For Specified Accessory Patents (Class 348/375)
  • Publication number: 20150042876
    Abstract: A holding structure for a display panel includes a case that has a substantially quadrangle-shaped opening, a plurality of elastic strips that is disposed to surround the periphery of the opening, the display panel that is disposed to close the opening via the plurality of the elastic strips, and a holding plate that is disposed to press the display panel against the plurality of the elastic strips. The case has recesses in parts of the periphery of the opening. The plurality of the elastic strips is disposed such that each strip has a part overlapping with the corresponding part of another strip, one on another. The overlapping parts of the plurality of the elastic strips are configured to fill at least a part of the respective recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Norihito KITAJIMA, Masami FUKUHARA
  • Patent number: 8953086
    Abstract: An image pickup device includes a placing section on which an image pickup element that receives light from an object is placed, a tilted surface section, which is provided on the placing section and is tilted with respect to the axis of light that enters the image pickup element, a direction specifying section, which specifies a moving direction so that the placing section moves parallel to the optical axis direction, a panel section having a surface perpendicular to the optical axis, and a rotating member, which is disposed between the tilted surface section and the panel section, and rotates and moves in the tilt direction of the tilted surface by being in contact with the tilted surface section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Takanori Mukai
  • Patent number: 8953013
    Abstract: This invention discloses an image pickup device and an image synthesis method thereof The image pickup device comprises an image-pickup module, an image-synthesis module, a database and a processing module. The image-pickup module captures a plurality of temporary images of a scene. The image-synthesis module extracts a part of each temporary image and combines the parts to form a panorama temporary image, and splits the panorama temporary image into a plurality of zone-areas according to at least one threshold value and a panorama luminosity histogram. The database stores a lookup table for recording a plurality of exposure values. The plurality of the exposure values correspond to luminance values of the zone-areas respectively. The processing module obtains the plurality of exposure values corresponding to the luminance values and obtains a weighting-exposure value by an equation, and controls the image-pickup module to capture the panorama image according to the weighting-exposure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventors: Hong-Long Chou, Chia-Chun Tseng, Chia-Yu Wu
  • Publication number: 20150036047
    Abstract: A camera accessory includes one or more kinematic sensor(s), such as accelerometer(s) and/or angular rate sensor(s), an actuator, and a coupling mechanism to adjust the orientation of a horizontal image plane of an image sensor of a digital video camera independent of the orientation of the camera housing of the digital video camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Derek Lee Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 8941773
    Abstract: A lens module includes a lens body; a lens holding member that movably holds the lens body along an optical axis of the lens body without tilting the optical axis; a displacement element that has a flat-plate shape of which one end edge on a side of the lens body along the optical axis is disposed as a free end and the free end is displaced to freely approach the lens body by applying a voltage; and a push-up member that is disposed on the free end of the displacement element and is inserted on one end surface side of the lens body, which is perpendicular to the optical axis, by the approach towards the lens body of the displacement element so as to push up the lens body in the optical axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Kamatani, Yoshihito Higashitsutsumi, Yoichiro Fujinaga, Junichi Muramoto, Shuji Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8942259
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention uses an abbreviated blanking period, in comparison to the standard VESA and CEA-EIA blanking periods, in order to send data, including low bandwidth, non-timing information, over one or more channels of the digital video link. By shortening the blanking period, the amount of time available for sending data in each scan line is increased, enabling the system to send more data over each channel. The inactive video portion of a scan line sent during vertical sync may also be used to send additional digital data. Shortening the blanking periods and/or using the inactive video sections of the horizontal scan lines adds to the overall data capacity of the link and may be used to send other digital data, such as multichannel audio, video, control, timing, closed captioning or other digital data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Pasqualino, Jeffrey S. Bauch, Stephen Petilli
  • Patent number: 8937682
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a focusing device comprising: a lens, a lens plate, an image sensor, an image sensor plate, at least two rotatable structures, and at least two strips, wherein the lens is connected to the lens plate, the image sensor is connected to the image sensor plate, wherein each strip is arranged to be wound onto one of the rotatable structures, respectively, the rotatable structures and the strips are arranged between the lens plate and the image sensor plate, the rotatable structures and/or the strips are arranged in contact with the lens plate and the image sensor plate, and wherein a distance between the lens and the image sensor is adjusted by winding the strips onto or off the rotatable structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventor: Jonas Hjelmstrom
  • Patent number: 8934023
    Abstract: A method for introducing controlled disturbance into a video being captured by a camera housed by an active stabilization system executing a stabilization process to stabilize a pointing angle of a camera housed by the active stabilization system in accordance with a commanded angle is provided. The method comprises acquiring a measurement associated with a movement of the active stabilization system, determining a noise value based on the acquired measurement, and injecting the noise value into the stabilization process causing the process to adjusting adjust the pointing angle of the camera in a direction away from the a commanded pointing angle of the camera using the noise value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Freefly Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Webb, John Ellison, Tabb Firchau
  • Publication number: 20150009402
    Abstract: The invention provides a prompting apparatus comprising a collapsible prompting box and a mounting and adjusting assembly. The prompting box includes two symmetrical opposite walls, a bottom frame, a bottom, a top frame and a cover, which jointly define a space for housing a two-way see-though mirror and the lens of the camera. The two symmetrical opposite walls can be folded inwardly when the mirror can be folded up to the top frame. The cover defines a space for a user to slide in a tablet device which runs a prompting software application. The pre-designed text is displayed on the tablet device's screen at a speed that the speaker feels comfortable to read. The mounting and adjusting assembly couples the prompting box with the camera. When the apparatus is not in use, the prompting box can be easily folded for carrying convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: PROMPTBOX INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: LINDA VITO
  • Patent number: 8928766
    Abstract: An anti-shake device furnished between a lens module and an image sensor. An optical path is defined along the lens module and image sensor. The anti-shake device comprises a base plate, at least one piezoelectric member and a circuit member. The base plate is located in the optical path and has a surface facing the lens module, wherein a first axial direction and a second axial direction are defined on the surface. The piezoelectric member is located on the base plate and contacts with the lens module. The circuit member located on the base plate comprises a control module for controlling the piezoelectric member to drive the lens module moving alone the first and second axial directions in order to adjust the deviation caused by shaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TDK Taiwan, Corp.
    Inventors: Chao Chang Hu, Shu Shan Chen
  • Patent number: 8928800
    Abstract: An imaging device comprises a lens barrel including an optical system that collects light from a predetermined viewing area and that defines an optical axis; an imaging unit that receives the light collected by the optical system and generates image data, the image data defining a main image that includes a determined sub area; a ring-shaped operation ring that is provided on an outer circumference of the lens barrel and that is manually rotatable about the optical axis of the optical system; and an area change unit that changes at least one of (A) a size of the determined sub area, or (B) a position of the determined sub area, responsive to a manual operation of the operation ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Kazunori Yuge, Tetsuya Takagi
  • Patent number: 8922710
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an external connector to which an external microphone may be connected, an operation member located on a surface of the imaging apparatus opposite a surface on which the external connector is located, a dial member located on a surface of the imaging apparatus different from the surface on which the external connector is located and the surface on which the operation member is located, in a state in which a side surface of the dial member is exposed, and a cover member capable of switching between an open state in which the operation member and the side surface of the dial member are exposed and a closed state in which the cover member covers the operation member and the side surface of the dial member. In the imaging apparatus, an operation on the dial member may be prevented by bringing the cover member into the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuya Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8922696
    Abstract: This portable terminal comprises a main unit having a microphone, a key operation unit, and a radio sending/receiving function of image and sound, a rotation axial unit having a video camera and an operation dial, an image display unit with a touch panel capable of displaying an image taken by the video camera, a received image and a screen for input operation, and a flip unit having the image display unit, a CCD camera, a speaker and an operation button. The rotation axial unit further includes an opening/shutting axis for connecting the main unit and the flip unit in a mutually rotatable way and a rotation axis for connecting the flip unit in a way of rotating the flip unit across the above rotation in the horizontal direction, and when the flip unit is opened and rotated across, it is used as a video camera with a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo Innovations Limited (Hong Kong)
    Inventors: Junichiro Shibata, Shuuji Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20140354879
    Abstract: A cover opening and closing apparatus of an electronic appliance is provided. The apparatus includes a body comprising a container-shaped housing with an open side configured to insert and remove at least one electronic component, a cover configured to open and close an opening of the housing, and a moving hinge hinged to the cover, received in the body, and movable. When the cover rotates over a threshold angle, the cover rotates on a rotation axis being a protrusion contacting the body and a hinge connector between the cover away from the rotation axis and the moving hinge moves out of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young-Wook SOHN, Seung-Soo CHUNG, Jong-Chul CHOI
  • Patent number: 8902355
    Abstract: This invention teaches a new generation of prompting system which allows an ordinary user to conveniently couple a LCD based prompting box to a video camera or a camcorder using a universal mounting and adjustment assembly by few steps which are as simple as loosening and fastening few fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Edmond Louis Dudkowski
  • Patent number: 8902352
    Abstract: A camera module has an image sensor and a lens assembly that includes a lens barrel having a first cylindrical portion that includes an externally threaded portion and a second cylindrical portion that has a larger diameter than the externally threaded portion. A lens moving mechanism includes a movable sleeve having internal threads that receive the externally threaded portion of the lens assembly. The lens moving mechanism is coupled to the image sensor such that the second cylindrical portion of the lens assembly is closest to the image sensor. The camera module is assembled by inserting the lens assembly into the lens moving mechanism from the side closest to the image sensor. An installation tool may engage the second cylindrical portion to rotate the lens assembly and engage the threaded portions. Features may be provided to retain the lens assembly in the lens moving mechanism before joining the threaded portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Stuart Brodie, Steven Webster, Terence N. Tam
  • Publication number: 20140340576
    Abstract: A digital camera is capable of performing wireless communication with an external device. The digital camera includes a camera body and a lens barrel assembly mounted to the camera body and comprising a plurality of barrels for accommodating a plurality of photographing lenses, wherein at least one of the plurality of barrels is used as an antenna barrel configured as an antenna for the wireless communication, wherein the antenna barrel is formed from a metal material and comprises at least one slit filled with a dielectric material, so that the antenna barrel emits radio waves to perform the antenna function, and wherein an outer casing of the camera body, which surrounds an outer surface of the antenna barrel, is formed from a metal material so as to operate as a ground of the antenna barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-jin KIM, Byung-chul KIM, Jong-ho PARK, Hyung-soo PARK, Young-ju LEE, Won-bin HONG
  • Patent number: 8891005
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a lens unit including a lens and an image sensor, a lens unit supporting unit for supporting the lens unit, a base unit for supporting the lens unit supporting unit in a manner that can tilt, a fixing base unit for supporting the base unit, a dome cover mounted to the fixing base unit, and an elastic member for elastically supporting the lens unit so that the lens unit can perform a retreat operation in an opposite direction from an object and along an optical axis direction of the lens unit when a force is applied thereto from the dome cover and even if the lens unit supporting unit leans in a tilt direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8878988
    Abstract: A glare blocking viewfinder device includes a shadow box with a lens at a first end and an attachment mechanism at a second end adapted to detachably mount the device on a monitor screen of a camera. This enables a user to observe an image-bearing surface of the screen by looking at the image-bearing surface through the lens. The lens has a predetermined focal length and the depth dimension of the shadow box is substantially equal to this focal length. The attachment mechanism upon mounting the device to the monitor screen provides a substantially rigid structure. The user presses his or her eye against the lens to view the monitor screen through the lens and shadow box and points the camera at a subject, keeping the camera on the subject by using the device as a viewfinder. The user holds the camera with one hand and the attached device with the other hand. The device is collapsible and conveniently fits into a pocket of the user when not being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: George Margolin
  • Patent number: 8878986
    Abstract: The water-proof casing provides a waterproof casing for protecting an electronic device. It comprises a housing that has an internal space, at least an opening that is positioned on a surface of the housing, and a cover portion that covers the opening. As the material for making the housing is stretchable, the house may has only a single opening that is stretched to allow an electronic device to pass through. The housing may enclose an electronic device, which enters the housing through the single opening. A flexible material is used to make the opening that is stretched when the electronic device enters the housing. The opening includes a skirt that is pressed against a surface of the cover portion so that the water-proof function of the present disclosure may be achieved. The casing may include a tube unit to accommodate lens of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ning Zou
  • Patent number: 8872967
    Abstract: An imaging unit includes an imaging device that transmits an image data to an external display device; and an installation portion that is attachable to and detachable from the display device. The imaging device includes a communication part that transmits an image data to the display device, an outer barrel, and an imaging element. The installation portion includes a slider that is slidable with respect to the outer barrel, a first attached body that is connected to the slider, a second attached body that can change its gap with the first attached body, and a biasing member that biases the first attached body and the second attached body in a direction in which a gap therebetween becomes narrowed, in which the display device is grasped by the first attached body and the second attached body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Okabe, Osamu Mizukami, Yuuji Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8872966
    Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes a connector, a first terminal resistor having a first resistance value, a second terminal resistor having a second resistance value which is smaller than the first resistance value, and a connection unit. The connection unit is configured (a) to disconnect the second terminal resistor from the connector if a time code signal is input to the connector, and (b) to connect the second terminal resistor to the connector if an external synchronization signal is input to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouji Horikawa
  • Patent number: 8861189
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a main body, an operating mechanism secured to the main body; and a camera mechanism. The main body defines an opening. The camera mechanism is capable of being received in the opening. The operating mechanism is operable to drive the camera mechanism protruding out of the opening, and allows the camera mechanism to be retracted into and received in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhou Chen
  • Patent number: 8856418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a receiving station (10) comprising a first physical connection port (20) intended for a first host equipment item and at least one second physical connection port (22) intended for at least one second host equipment item, detection means (24, 34) of host equipment connected to the ports, and the means (30) of automatic selection of combined use modes of the resources of the receiving station and/or connected host equipment, controlled by the detection means (24, 34). Application to handheld portable equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Fund 83 LLC
    Inventors: Olivier L. Seignol, Jean-Marie Vau, Olivier A. Furon, Jason R. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8842209
    Abstract: A zoom lens system, in order from an object side to an image side, comprising: a first lens unit having positive optical power; a second lens unit having negative optical power; a third lens unit having positive optical power; a fourth lens unit having positive optical power; and a fifth lens unit having negative optical power, wherein the first lens unit is composed of only optical elements having optical power, in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit at the time of image taking, at least the first lens unit is fixed with respect to an image surface, and the condition: 0.7<|M4G/M5G|<11.0 (M4G: an amount of movement of the fourth lens unit with respect to the image surface in zooming, M5G is an amount of movement of the fifth lens unit with respect to the image surface in zooming) is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Matsumura
  • Patent number: 8823872
    Abstract: An image pickup module includes a cover member, an image pickup device chip including photodiodes, a fixing member which is arranged around the image pickup device chip and which connects the cover member and the image pickup device chip together, a rewiring substrate arranged on the side opposite to the cover member of the image pickup device chip, connection members for connecting the image pickup device chip with the rewiring substrate, and a space surrounded by the cover member, the image pickup device chip, and the fixing member. The image pickup device chip includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes through-hole electrodes penetrating the substrate. When an area corresponding to the fixing member in the orthogonal projection of the image pickup module with respect to the cover module is defined as a fixed area, the through-hole electrodes and the connection members are arranged in the fixed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Tsuduki, Shin Hasegawa, Tadashi Kosaka, Yasuhiro Matsuki, Takanori Suzuki, Akiya Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8817170
    Abstract: This camera body includes an interchangeable lens detector, a lens information recognition component, a wireless communication component, and an output controller. The interchangeable lens detector detects whether or not the interchangeable lens is mounted to the camera body. The lens information recognition component recognizes lens information related to the interchangeable lens, according to the mounting state of the interchangeable lens. The wireless communication component performs wireless communication with the outside of the camera body. The output controller controls the output strength of the wireless communication component on the basis of the lens information in the information recognition component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Jin Korekuni
  • Patent number: 8817177
    Abstract: Provided are methods of controlling digital image processing apparatus, in which a communication method may be transitioned to burst communication when an amount of data for communication with an external device is great, digital image processing apparatuses to which the methods are applied, and communication systems including the digital image processing apparatuses. In the methods, according to a type or a state of an external device or an operating state of the digital image processing apparatus, when an amount of data to be transmitted is large, burst communication may be performed, and if the amount of data is not as large, single communication may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomonaga Yasuda
  • Patent number: 8817176
    Abstract: A camera positioning system includes a securing bracket fixed near a screen portion of a display screen, a belt, a shaft member rotatably connected to the securing bracket, and a spring member elastically connected between the shaft member and the securing bracket to provide an elastic force to make the shaft member automatically rotate. The belt is wound around the shaft member with an inner end fixed to the shaft member and an outer end extending out from the securing bracket to pass through the screen portion. A camera is removable secured to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Ming Yu
  • Patent number: 8817178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means for mounting a distance magnification device such as binoculars and a visual recording device such as a camera, simultaneously on a single recording device mount. The embodiment provides a means of configuring the distance magnification device and the visual recording device such that both may be trained on a common focal point. An example embodiment comprises a primary mounting means having a base and a substantially vertical, longitudinal member. A secondary vertical member is engaged with the primary mounting means and includes an interference means to engage the members along a longitudinal range of motion. The secondary vertical member includes a horizontal shaft including a knob at the proximal end and an engagement means at the distal end, providing engagement with a common fitting found on many binoculars. The secondary vertical member further comprises an engagement means for engaging with the visual recording device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Baker
  • Patent number: 8810655
    Abstract: A surveillance system for preventing the theft of clothing. In particular, a clothing rack includes a surveillance system and an indicator to warn customers that they are under surveillance. In one embodiment, the clothing rack includes an elongated hollow body adapted to support at least one hanger by its hook, at least one bore extending through a wall of the elongated hollow body to provide a filed of vision and an indicator. A camera is enclosed within the elongated hollow body of the clothing rack and positioned such that the camera lens is substantially aligned with the bore in the hollow rigid body. A surveillance monitor displays the views from the cameras and, in one embodiment, records such views.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Dwight McQueen
  • Patent number: 8810724
    Abstract: An image-pickup apparatus includes a speaker, a movable barrel having a lens, a fixed barrel where a cam groove engaging with a cam pin provided on the movable barrel and configured to drive the movable barrel is formed on its inner periphery and an exterior part where the fixed barrel is attachable. A sound space is formed by concaving an outer periphery of the fixed barrel, the speaker is arranged so as to cover the sound space, an opening connected with the sound space is formed on the exterior part, and a bottom part of the sound space is located closer to an optical axis of the lens than to the bottom part of the cam groove in the fixed barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Teruaki Ikezawa
  • Patent number: 8804032
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an image sensor module with a lens stack disposed on the image sensor module. A protective tube is disposed on the image sensor module and encloses the lens stack. The protective tube includes an outer wall having a snap-in latch element disposed thereon. A metal housing encloses the protective tube. The metal housing includes a housing foot and inner wall having an opposite snap-in latch element disposed thereon. The image sensor module is adapted to be secured between the housing foot of the metal housing and the protective tube when the opposite snap-in latch element of the metal housing is engaged with the snap-in latch element of the protective tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Ka Kei Leung, Wen Hua Lin
  • Patent number: 8801303
    Abstract: Herein describes, by example, a case structure that includes a first cover, a second cover and a first side frame. The second cover opposes the first cover. An internal space is formed between the first cover and the second cover. The first side frame is arranged between the first cover and the second cover. The first side frame has a reinforcing part and a strap holder part. The reinforcing part is arranged along each of a first side end part of the first cover and a second side end part of the second cover. The reinforcing part is connected to each of the first side end part and the second side end part. The strap holder part connects to an end part of the reinforcing part. The strap holder part is folded in an outward direction from the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 8804023
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display device which has a display unit on a main body, comprising a cover member that can be deformed into a first shape for covering the display unit and a second shape for forming a grip in order to solve the problems in the conventional cameras. The problem is such that the size of the camera becomes large by the size of the grip, which impairs portability of the camera because the conventional camera provides a fixed grip on the camera body on which a display unit with a large screen is mounted. In addition, another conventional camera has a space for accommodating the cover members within the grip, so that the size of the grip becomes accordingly large and thus the camera itself becomes large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Misawa
  • Patent number: 8792042
    Abstract: A vibrating device includes a dust-screening member and a vibrating member. The dust-screening member is disposed in front of an image surface of an image forming element having the image surface in which an optical image is generated. The dust-screening member has a box shape with about the same small plate thickness as a whole, and includes, in a bottom surface portion of the box shape, a transparent part which spreads from the center of the bottom surface portion. The vibrating member is disposed outside the transparent part of the dust-screening member. The vibrating member is configured to generate, in the bottom surface portion of the dust-screening member, vibration having a vibrational amplitude which is vertical to the bottom surface portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventor: Sumio Kawai
  • Patent number: 8786713
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus actively align a lens to a digital camera sensor. The lens includes a “floating” optical element. One or more test probes are temporarily electrically connected to electrical contacts, such as traces on a flexible printed circuit, of the lens. Motor control signals are injected via the test probes and the electrical contacts, so as to move the floating optical element to a predetermined position and maintain that position during the active alignment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Automation Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Tamasanis
  • Patent number: 8786773
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Iyoda, Yasuo Yokota, Miyoko Irikiin, Tomonori Mizutani, Yasuhiro Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8786763
    Abstract: A device for transporting an optical element so that inclination of the optical element is substantially prevented to more precisely control the position of the optical element, including: a base; a transporting member that supports the optical element and is movably disposed along a predetermined direction with respect to the base; a magnet extending from the base along a movement direction of the transporting member; a coil that is coupled to the transporting member and generates a magnetic field when an electrical signal is applied thereto; and a magnetic substrate that is disposed on the transporting member and applies a force to the transporting member toward the magnet due an action of a magnetic force between the magnet and the magnetic substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-jae Hwang, Kwang-seok Byon, Hyoung-wook Cho
  • Patent number: 8780161
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method of modifying an image in a video that includes the step of capturing a visible light image of an area, where the visible light image captured at a first frame rate. The method in addition includes the step of capturing a corresponding infrared light image of an area, the infrared light image being captured when the area is illuminated with an infrared light source, the infrared light image captured at the substantially the same frame rate as the visible light image. Based on the infrared light image, at least a subset of the human perceptible characteristics of the captured visible light image are modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ramin Samadani, Chen Wu
  • Patent number: 8773571
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to photography, including both still photography and video photography. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a lens system that includes a lens, a fitting mountable to a camera, and a flexible body extending between the lens and the fitting. The fitting can be the sole support for the body relative to the camera. The body can be configured to position the lens among at least two operative positions relative to the camera when the fitting is mounted to the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lensbaby, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Strong
  • Publication number: 20140184904
    Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device, such as a notebook computer or laptop, that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which includes any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of the electronic device may include means for establishing a first electrical connection between a first base and a lid portion; and means for establishing a second electrical connection between a second base and the lid portion. The lid portion is removably coupled to a selected one of the first base and the second base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Hue Lam, George Daskalakis, Kimi Jensen, Ky Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8767080
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, or method is provided for imaging and for capturing visuals to provide image manipulation options for increasing resolution of subject images. A system, apparatus or method for increasing resolution of subject images using a camera to deliver unexposed photographic emulsion or a digital image and to generate images of greater resolution by modifying digital images or modifying digital and emulsion images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Cedar Crest Partners Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Mowry
  • Patent number: 8754981
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus capable of reducing increase in the temperature of a supporting device coupling section is provided. The imaging apparatus includes a supporting device fixing portion having a screw hole to which a supporting device can be coupled, a supporting device receiving portion which has an exposed surface formed around the entrance of the screw hole and is configured to receive the supporting device, and an exterior section having an outer surface formed around an opening. The supporting device fixing portion and the supporting device receiving portion are formed as separate portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Iyoda, Yoshikazu Yamano, Shinya Ogasawara, Tomonori Mizutani, Yasuhiro Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20140160349
    Abstract: An accessory of an electronic imaging device is disclosed. The structure includes an electronic imaging device and a sliding seat. The electronic imaging device has a housing. A sliding slot provided in one side of the housing, and a locking element is disposed in the sliding slot. The sliding seat includes a base and a slider located in one side of the base. A junction part is disposed in another side of the base. The slider slips into the sliding slot, and the locking element fixes the slider in the sliding slot for combining the electronic imaging device with the sliding seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng HUANG, Mei-Yi TSAI
  • Patent number: 8746993
    Abstract: A system for mounting a camera to an arm is disclosed. Specifically, the system can comprise a bracket system capable of supporting a camera; and an arm mount, wherein the bracket system connects to the arm mount. The system can also comprise a hinge system that mounts bracket system to arm mount. The hinge system can comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can connect to the bracket system, and the second portion can connect to the arm mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Brent Wayne Sherwood
  • Patent number: 8730388
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Calvin Osborn
  • Patent number: 8724019
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a base member, a cover member that is pivotably attached to the base member, a shaft member that is configured to be inserted into the cover member and the base member after the cover member is attached to the base member, and an exterior member that is configured to be attached to the base member after the shaft member is inserted into the cover member and the base member. A recessed portion is formed on the base member. The exterior member is configured to cover the recessed portion, and the shaft member, the cover member, the base member, and the exterior member are configured to be assembled together by inserting the shaft member into the cover member and the base member, then fitting one end of the shaft member into the recessed portion, and then attaching the exterior member to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuya Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8724304
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display having a flexible substrate with fastened bent edges. The flexible substrate may have an active region that includes an array of light-emitting elements such as organic light-emitting diodes. The flexible substrate may also have inactive regions that lie outside of the active region. The bent edges may include portions of the inactive regions and portions of the active region. The bent edges may be wrapped to conform to the shape of an internal support structure. The bent edges may be fastened to the support structure with fastening members that attach a housing member or an internal clamp to the support structure. The bent edges may be secured between the housing member or the internal clamp and the support structure. The fastening members may be engaged in openings in the support structure and may pass through or alongside the bent edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John Raff, Scott A. Myers, Christopher Stringer
  • Patent number: 8720846
    Abstract: A safety strap for securing flat panel displays to a support structure to prevent the flat panel display from tipping forward or side-to-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Milestone AV Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James G. Wohlford, Jason Schmidt