used for leading light from the flash unit, and a light-receiving element receiving light that has passed through the first light-leading member. Both the first light-leading member and the light-receiving element are fixed to the exterior unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Aikawa
  • Publication number: 20110298967
    Abstract: A processor-implemented method, system and computer readable medium for intelligently controlling the power level of an electronic device in a multimedia system based on user intent, is provided. The method includes receiving data relating to a first user interaction with a device in a multimedia system. The method includes determining if the first user interaction corresponds to a user's intent to interact with the device. The method then includes setting a power level for the device based on the first user interaction. The method further includes receiving data relating to a second user interaction with the device. The method then includes altering the power level of the device based on the second user interaction to activate the device for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Clavin, John Tardif