Special Applications Patents (Class 348/61)
  • Patent number: 8155401
    Abstract: Within a digital acquisition device with a built in flash unit, the exposure of an acquired digital image is perfected using face detection in the acquired image is provided. Groups of pixels that correspond to plural images of faces are identified within a digitally acquired image, and corresponding image attributes to the group of pixels are determined. An analysis is performed of the corresponding attributes of the groups of pixels. It is then determined to activate the built-in flash unit based on the analysis. An intensity of the built-in flash unit is determined based on the analysis. Alternatively based on similar analysis, a digital simulation of the fill flash is performed on the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Publication number: 20120081529
    Abstract: A method of generating and reproducing moving image data by using augmented reality (AR) and a photographing apparatus using the method includes features of capturing a moving image, receiving augmented reality information (ARI) of the moving image, and generating a file including the ARI while simultaneously recording the captured moving image. Accordingly, when moving image data is recorded, an ARI file including ARI is also generated, thereby providing an environment in which the ARI is usable when reproducing the recorded moving image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Kyung-yul SEO
  • Publication number: 20120081530
    Abstract: An Internet-based application allows a user to sign in to a web site to record a performance thus creating a take of a scene between two actors (actor A and actor B) with the actors alternately speaking their respective lines. The system delivers the actors lines in a teleprompter format. The user can choose which actor to emulate (A or B). If the user decides to perform as actor A, the system will present each line to be spoken by actor A with a time progress bar indicating the speed/timing for that line. The take is recorded by the user's computer using a computer operated camera and microphone. The teleprompter timer ensures that the user's performance is in sync with the Actor B even though the various takes are actually recorded at different times. This allows the takes to be played in tandem, side by side, seemingly performing together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: ROLESTAR, INC.
    Inventors: Edward Kerr, Patrick Malloy
  • Patent number: 8149274
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes a light quantity adjusting section that adjusts outgoing light quantity from a light source section that generates light irradiating a subject, a current control section that controls a current to be applied to the light source section, an image pickup section provided with an image pickup device that picks up an image of the subject, an identification section that identifies whether or not the image pickup device is provided with a shutter function, a brightness detection section that detects brightness based on an image pickup signal from the image pickup section, a white balance acquiring section for acquiring information on white balance adjustment processing, an amount of adjustment control section that controls an amount of adjustment of the light quantity adjusting section to a predetermined amount according to a white balance information acquiring operation in the white balance acquiring section, and a control section that controls the current c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kenji Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20120075441
    Abstract: Described is a device comprising a quorum sensor array and a method of using such a device. Also described are methods for calibrating a camera for microstructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH
    Inventor: Steven Lenhert
  • Publication number: 20120075440
    Abstract: Entropy based image segmentation determines entropy values for pixels in an image based on intensity or edge orientation. One or more threshold values are determined as a fraction of the entropy distribution over the image. For example, high and/or low thresholds may be generated to identify regions in the image associated with trees or sky, respectively. The entropy values are compared to the threshold(s) from which regions within the image can be segmented. Intensity based entropy has no structural information, and thus, proximity based clustering and pruning of the entropy points is performed. A mask may be applied to the segmented regions to remove the regions from the image, which is useful in, e.g., objection recognition processes. Additionally, separate buildings may be identified and segmented using edge orientation entropy with clustering and pruning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Disha Ahuja, I-Ting Fang, Bolan Jiang, Aditya Sharma
  • Publication number: 20120075439
    Abstract: Systems and methods of synchronizing devices may include detecting a movement of a first mobile device and conducting a time synchronization procedure with respect to a second mobile device in response to the movement of the two mobile devices. The time synchronization can be conducted without network infrastructure support at the mobile devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Michelle X. Gong, Roy Want, Horst W. Haussecker
  • Publication number: 20120075442
    Abstract: A handheld device for reading biometric data and for the verification of travel and personal documents and the identification of persons holding these documents, comprising a full page document scanner with white, infrared and ultraviolet illumination, based on imaging sensors matrix, and contactless card reader with antenna covering the same area, thus enabling simultaneous optical and electronic document reading, the device further comprises a touch sensitive optical display, a fingerprint scanner, a contact card reader and a plurality of wired and wireless communication ports for the communication with a host computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Sasa Vujic
  • Patent number: 8144189
    Abstract: This invention provides an inexpensive image acquisition apparatus capable of capturing not only an image of a still object, but also an image of a moving object with the use of an appropriate quantity of illumination light. The image acquisition apparatus includes a head section incorporating an image acquisition device therein and including a lens module and an illuminating part, a main body section including an illumination light source, an image acquisition control part and an image processing part, and a cable section connecting between the main body section and the head section. The lens module is one of a first lens module incorporating therein a lens for high-speed observation and a second lens module incorporating therein a lens for enlargement observation, which is selectively attached to the head section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20120069165
    Abstract: An audio and video (AV) flashlight has a head portion, a body portion and a rear portion. Mounted on the head portion is a video camera module incorporating a visible light source and an infrared light source. Mounted on the body portion are a GPS module, an electronic compass module, a display module, a map database module, and a control module to read map information from the map database within a predetermined angle range with reference to an azimuth angle detected through the electronic compass module, display the read information on the display module, and display current location information and current location information of one or more main objects in a forward direction along with linear distance information to the current location. The flashlight enables relative measuring of distance with an eye with respect to a monitoring object based on the linear distance information of the main objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Seung-lyul CHOI, Hyung-ja SUNG
  • Publication number: 20120062713
    Abstract: Appliance comprising a housing, wherein a part of said housing is optically transmissive, said optically transmissive part having an exterior surface through which light travelling through the optically transparent part is transmitted, so as to cause the transmitted light to be visible upon viewing the exterior surface. The appliance further comprises a controllable light source assembly, capable of producing light in a variety of colors, and configured to couple produced light into the optically transmissive part of the housing. The appliance also includes a control unit, and a color vision system, configured to optically observe an environment of the appliance, and to output data relating to colors of the observed environment to the control unit. The control unit is configured to control a housing color to be produced by the light source assembly, whereby said housing color is determined in dependence of the data received from the color vision system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Ingrid Christina Maria Flinsenberg, Berent Willem Meerbeek, Martin Saerbeck, Leszek Holenderski
  • Patent number: 8134592
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to make it possible to input memo information for each video material without being conscious of the association with the video material. The associating device according to the invention includes an association determination section 40 for associating a word with a video material by using the input start time information on an inputted word and the photography time information on a photographed video material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yuka Ozawa, Mitsuhiro Kageyama
  • Publication number: 20120057007
    Abstract: A television based visual screening method involves sequentially presenting a plurality of numbers of varying size on a television display; receiving a plurality of signals from a remote controller as a result of a user input from a keypad of the remote controller; determining if the signals received from the remote controller match the displayed numbers; deriving a measure of the user's vision from the matching of the received signals with the displayed numbers; and displaying a result indicative of the measure of the user's vision from the measure. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Satoshi Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20120057008
    Abstract: A photographing device having a game function which determines win/loss of photographing devices based on information regarding image files, is provided with a first parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a first parameter regarding a first image file which was generated by the photographing device, a second parameter obtaining unit configured to obtain a second parameter regarding a second image file which is stored in another photographing device, a score calculating unit configured to calculate scores regarding the first image file and the second image file based on the first parameter and the second parameter, respectively, a win/loss determining unit configured to determine win/loss of the photographing device and the other photographing device, and generate win/loss information, a recording unit configured to store the win/loss information, in accumulated manner, as intrinsic information which is intrinsic to the photographing device, and a notifying unit configured to output the accumulated win/
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyasu UEHARA, Shigenori FUJIO
  • Patent number: 8130261
    Abstract: A dynamically corrected parallax system includes a head borne video source for imaging an object and providing video data. A controller electronically offsets the video data provided from the head borne video source to form offset video data. A display device receives the offset video data and displays the offset video data to a user's eye. The display device is configured for placement directly in front of the user's eye as a vision aid, and the head borne video source is configured for displacement to a side of the user's eye. The offset video data corrects parallax due to horizontal and/or vertical displacement between the display device and the head borne video source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Exelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim K. Trudeau, Blair R. Dobbie
  • Publication number: 20120048490
    Abstract: Presented is a method for synchronizing movement of a plurality of roller shades each disposed at a first position to a common second position. The method includes obtaining information related to the position of each of the plurality of roller shades with a respective one of a plurality of optical assemblies, and moving each of the plurality of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the respective obtained position information so that each of the plurality of roller shades arrives at the common second position at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CRESTRON ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark Labosco
  • Publication number: 20120050324
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed by which a user can be informed of an event associated with augmented reality based on an occurrence of the event using various haptic effects that differ from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Byoungzoo JEONG, Jiyeon Lee, Hyoungsoo Kim, Hyunho Jee
  • Publication number: 20120053731
    Abstract: Presented is a roller shade system that includes a flexible shade material having a lower end, a rotatably supported roller tube that windingly receives the shade material, a stepper motor that operably engages the roller tube to rotate the roller tube to move the lower end of the shade material between a first position and a second position, an optical sensor configured for capturing an image frame of the shade material at linear positions along the shade material as the lower end of the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position, and a stepper motor controller configured for controlling the frequency of input pulses to the stepper motor to move the lower end of the flexible shade material from the first position to the second position at a substantially constant linear velocity in response to position information obtained from the plurality of captured image frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco, Russikesh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120052563
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for imaging sample materials within a microfluidic device during an assay reaction process. In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, images are formed with a pixel array and a region of interest (“ROI”) is defined within the pixel array. Image values, such as fluorescent intensity, can be computed as averages of individual pixel values within the ROI. Where the ROI is subject to non-uniform conditions, such as non-uniform heating, the ROI can be divided into sub-ROIs which are sufficiently small that the condition is uniform within the sub-ROI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Canon U.S. Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongye Liang, Kenton C. Hasson
  • Patent number: 8120651
    Abstract: A video capture assembly is provided with a video recording device disposed inside a protective case. A device interface inside the case is coupled to a video input connector that protrudes outside said case. An image sensor is coupled via a flexible cable to the video input connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Motocam 360, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Timothy James Ennis
  • Publication number: 20120038759
    Abstract: The invention discloses a device for tracking objects in a video stream comprising a processing unit in turn including a selection module configured for selecting video portions comprising sequences of a predetermined object, from the video stream, a module for tracking positions of the predetermined object in the video portions, a module for creating object's video streams, configured for creation of partial video streams as a function of the tracked positions, each said partial video stream representing one said tracked object, the device further comprising a composition module configured for composing the partial video streams of the individual objects into an output video stream. The invention further discloses a transmission system comprising the device for tracking objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Marina Garzoni, Andrey Golub
  • Publication number: 20120038760
    Abstract: An intrinsically-safe handheld field maintenance tool includes a process communication module configured communicatively couple to a field device. A camera is configured to obtain at least one image relative to the field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module and operably coupled to the camera. The controller is configured to store the at least one image relative to the field device. The handheld field maintenance tool may also include or employ an audio input device to capture audio files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher P. Kantzes, Brad N. Mathiowetz, Todd M. Toepke, Kun Yang, Adam E. Lund, Donald R. Lattimer, Brian A. Franchuk
  • Patent number: 8116527
    Abstract: A system and method to automatically detect, track and count individual moving objects in a high density group without regard to background content, embodiments performing better than a trained human observer. Select embodiments employ thermal videography to detect and track even those moving objects having thermal signatures that are similar to a complex stationary background pattern. The method allows tracking an object that need not be identified every frame of the video, that may change polarity in the imagery with respect to background, e.g., switching from relatively light to dark or relatively hot to cold and vice versa, or both. The methodology further provides a permanent record of an “episode” of objects in motion, permitting reprocessing with different parameters any number of times. Post-processing of the recorded tracks allows easy enumeration of the number of objects tracked with the FOV of the imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Bruce M. Sabol, R. Eddie Melton
  • Patent number: 8115806
    Abstract: More images than spatial modulation components of a lighting light are acquired, and a least square method is applied to the imaged plurality of images to obtain signal components. Accordingly, a ultra-resolution microscope which uses a spatially-modified lighting light to illuminate a sample, arithmetic-processes acquired images to thereby demodulate a given spatial modulation, and obtains a high-resolution sample image, wherein a high-resolution image reduced in noise components can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hisao Osawa, Yumiko Ouchi
  • Publication number: 20120026306
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes an image recording assembly for recording images of a stator vane of a compressor and a mechanism configured to magnetically couple the image recording assembly to a rotor blade of a compressor. Additional systems are provided that include image recording assemblies. Methods implementing the disclosed systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chayan Mitra, Munish Vishwas Inamdar, Vinay Bhaskar Jammu, Vinod Padmanabhan Kumar, Kunal Ravindra Goray, Achalesh Kumar Pandey, Ravi Yoganatha Babu, Sheri George, Bhasker Rao Keely
  • Patent number: 8107774
    Abstract: An image data processing method is provided. In this method, a plurality of original pixel values of an image is input. An interpolation position of a target pixel in the image is determined. Whether the interpolation position is in a central region of an object or in a marginal region of an object is determined. A pixel value interpolation with respect to the interpolation position is performed. When the interpolation position is in the central region of an object, the pixel value interpolation is performed in a first calculation mode, and when the interpolation position is in the marginal region of an object, the pixel value interpolation is performed in a second calculation mode, wherein the first calculation mode may be a low pass filtering interpolation mode, and the second calculation mode may be a linear interpolation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Po-Chin Hu, Ming-Yu Lin, Wei-Chen Tsai
  • Patent number: 8107158
    Abstract: A fluorescent imaging device includes an irradiation section that irradiates an object to be examined with excitation light and reference light, an image pickup section that picks up a fluorescence image based on the excitation light and a reflected light image based on the reference light, a comparison section that compares relative intensity between the fluorescent image generated from the fluorescence image and the reflected light image generated from the reflected light image, and a selection section that selectively outputs one of the reflected light image and the fluorescent image based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kenji Yamazaki, Nobuyuki Doguchi, Shunji Takei, Sakae Takehana
  • Publication number: 20120019640
    Abstract: The invention is a camera that reasonably guarantees that videos or photos taken by it and presented are authentic videos or photos of the real world and that they were taken at a particular date and time, and therefore guarantees that those videos or photos are not tampered renditions of other genuine videos or photos, and that they have not been artificially generated either, and that they were taken at a particular date and time. The relevance of the invention is in the fact that it is otherwise difficult and sometimes impossible to determine if a photo or a video presented is genuine or fake or if the photo or video was really taken at a claimed date and time. Optionally, the device can also be extended to guarantee the authenticity of all additional claimed measurable facts of the circumstances of a particular photo or video (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Spandan Choudury
  • Publication number: 20120019641
    Abstract: A novel portable multimedia device for improving client experiences in a personal services industry can be detachably mounted to a tool used by the service provider, such as a hair clipper for a barber. The device comprises a processor, data storage, memory, video display and speakers, as well as a data input module, and can accommodate a library of electronic media files. Optionally, the device can include a camera, telephone, GPS, and other functions including credit card processing and bar code reader. Also provided are methods of using the device for professional service providers, for example barbers, hairstylists, or others. Also provided is a universal mounting system for portable electronic devices that comprises a retaining member and a mounting member for mounting to a variety of mounts including handles, clips, suction cups, goosenecks, flexible joints, magnetic mounts, and key rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Mark Reeder, III
  • Publication number: 20120019642
    Abstract: A portable telescope that takes advantage of an offset optical pathway between the objective tube and eyepiece tube that allows adjustment of the eyepiece height independent of the objective tube elevation. A user-friendly, motorized, interactive, self-calibrating portable telescope with an offset optical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: W. Daniel HILLIS, Taylor Roan
  • Patent number: 8102414
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to obtain an image of a consumer electronic device, the image comprising at least one visual indication of a first operating state of the consumer electronic device, and to transmit one or more commands to the consumer electronic device to change to a second operating state different from the first operating state, responsive to determining the first operating state by extracting information associated with the at least one visual indication from the image. The commands may be determined by accessing a database having control instructions associated with the consumer electronic device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan G. Ritchie
  • Publication number: 20120013721
    Abstract: An audio/video processing device includes a signal processing circuit and a video reproduction circuit. The signal processing circuit supplies an audio signal to a hearing aid, and delays a video signal from the audio signal by a delay time of the hearing aid and supplies the delayed video signal to a video reproduction circuit. The hearing aid performs a hearing aid process on the audio signal supplied from the signal processing circuit to reproduce a sound. The video reproduction circuit reproduces an image from the video signal supplied from the signal processing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takatoshi NISHIO, Kenjl Nabara, Toshihiro Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 8098277
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for communication between a reactive video engine and a mobile communication device. In a system according to one embodiment, a reactive video engine is coupled to a communication interface. The communication interface is configured to facilitate communication with the reactive video engine and a mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Holding 67 LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Bell
  • Publication number: 20120007971
    Abstract: A method of imaging a cut stone. The method comprises a) identifying an orientation of a cut stone, b) creating a volumetric model of the cut stone according to the orientation, c) capturing a plurality of images of the cut stone from a plurality of viewing angles around the cut stone, d) cropping a plurality of segments depicting the cut stone from the plurality of images using the volumetric model, and e) generating a volumetric image of the cut stone from the plurality of segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Dsee Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Shai Schnitzer, Yaniv Ben-Hagai
  • Publication number: 20120002029
    Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, tracking mirror, microscope and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The tracking mirror moves at a rate matched to the particle velocity in the flow chamber so as to enhance the sample flow rates possible with the system while maintaining clear and accurate imaging. The backlighting generator passes through the flow chamber and the objective before being focused on the image capturing system. Detected scatter events initiate tracking by the mirror, resulting in imaging with reduced motion blur even at high rates of flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: FLUID IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Christian K. Sieracki, Scott N. Ellis, Kent A. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20120002041
    Abstract: A golf ball finder includes a thermal imaging camera or sensor, a display, a nonvolatile memory storing golf ball detection software, and a processor for executing the golf ball detection software. The processor is programmed to locate a golf ball by causing the thermal imaging camera or sensor to capture a thermal image of a golf course, searching the thermal image for one or more thermal signatures of the golf ball, and, when the golf ball is located, providing an indicator guiding a user toward the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: SUNMAN ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Allen Nejah
  • Publication number: 20110316993
    Abstract: A microtome method and apparatus includes a microtome blade configured to oscillate in a direction transverse to a direction of advancing a cut, and a first flexure to support and guide the blade. The first flexure is compliant in the transverse direction while being stiff in the cut direction. A second flexure operatively engaged at one end portion with the first flexure, is stiff in the transverse direction while being compliant in the cut direction. The other end portion of the second flexure is rotatably engaged by an eccentric driven by a rotatable actuator, which oscillates the blade in the transverse direction while effectively isolating non-transverse motion from the blade. The second flexure is configured to move independently of any guides or other stationary objects during oscillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Shih-Chi Chen, Martin L. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 8077212
    Abstract: A shock and vibration isolator for a movie or video camera has a vertical axis system including a base, an arm pivotably attached to the base, and at least one spring connected to the base and to the arm. One or more dampeners are connected to the base and to the arm. A horizontal axis system is supported by the vertical axis system. A leveling linkage connects the vertical and horizontal axis systems. The leveling linkage has adjustment features that allow for compensation of camera lens angulation caused by movement of the camera supported on a vehicle rolling over rough or uneven ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20110298907
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for identifying the type of tire by measuring the size and shape of the tire with a 3D scanner. A tire identification device according to the present invention is connected with a 3D scanner and a user terminal, and includes a tire standard database storing 3D scan data of a plurality of tires and an identification module searching 3D scan data having a pattern that is the same as a pattern of 3D scan data transmitted from the 3D scanner in the tire standard database, and providing the type of tire corresponding to the searched 3D scan data. 3D scan data is one of a data cloud and line profile data represented by a bending shape of a side end of a tire. The tier identification device according to the present invention can promptly identify the type of tire without stopping a conveyer in a tire manufacturing process, and the identification is not interrupted by air vent so that the identification rate can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: NES&TEC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Seong LEE
  • Publication number: 20110292193
    Abstract: A robot system that includes a robot face with a monitor, a camera, a speaker and a microphone. The robot face is connected to a stand that can be placed in a chair. The stand is configured so that the robot face is at a height that approximates the location of a person's head if they were sitting in the chair. The robot face is coupled to a remote station that can be operated by a user. The face includes a monitor that displays a video image of a user of the remote station. The stand may be coupled to the robot face with articulated joints that can be controlled by the remote station. By way of example, the user at the remote station can cause the face to pan and/or tilt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: INTOUCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: YULUN WANG, TIMOTHY C. WRIGHT, DANIEL S. SANCHEZ, MARCO C. PINTER
  • Patent number: 8064683
    Abstract: A vision-controlled system and method thereof for detecting changes in a monitoring environment are disclosed. The system includes an image-capturing device for capturing an image; an image analyzer for receiving the captured image and analyzing the same to provide a control signal; and a controller coupled to the image analyzer for receiving the control signal and processing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Wipro Limited
    Inventor: Mohammed Shakir Majeed Athar
  • Publication number: 20110280437
    Abstract: A user with a cell phone interacts, in a personalized session, with an electronic sign system. In some embodiments, the user's location relative to the sign is discerned from camera imagery—either imagery captured by the cell phone (i.e., of the sign), or captured by the sign system (i.e., of the user). Demographic information about the user can be estimated from imagery captured acquired by the sign system, or can be accessed from stored profile data associated with the user. The sign system can transmit payoffs (e.g., digital coupons or other response data) to viewers—customized per user demographics. In some arrangements, the payoff data is represented by digital watermark data encoded in the signage content. The encoding can take into account the user's location relative to the sign—allowing geometrical targeting of different payoffs to differently-located viewers. Other embodiments allow a user to engage an electronic sign system for interactive game play, using the cell phone as a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Tony F. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20110279661
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing device operable to output an actuating signal, and an attention attracting device connected to the image capturing device. The attention attracting device includes an attention attracting unit electrically operable for attracting attention, a signal receiving component electrically connected to the image capturing device for receiving the actuating signal from the image capturing device, and a control circuit electrically connected to the attention attracting unit and the signal receiving component. The control circuit is operable, in response to receipt of the actuating signal from the signal receiving component, to control operation of the attention attracting unit for attracting attention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Wen-Ying Pan Ho
  • Publication number: 20110279662
    Abstract: An ultrasonic reflex imaging device and a method are described. A device according to the invention may include a platen, a generator, and a receiver positioned between the platen and the generator. A backer may be positioned so that the insonification device is between the receiver array and the backer. The backer may be configured to absorb or delay energy that originated from the generator. The generator produces an energy pulse, which travels through the receiver and the platen to reach a biological object. Part of the energy pulse is reflected from the biological object. The reflected energy pulse travels through the platen to the detector. The detector converts the reflect energy pulse to electric signals, which are then interpreted to create an image of the biological object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: John K. Schneider, Jack C. Kitchens
  • Publication number: 20110273547
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for imaging a biologic sample is provided. The apparatus includes at least one light source, at least one lens array, at least one image detector, a positioning system, and an image processor. The lens array has a plurality of lengthwise extending rows, which rows are successively arranged in a widthwise direction. Each row has a plurality of micro lenses, with each micro lens having a resolution field. Each micro lens is adapted to receive light from the illuminated region of the sample and to produce a beam of light. Each row includes a first micro lens and the first micro lens in each successive row is offset from the first micro lens in the previous row by a predetermined amount extending in the lengthwise direction. The offset between successive rows aligns the resolution fields of the micro lenses to collectively create a continuous resolution field across the length of the lens array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Shaohong Wang, Carlos Barnes Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20110273546
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for presence detection using an image system. The image system may be a camera that is integrated into an electronic device. In some embodiments, the image system can accommodate multiple operating modes of the electronic device. For example, when the electronic device is operating in a normal power mode, control circuitry of the image system can detect when a user has left and is no longer using the electronic device. When the electronic device is operating in a power saving mode, the control circuitry can detect user presence (e.g., when a user has come back to the electronic device). In some embodiments, the control circuitry can adjust for both gradual and sudden light changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Aptina Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Sheng Lin, David Pope
  • Publication number: 20110267443
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for detecting stray light in an lens module includes a worktable having a top surface, a protractor dial defined in the top surface, a lens module supporting seat on the top surface, a light source supporting seat on the top surface, a track defined in the top surface along a circumference of the dial, a light source on the light source supporting seat, an image pick-up unit. The dial includes an origin point and many scale lines. The lens module supporting seat is arranged on the top surface at the origin point for supporting the lens module. The light source is movable along the track, and configured for emitting light along a scale line towards the lens module. The image pick-up unit is configured for capturing images of the light from the light source through the lens module at respective different incident angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TSUNG-YU LIN
  • Publication number: 20110267465
    Abstract: A system for holding a camera for acquiring images of preparations includes a rail that can be mounted above a preparation surface. A camera carrier couples a camera with the rail such that the camera is movable relative to the rail and such that the camera can acquire images of preparations on the preparation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Emily H. Alexander, Jerimiah G. Welch
  • Publication number: 20110261176
    Abstract: A system comprising at least a wearable control unit, a camera apparatus and a wearable vision apparatus. The wearable control unit may receive information from the camera apparatus and may process the received camera information. For example, the received camera information may be thermal information or infrared information. The wearable control unit may process the received camera information to video information that may be transmitted to the wearable vision apparatus. The wearable vision apparatus may then display the received video information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Drew Incorporated (Pennsylvania C-corporation)
    Inventors: Andrew J. MONAGHAN, SR., John CHAMBERS, William OTERO
  • Publication number: 20110261175
    Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system for use in operating rooms and other applications. According to one example, the imaging system includes a plurality of imaging sensors that receive image information from a subject via a plurality of spectral channels and that convert the image information into an image signal. The imaging system may include a plurality of independent imaging optics systems, such as an independent visible imaging optics system and an independent fluorescent imaging optics system, that optically couple the image information to the plurality of imaging sensors. The plurality of independent imaging optics systems corresponds to the plurality of image sensors in order to independently adjust a plurality of optical parameters, such as a size of a field of view, a position of a focal plane, and a size of an optical aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Pavel A. FOMITCHOV, Liqin WANG, Shaohong WANG