Portable Or Hand-held Patents (Class 348/376)
  • Patent number: 7821538
    Abstract: A method of operating a handheld camera comprises sensing an image via an image sensor, controlling the sensing of the image via a camera manager, manipulating the image via an image processing manager, and controlling printing of the manipulated image via a print manager. The step of controlling printing of the manipulated image includes causing the print manager to activate a guillotine, which guillotine is adapted to cut a print media, upon receipt of a signal indicative of an attempt to pull the print media from the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7821544
    Abstract: A method and system for providing instant review of a last image in an image capture device is disclosed. The image capture device includes a viewfinder for displaying a live image and each image of a plurality of previously captured images. The method and system include selecting instant review of the last image captured by the image capture device, determining the status and location of the last image, and providing the last image to the viewfinder for display. Therefore, the image capture device is capable of displaying the last image substantially immediately after the last image has been captured. In another aspect, the image capture device contains an image processing system. In this aspect, the method and system include allowing a user to access a play mode and a review mode while the last image captured undergoes processing by the image processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Qurio Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7808549
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that has excellent portability because it can be folded to a compact size at coupling means. In addition, a first display portion of a first display unit and a second display portion of a second display unit can form a single, large-screen display portion when the first display unit is rotated 90° clockwise and the second display unit is rotated 90° counterclockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kanai, Takeshi Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 7808550
    Abstract: A digital still camera includes has a camera body. An imaging unit is secured to the camera body, and has an image pickup device incorporated therein. A rotational supporting mechanism supports the camera body on the imaging unit between a closed position and an open position. The camera body is disposed lower than the imaging unit. The camera body, when in the closed position, is inside an extending region defined by extending a shape of the imaging unit downwards, and when in the open position, is offset from the extending region of the imaging unit. In a preferred embodiment, a central axis of the rotational supporting mechanism extends vertically. The open position is located horizontally from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Misawa
  • Patent number: 7804541
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention includes a main body 1 incorporating an image pickup element, an operation part that is placed on the main body 1 and can be operated by a user, and a seventh surface 107 provided on the main body 1, on which, when the user takes a picture while holding the main body 1, the thumb of the hand holding the main body 1 can be left in a stand-by state. The operation part includes rotation operation parts that are placed in the vicinity of the seventh surface 107 and are rotatable, and the rotation operation parts are arranged so that at least a part of the same faces the seventh surface 107. With this, a movement amount of the fingers of the user is reduced, whereby the operability is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yushi Ogino
  • Patent number: 7804521
    Abstract: A handheld camera comprising a sensor adapted to sense an image, a camera manager for controlling the sensing of the image, an image processing manager for manipulating the image, a print manager for controlling printing of the manipulated image, and a guillotine adapted to cut a print media on which the manipulated image is printed from a print roll. The print manager is operable to activate the guillotine upon receipt of a signal indicative of a manual attempt to pull the print media from the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Patent number: 7798728
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal according to an exemplary embodiment, includes a terminal body having a camera lens hole, a lens cover member mounted at the terminal body and configured to open and close the camera lens hole, and a rotation member mounted at the terminal body and interlocking with the lens cover member such that lens cover member opens and closes when the rotation member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Myung-Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7800689
    Abstract: A camera has a camera body formed in a longitudinal rectangular shape, and in the intermediate portion of the camera body, a flexion/transformation mechanism dividing the camera body into an image photographing section including a lens system for capturing an optical image of a subject and a gripping section for a photographer to grip the camera body at the time of photographing is provided. The flexion/transformation mechanism is configured so as to dispose the image photographing section and the gripping section on a same straight line such that the camera body is formed in the longitudinal rectangular shape in a first state, and to dispose the gripping section angled relative to said image photographing section in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 7796162
    Abstract: A method and system for transmitting and displaying venue-based synchronized camera views for live venue activities to remote views. A synchronized camera can include a main camera and at least one slave camera, wherein slave camera movement depends on movement by the main camera. Views captured by a slave camera can be of the same general target as those captured by the main camera. Remote viewers can be venue-based hand held devices or distant monitors. Remote viewers can include hand held devices and digital entertainment monitors (e.g., HDTV). Within a venue, the camera views can be processed and formatted for display on display screens associated with venue-based hand held device. A user can select from more than one view from the synchronized camera that the user wants displayed on the remote viewer, thereby enabling a user of the hand held device to view more than one camera view, at a time or simultaneously, through the remote viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Front Row Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Luis M. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 7785023
    Abstract: A lens system for a miniature camera includes an imager and four cylindrical lenses disposed concentrically on an optical axis of the lens system. The lenses include, in order from a front end of the lens system to a back end thereof, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens and a fourth lens. The first lens has a positive power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the second lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces, the third lens is made of glass, has a positive power, a plano front surface and a spherical convex back surface, and the fourth lens has a negative power and aspheric front and back surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Tessera MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jing Xu
  • Publication number: 20100214470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle (1) for actuating a device such as a video camera. The handle includes indentations (3) for accommodating the fingers of the user. An adjustment system (5, 7, 8, 9, 11) enables the width (11, 12, 13, 14) of at least a portion of said indentations to be modified in order to adapt it to the width of the user's fingers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: CAMAN SA
    Inventor: Camille COTTAGNOUD
  • Patent number: 7778018
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a support device includes: an electronic equipment guide section that guides an electronic equipment to be attached; a connector connectable to the electronic equipment guided by the electronic equipment guide section; a board on which the connector is mounted; a horizontal support section that supports the board movably in an in-plane direction of a side of the board, the side of the board on which the connector is mounted; a horizontal movement regulation section that regulates a movement of the board in the in-plane direction, being provided in a peripheral area of the board distant from the connector; and a vertical support section that supports the board movably in a direction perpendicular to the in-plane direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hironori Motoe, Satoshi Yokote
  • Patent number: 7773120
    Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an apparatus and method for scanning, in particular documents with the aid of a camera. The method includes combining an image sequence or a sequence of partial images in order to obtain a final image, and projecting a reference model onto the camera vision field and in compensating representational differences of different images on the basis of geometrical information of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventor: Markus Simon
  • Patent number: 7773113
    Abstract: A method of operating a handheld camera comprises causing a sensor to sense an image, supplying predetermined data to an input of the camera via a card on which the predetermined data is disposed, and causing a processing system to obtain the image from the sensor, determine a card image in accordance with signals received from the input, rotate the card image in accordance with a skew of the card with respect to the input, and manipulate the image in accordance with the predetermined data to thereby generate a manipulated image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Publication number: 20100186234
    Abstract: System and method for improving the shaving experience by providing improved visibility of the skin shaving area. A digital camera is integrated with the electric shaver for close image capturing of shaving area, and displaying it on a display unit. The display unit can be integral part of the electric shaver casing, or housed in a separated device which receives the image via a communication channel. The communication channel can be wireless (using radio, audio or light) or wired, such as dedicated cabling or using powerline communication. A light source is used to better illuminate the shaving area. Video compression and digital image processing techniques are used for providing for improved shaving results. The wired communication medium can simultaneously be used also for carrying power from the electric shaver assembly to the display unit, or from the display unit to the electric shaver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Yehuda BINDER
  • Patent number: 7764320
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a portable electronic device are provided. The portable electronic device includes a multimode camera system for providing a plurality of operation modes for the portable electronic device. The multimode camera system includes at least one image sensor and at least one lens. At least one of the image sensor(s) and the lens(es) is selectable and/or repositionable to provide a plurality of different focal lengths for the camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dominick Salvato
  • Publication number: 20100182486
    Abstract: A portable image acquisitioner with micro objective lens for photographing or observing with hand-holding is disclosed. The image acquisitioner includes a V-shaped foldable body and a rotatable lens. The body is composed of a first casing and a second casing pivotedly connected thereto. There is a display on the first casing for instantly showing a shot image. An outer end of the first casing is provided with a longitudinally rotatable rotor. The lens is pivotedly fixed at an outer end of the rotor for transversely rotating. The lens can be adjusted to a required angle by longitudinal and transverse rotation. When the body is opened in V-shape, the second casing can be as a seat for placing on a table. An object can be put on the second casing for being shot by the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Backer Chou
  • Patent number: 7760235
    Abstract: A handheld camera comprises a sensor adapted to sense an image, a camera manager for controlling the sensing of the image, an image processing manager for manipulating the image, a print manager for controlling printing of the manipulated image, and a guillotine adapted to cut a print media on which the manipulated image is printed from a print roll. The print manager is operable to activate the guillotine upon receipt of a signal indicative of an attempt to dispense the print media at a rate greater than that of a print roll drive system for dispensing the print media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Paul Lapstun, Simon Robert Walmsley
  • Publication number: 20100177168
    Abstract: An integrative spectacle-shaped stereoscopic video multimedia device includes a blinder and a video device disposed in the blinder. The video device includes two digital camera modules, an adjusting device for adjusting an axle distance and included angle between the digital camera modules, a binocular stereoscopic viewing module, a viewing module hole distance adjusting mechanism, sound pickups, loudspeakers, a memory, a plurality of analog/digital converters, a processor, a power source, and process control software coordinating the above members. The invention has advantages of a simple structure, a low cost, and a vivid stereoscopic effect, and is suitable for personal use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: CHAO HU
  • Patent number: 7755028
    Abstract: An optical scanning device with a dustproof function includes a shell defining a first receiving room and a second receiving room communicating with the first receiving room through an open window defined on the shell for scanning light beams passing therethrough. An optical scanning module is mounted in the first receiving room. A glass platform is located on the second receiving room at a position facing the open window for insulating the first receiving room from the outside of the shell. A correcting plate is stuck on the bottom of the glass platform. Such structure of the optical scanning device enables the glass platform to be firstly assembled with the shell in a dustless chamber, which prevents the suspending dust from falling in the first receiving room and attaching to the optical scanning module during the subsequent assembly process and ensures the scanning quality of the optical scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shao-Yang Wu, Yueh-Shing Lee, Wen-Sheng Liu
  • Patent number: 7746390
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for processing pixel array data of a mobile terminal with a digital camera function. A device for processing pixel array data includes: an image sensor having (x×y)-sized pixel capacity, converting an optical signal received via a lens into an electric signal, and generating (x×y)-sized pixel array data; and an image signal processor for generating an (X×Y)-sized extended pixel array data area, receiving pixel values of the (x×y)-sized pixel array data from the image sensor, arranging the pixel values of the (x×y)-sized pixel array data in the (X×Y)-sized extended pixel array data area, arranging pixel values obtained by performing an arithmetical operation on pixel values of (x×y)-sized pixel array data, adjacent to remaining pixel areas of the (X×Y)-sized extended pixel array data other than the pixel areas having the pixel values of the (x×y)-sized pixel array data, in the remaining pixel areas, and outputting the (X×Y)-sized extended pixel array data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Pantech & Curitel Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong-Uk Min, Bo-Hong Seo
  • Patent number: 7746406
    Abstract: A digital still camera includes a main body; a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel coupled rotatably to an end portion of the main body of the camera in such a manner that a display portion thereof faces said main body; and a lens housing inserted rotatably and independently into a space formed in a portion where the main body and the LCD panel are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-yun Park
  • Patent number: 7742073
    Abstract: A hand-held processing device, such as a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a portable computer, includes a physically or electronically adjustable camera and is operative to track a specified object of interest. Relative movement between the hand-held device and the object of interest is detected using an orientation determination device such as a gyroscope, an image-based tracking operation, or a hybrid combination of orientation determination and image-based tracking. A setting of the camera is then adjusted so as to maintain a desired framing of the object of interest within an image generated by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Cohen-Solal, Tomas Brodsky
  • Patent number: 7742102
    Abstract: An extendable pivot shaft mechanism of a camera for pivoting a rotatable grip on a camera body is provided to allow the rotatable grip both to rotate about a rotational axis and to move along the rotational axis relative to the camera body, the extendable pivot shaft mechanism includes an inner shaft, a middle cylinder and an outer cylinder which are concentrically arranged about the rotational axis. The inner shaft and the outer cylinder are fixed to one and the other of the grip and the camera body, respectively. One of the inner shaft and the outer cylinder serves as a rotatable shaft element which is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the middle cylinder. The other of the inner shaft and the outer cylinder serves as a linearly movable shaft element which is linearly movable along the rotational axis relative to the middle cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100149388
    Abstract: An exemplary camera module includes a barrel, first and second lens assemblies, a circuit board, first and second image sensors. The barrel includes a first inner space, a first light incident opening in communication with the first inner space, a second inner space and a second light incident opening in communication with the second inner space. The first and second lens assemblies are received in the first inner space and second inner space, respectively. The circuit board is positioned between the first inner space and the second inner space, and has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first image senor is mounted on the first surface of the circuit board, and configured for detecting light from the first lens assembly. The second image sensor is mounted on the second surface of the circuit board, and configured for detecting light from the second lens assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HOU-YAO LIN, SHENG-JUNG YU
  • Patent number: 7736071
    Abstract: A digital camera pedestal with cable in neck is provided which may comprise a base member, a neck, and a camera housing. The base member can comprise a surface mount, a cable exit annulus, and a neck mount. The surface mount and said neck mount can attach together forming an interior cavity. A cable enters the cavity through the neck mount, and exits through the cable exit annulus. An annular neck member is rotatably attached to the neck mount, such that it can rotate in a vertical plane, and a camera housing member is in turn rotatably attached to the neck member, where the housing member can rotate in a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Joseph Wahl, Donald Charles Grome, Michael Baseflug
  • Patent number: 7733417
    Abstract: A multiaxial embedded camera module is described. The embedded camera module includes an exterior container, an interior container, and an image sensing module. The exterior container is embedded in a bezel of an electrical apparatus, e.g. a notebook computer, and is rotatable on the bezel. The interior container disposed the inside of the exterior container is rotatable therein. The rotations of the exterior container and the interior container construct a desired included angle, preferably a right angle. The image sensing module is fixed in the interior container so as to be rotatable on the bezel and the exterior container. The image sensing module further utilizes a flexible printed circuit board directly to connect an image sensing unit for transmitting image signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Fa Chang
  • Patent number: 7726887
    Abstract: A case for accommodating a camera includes a wrist cuff, a connector secured to the wrist cuff, and a strap having opposite ends coupled to the connector. The wrist cuff includes two elastic members, and a through hole with two openings at opposite ends of the through hole. The elastic members are arranged at opposite end portions of the wrist cuff for closing the openings when the elastic members are in normal state, and the elastic members are deformable so as to open the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Tsung Su, Ying-Chieh Tsai, Ming-Hui Chiu
  • Publication number: 20100128135
    Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicants: NIGHT VISION CORPORATION, KOLLSMAN, INC.
    Inventors: Danny Filipovich, Jack C. Fiore, Robert O. Ziv
  • Publication number: 20100128167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable picture-taking device with scanning function including a picture-taking main body, a connecting module, and a supporting base module, wherein one end of the picture-taking main body is linked with a first revolving device and the supporting base module is linked with a second revolving device. The whole body can provide a support while taking the pictures and a convenient angle adjustment. While not being used it can be folded and carried conveniently and let the lens have a very good protection. The present invention is further cooperated with a scanning-system-software to have scanning and picture-taking functions through the connection between signal connecting interface in the picture-taking device and computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Chun Chieh Hsu
  • Patent number: 7724302
    Abstract: An opening structure of image device comprises a body, at least a sliding track, at least a sliding sleeve, and a shield, wherein the sliding sleeve slide on the sliding track in order to drive synchronously the shield to achieve opening or closing status. Furthermore, the image device is entirely enclosed into the shield so as to prevent the image device from dust pollution and unexpected damage when the shield is at closing status. Meanwhile, the shield can be designed to be a special look, which will bring to user a fashionable feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventors: Anchi Yu, Po-Ching Lu, Chiung-Ying Chang
  • Patent number: 7724290
    Abstract: An accessory is provided for use with an image capture device is provided. The accessory has a trigger button and an image capture system adapted to capture an image in response to actuation of the trigger button. The accessory also has a body adapted to be detachably connectable to the image capture device with the body including, a holding unit for receiving a removable metadata source having metadata stored therein; a communication interface for communicating with the removable metadata source; and a trigger sensor for generating a trigger signal when the trigger button of said image capture device is depressed. The communication interface obtains metadata from the removable metadata source in response to the trigger signal and stores the metadata in a metadata memory so that the metadata is associated with the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jennifer C. Perotti, Dan Harel, Elizabeth Rogers, Douglas B. Beaudet, Joseph A. Manico, John C. Neel
  • Patent number: 7719613
    Abstract: Free setting of the angle or direction of a camera is available while the camera is being inserted into a cradle. A cradle for a digital camera is provided, which is capable of confirming a display screen of the camera, changing the recording medium or battery, or mounting or demounting a communication cable or the like while the camera is being mounted on the cradle without deteriorating the camera holding. The cradle has a structure such that a tripod screw hole is formed on the bottom surface of the cradle, thereby capable of fixing the cradle to a tripod while the digital camera is being inserted into the cradle. By making the height of rubber pads equal or higher than that of a tripod base, the cradle can be stably placed on a desk or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunobu Kayanuma
  • Publication number: 20100118158
    Abstract: A wireless video recording camera headset providing hands-free video recording and a two-way audio relay to a wireless handset. A recorded video stream is saved to a non-volatile buffer in the headset and may be viewed, edited and manipulated via the wireless handset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Justin Boland, Romulus Pereira, Narayan Mohanran
  • Publication number: 20100110192
    Abstract: A mobile pan and tilt camera and display-control apparatus comprising a fully rotatable camera mounted to a vehicle for capturing images, a display-control box having an image display screen and control buttons for controlling said camera and its movement attached to an adjustable mount in said vehicle within an operator's view and reach, an image capture box for storage on various recording media or for transmission of said captured mobile images, said captured mobile images are sent by radio frequency transmission to a data storage server for a consumer to access. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a mount that incorporates a quick disconnect mechanism along with a locking mechanical base and an electronic signal connector for easy camera installation and removal. A preferred embodiment includes further comprising a double locking mechanism where one mechanism is a security fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: GREGORY E. JOHNSTON, ARIE LEVINKRON
  • Patent number: 7706673
    Abstract: A portable camera actuation system is disclosed that may be used for taking self-portraits. The system includes an extendable handle assembly that may be held by a user at a first end thereof, and a base unit coupled to a second end of said extendable handle assembly. The base unit is for receiving a camera mounted thereon. The system also includes a remote shutter transmitter unit for providing a wireless shutter signal, and a remote wireless signal receiver unit. The remote shutter transmitter unit is provided at a location that is remote from the camera. The wireless shutter signal receiver unit is coupled to the base unit and is for providing actuation of an external shutter button on the camera responsive to the wireless shutter signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Robert J. Staudinger, Maria Chevere-Santos, Ruijun Zhou
  • Patent number: 7705903
    Abstract: A portable communication terminal having an image-taking function is composed of a camera unit that takes an image of a subject through a photographic lens, and two displays, the first display being positioned on same a front surface of housing of the portable communication terminal as the photographic lens and being visible in a same view as the photographic lens, and the second display being positioned on a back surface of the housing. The mobile communication terminal has a function of having the image taken by the camera unit displayed on at least one of the displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Hideji Kawasaki, Kenji Kiyota
  • Patent number: 7705882
    Abstract: A portable hand-held device (20) has a camera (102) for use by a professional truck driver while on the road to allow pictures taken to be transmitted via a transceiver of the device through a cellular telephone network to an Internet site that is linked with the telephone network and that can be securely accessed via the Internet from a personal computer at the driver's home. Pictures from home can be uploaded to the site and when one is, an alert is issued to the driver. The device also includes a GPS (132) for enabling the site to display travel of the driver on a map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: David Engel, Jaewon Kang, Shamir Karkal, Timothy C. Simmons, Aubrey Shick
  • Patent number: 7697035
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rotatable camera attachment and, more particularly to a rotatable lens system that works in conjunction with after-market digital and video cameras by means of a corresponding electronic device. The rotatable camera attachment comprises a lens that rotates 360° horizontally and 180° vertically to simultaneously capture the images surrounding a primary image recorded with the conventional camera. The electronic device is provided as a means to process the images so they can be viewed together. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Edward H. Suber, III, Dana Hawes
  • Patent number: 7697056
    Abstract: An exemplary digital camera module (200) includes a lens module (20), a chip package (30) and a focusing structure (40). The lens module includes a holder (24) and a barrel slidably received in the holder. At least one lens element (222) is fixed in the barrel. The holder has several channels (246) defined therein. Each channel respectively has an enlarged end opening (2468) and receives a corresponding wire (28) therein. The focusing structure is attached to the holder. Several pads (36) are formed on the surface of the chip package. Each wire electrically connects with a given pad using a conductive adhesive (52), and, via such a connection, the chip package is able to control the focusing structure to drive movement of the barrel. The respective enlarged end openings serve to help retain the corresponding conductive adhesive proximate/adjacent a given pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Lung Huang
  • Publication number: 20100085471
    Abstract: A miniaturized optical component (36) for a camera pen has the shape of a plate and comprises at least two non-overlapping radiation-transmitting sections: an imaging section (36?) configured to transmit an image of an object plane, and an illuminating section (36?) configured to transmit illuminating radiation towards the object plane. Passive optical elements may be incorporated in the component to provide the imaging and illuminating sections, e.g. an image-generating surface structure, an illumination-controlling surface structure, a radiation filter, a stray light shield, and an aperture stop. These optical elements may be provided as well-defined surface structures and layers on a plate substrate. The optical component may be manufactured as a wafer structure comprising a plurality of these optical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Craven-Bartle
  • Patent number: 7692721
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an exterior casing and a flat hard disk drive with a thickness smaller than height and width. The exterior casing includes a hard disk accommodation unit which has a depth corresponding to the thickness and in which the hard disk drive is accommodated, an opening through which the hard disk drive is detachably mounted along the depth direction of the hard disk accommodation unit, and a cover for opening and closing the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Kanai
  • Patent number: 7693414
    Abstract: An adapter in an interposed position between a hand-held camera and a battery for operating the camera in facing relation to each other in the clearance therebetween the camera-attached adapter positions an eyepiece of the camera so the camera user makes eye contact against the eyepiece despite the physical obstacle of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Nigro
  • Publication number: 20100079664
    Abstract: The present invention relates to computer capture of object motion. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to capturing of facial movement or performance of an actor. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mounting bracket for a head-mounted motion capture camera system. In many embodiments, the mounting bracket includes a helmet that is positioned on the actor's head and mounting rods on either side of the helmet that project toward the front of the actor that may be flexibly repositioned. Cameras positioned on the mounting rods capture images of the actor's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: ImageMovers Digital LLC
    Inventor: Michael MacKenzie
  • Publication number: 20100073555
    Abstract: An image capture module of a handheld electronic device is provided. In the image capture module, a spherical casing cooperates with a fixing cover and accommodates a camera module. The spherical casing is fixed in a casing of the electronic device by the fixing cover. Thus, the spherical casing can rotate transversely. In addition, the fixing cover has a slot to allow a connecting wire of the camera module to pass through, and thus, the spherical casing may rotate along the direction of the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Shiao-Feng Li, Hung-Chang Hung, Po-Jen Ke
  • Patent number: 7683969
    Abstract: A system is for supporting a camera for hands free filming includes a vest, and a camera mounting apparatus attached to the vest. In one aspect the system also includes a material overlay attached to the vest, the overlay including opposing end flaps and opposing side flaps the adjacent flap edges zippered for enabling the vest to be converted to an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Lacey J. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7677815
    Abstract: A photographic device that includes a main body, a lens barrel and a barrel-positioning mechanism, which is operably coupled to the lens barrel and the main body. The barrel positioning mechanism is capable of moving the lens barrel between a retracted position, in which the lens barrel is within the main body, and an extended position, in which the lens barrel projects out of the main body. In some embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism is a purely mechanical component that moves the lens barrel between the retracted position and the extended position in response to the lens barrel being pushed in a direction generally towards the main body. In other embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism includes an electrical motor that helps extend and retract the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction of the lens barrel is triggered by software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Lane, Gino Garcia, Young Kim, Eric J. Wahl
  • Patent number: 7679674
    Abstract: Providing a camera housing which is suitably used to house a camera with a liquid crystal monitor having a touch panel and is capable of preventing the touch panel from being broken. The camera housing includes, an external operation unit provided outside the camera housing, a contact member provided inside the camera housing for operating the touch panel by contacting the touch panel, and an elastic member provided between the external operation unit and the contact member for transmitting pressing force which is applied on the external operation unit to the contact member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 7671920
    Abstract: A camera body of a video system has a housing which is comprised of cover elements. Two of the cover elements which, in an area of the handgrip, are fitted together and which shape a part of the housing, also shape the handgrip of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Erwin Schmit, Milan Duchenne, Noortje Bos
  • Patent number: RE41542
    Abstract: An electronic camera system includes a programmable transmission capability for selectively transmitting electronic image data to a plurality of remote base units. In one embodiment, a camera module is detachably coupled to a portable computer including a display screen and a data entry device. The electronic image data generated by the camera module is supplied to the portable computer for display on the display screen. The data entry device is used by an operator to select which of the plurality of base units are to receive the digital image data. The digital image data is supplied by the portable computer to a radio-frequency transmitter module for transmission to the selected base units. The radio-frequency transmitter module is formed either integral with the portable computer or, like the camera module, is detachably coupled to the portable computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Parulski, James R. Schueckler