Special Applications Patents (Class 348/61)
  • Patent number: 9007447
    Abstract: A visual display device for vehicles and portable operation is provided, comprising a display arrangement for the display of data and a holding device for securing the display arrangement to the vehicle. Data and/or power may be provided either internally or externally through the holding device to the display arrangement. The visual display device is easily movable to accommodate the user's preferences, and may be transportable to locations other than the vehicle. Additionally, the visual display unit may function as a wireless terminal for an auxiliary television unit by receiving satellite or wireless transmissions and transmitting these to the auxiliary television unit. Methods for using the visual display device attached to a vehicle and as a portable unit are also provided, allowing for a wide range of data sources and internal power configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Wöhrle, Dave Ellis, Curt Irons, Ernie Latham-Brown
  • Patent number: 9007448
    Abstract: A video-assisted customer experience is disclosed. Generally, the experience includes a communications link between a user and a business representative facilitated by an external apparatus such as an ATM, mobile device, user's workstation, teleconferencing system, etc. The communications link may be a one or two-way video link such that the user may view video of the business representative or a representation of the business representative. The experience utilizes speech-recognition technology to incorporate subtitles in the video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Calman
  • Patent number: 9009261
    Abstract: A video analysis system may utilize display screen snapshots captured from a device. The system may receive time information that indicates a time duration, position-related information that indicates a region, and reference information that indicates information expected to appear in the region during the time duration. The system may transmit an instruction to capture display screen snapshots during a time duration indicated by the time information. The system may receive a display screen snapshot and recognize information in the region indicated by the position-related information. The system may then determine whether the recognized information corresponds to the reference information and based on the result determine whether the video test automation has passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Ambud Sharma
  • Patent number: 8994800
    Abstract: A camera detects devices, such as other cameras, smart devices, and access points, with which the camera may communicate. The camera may alternate between operating as a wireless station and a wireless access point. The camera may connect to and receive credentials from a device for another device to which it is not connected. In one embodiment, the camera is configured to operate as a wireless access point, and is configured to receive credentials from a smart device operating as a wireless station. The camera may then transfer the credentials to additional cameras, each configured to operate as wireless stations. The camera and additional cameras may connect to a smart device directly or indirectly (for instance, through an access point), and the smart device may change the camera mode of the cameras. The initial modes of the cameras may be preserved and restored by the smart device upon disconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Brockway, III, Jeffrey S. Youel, John S. Chen, Fabrice Barbier
  • Patent number: 8994799
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for determining a position of a device using a light based positioning system. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a map of positions of a plurality of light sources in a location; receiving an identification code from one or more of the plurality of light sources, wherein the identification code identifies the light source; matching the identification code to a light source on the map; and determining the position of the device by setting the position of the device to the position of the light source on the map. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving identification codes from a plurality of light sources; matching the identification codes to a plurality of light sources on the map; and determining the position of the device based on the location of the plurality of light sources on the map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ByteLight, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ganick, Daniel Ryan
  • Patent number: 8988514
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting digital video content and for discouraging recording of the projected video content using a video camera or other sampling recording device are described, including accepting a frame of digital video content, time-shifting a bit-plane of the frame of the digital video content at a phase difference, projecting the time-shifted frame, repeating the accepting, time-shifting and projecting acts for a number of frames, adjusting the phase difference and repeating all of the above acts. Also described are a method and apparatus for generating an indication of a mid-scale level bit-plane of a frame of digital video content, including accepting a frame of digital video content, accepting a selection of mid-scale level bit-plane of the frame and generating an indication of the selection of the mid-scale level bit-plane of the frame. Time-shifting bit-planes of a frame generates in the recorded video a flicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Emil Tchoukaleysky
  • Patent number: 8989521
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining dance steps based on music and/or other dancers. A wearable computing system may include a head mounted display (HMD). The wearable computing system may receive a media sample including an audio sample associated with a song and/or a video sample associated with one or more dancers performing a dance. The wearable computing system may communicate the media sample to a content analysis server that may include a content identification module. The content identification module may provide information associated with a content of the media sample, such as identification of the song and the dance, to the wearable computing system. The wearable computing system may determine dance steps corresponding to the content of the media sample and may generate a display of the dance steps on the HMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Casey Kwok Ching Ho, Pauline Seng, Sharvil Nanavati
  • Patent number: 8982198
    Abstract: An image signal correction apparatus includes: a frame memory configured to hold input image signals corresponding to a predetermined number of frames; a difference calculation unit configured to calculate a difference signal between an input image signal and each of the image signals held in the frame memory; a filter unit configured to pass a difference signal having a value equal to or smaller than a threshold value; and a control unit configured to change the threshold value of the filter unit in accordance with the value of the difference signal calculated in the difference calculation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Takashi Tsuda
  • Patent number: 8982200
    Abstract: An intraoral camera including a main body case, an intraoral insertion component mounted on the front side of the main body case, an imaging window provided to the intraoral insertion component, and an imaging device that is optically linked to the imaging window and is disposed inside the main body case or inside the intraoral insertion component. Illumination elements are disposed at portions of an outer peripheral wall face that are substantially opposite each other in the horizontal direction. These illumination elements are inclined toward the outside of the imaging window in the center of the imaging window, and the outer peripheral wall face that is substantially opposite these illumination elements in the vertical direction is constituted as a light collecting face that is inclined toward the outside of the imaging window in the center of the imaging window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Kitaoka, Toshiaki Ueta, Yoshiki Ishikawa, Mitsuhiro Iwata
  • Publication number: 20150062300
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to digitally characterizing and simulating wormhole structures in rock. One example method includes receiving internal imaging data of a core sample of a rock formation; generating, by one or more processors of a computing system, a digital core sample model of the structure of the core sample based on the internal imaging data; and analyzing, by the one or more processors, the core sample model to determine the porosity value of the core sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Weiming Li, Dandan Hu
  • Patent number: 8970686
    Abstract: An electronic endoscopic apparatus includes an endoscopic scope and an image processing processor. The endoscopic scope includes a solid-state imaging device, an imaging-side multiplying unit, and an imaging synchronization signal generating unit. The image processing processor includes a display clock generating unit, a monitor synchronization signal generating unit, a master imaging clock generating unit, a processor-side multiplying/dividing unit, a phase-comparison oscillation control unit, and a display timing adjustment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Naruyasu Kobayashi, Kaoru Kotoda, Hisashi Nishimura, Motoo Azuma, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Takayuki Sato, Satoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8964016
    Abstract: Systems an methods are provided that disclose providing a positioning service for devices based on light received from one or more light sources. This light based positioning service uses light information transmitted by each light source to determine the position of the device. The positioning information can include three dimension position information in a building that can then be used to deliver services and information to a mobile device. The content delivered to a mobile device can include multimedia, text, audio, and/or pictorial information. The positioning information along with other location or positioning information can be used in providing augmented reality or location aware services. The light sources can be independent beacons that broadcast information in visible light at a rate that is undetectable by the human eye. Content can be retrieved from a server over a communications connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Bytelight, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ganick, Daniel Ryan
  • Patent number: 8964014
    Abstract: The present invention provides a point of view video system comprising: a camera for receiving an image and for generating a video signal; a portable video image recording module including: a display; one or more user activators; a communication interface for signally communicating with the camera that is remote from the recording module; a power source; a speaker; a processing device in signaling communication with the display, the one or more user activators, the speaker, and the communication interface for processing data; and a sealed housing for containing the recording module, the sealed housing being separable from the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: V.I.O. Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Ollila, Craig L. Mattson
  • Patent number: 8964015
    Abstract: Provided are a system and method for checking a state of a rotator. The system includes: a position recognition sensor that senses a position of a rotator and generates a position synchronization signal corresponding to the position of the rotator; a control unit that detects a position of a detection specimen existing in the rotator based on the position synchronization signal and generates an image photographing control signal corresponding to the detected position of the detection specimen; and a camera system that photographs an image of the detection specimen existing in the rotator based on the image photographing control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-bong Bae, Chung-ung Kim, Ki-ju Lee, Jong-jin Park, Dong-hwi Cho, Jong-cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 8957952
    Abstract: In a processor of a wireless image transmission system that transmits, by radio communication, an image signal obtained by converting an image obtained by an endoscope apparatus, a communication state detection unit monitors a communication state of radio communication. An editing unit edits the image signal according to a mode in which the endoscope apparatus obtains an image when the deterioration of a communication state is detected by the communication state detection unit. A transmission unit transmits the image signal output from the editing unit to a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Junichi Tashiro, Masashi Umemura, Hideki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 8957951
    Abstract: Systems an methods are provided that disclose providing a positioning service for devices based on light received from one or more light sources. This light based positioning service uses light information transmitted by each light source to determine the position of the device. The positioning information can include three dimension position information in a building that can then be used to deliver services and information to a mobile device. The content delivered to a mobile device can include multimedia, text, audio, and/or pictorial information. The positioning information along with other location or positioning information can be used in providing augmented reality or location aware services. The light sources can be independent beacons that broadcast information in visible light at a rate that is undetectable by the human eye. Content can be retrieved from a server over a communications connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bytelight, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ganick, Daniel Ryan
  • Patent number: 8953030
    Abstract: In the context of an ellipsometer or the like, positioning a camera other than directly above a sample being investigated by an electromagnetic beam, while said camera provides an optical view of a surface of said sample which is in focus over the entire viewed extent of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: J.A. Woollam Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Martin M. Liphardt, Galen L. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 8953029
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for wireless interaction with a portable device supported by a stand are presented. In one method operation, a communications link is established between the portable device and the stand. The stand tracks the motion of an input device within an interactivity zone. In another method operation, the portable device interfaces with the input device to generate actions associated with game objects in the portable device, where the interface takes place when the input device is in or near the interactivity zone. Additionally, the stand moves when the tracking detects that the input device is outside predefined boundaries near an edge of the interactivity zone. The stand movement information is transferred via the communications link to update the location of the interactivity zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8947513
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for tracking and analyzing information in a location using a light based positioning system. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a position of a device in a location using a light based positioning system, electronically receiving data from the device, and updating a database with said data. In some embodiments, determining the position of the device includes receiving a position determination from the device. In some embodiments, determining the position of the device includes electronically receiving from the device one or more identification codes of one or more light sources that the device has detected using an image sensor on the device and calculating the position of the device using the one or more identification codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Byelight, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ganick, Daniel Ryan
  • Patent number: 8941726
    Abstract: A set of images is acquired of a scene by a camera. The scene includes a moving object, and a relative difference of a motion of the camera and a motion of the object is substantially zero. Statistical properties of pixels in the images are determined, and a statistical method is applied to the statistical properties to identify pixels corresponding to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim K. Marks, Ashok Veeraraghavan, Yuichi Taguchi
  • Patent number: 8938393
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for automatically analyzing multimedia data audio content are disclosed. Embodiments receive multimedia data, detect portions having specified audio features, and output a corresponding subset of the multimedia data and generated metadata. Audio content features including voices, non-voice sounds, and closed captioning, from downloaded or streaming movies or video clips are identified as a human probably would do, but in essentially real time. Particular speakers and the most meaningful content sounds and words and corresponding time-stamps are recognized via database comparison, and may be presented in order of match probability. Embodiments responsively pre-fetch related data, recognize locations, and provide related advertisements. The content features may be also sent to search engines so that further related content may be identified. User feedback and verification may improve the embodiments over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Priyan Gunatilake, Djung Nguyen, Abhishek Patil, Dipendu Saha
  • Patent number: 8934015
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for experience sharing for emergency situations. A wearable computing device can receive an indication of an emergency situation. In response to the indication, the wearable computing device can initiate an experience sharing session with one or more emergency contacts. During the experience sharing session, the wearable computing device can capture video data, add text to the captured video data, and transmit the captured video data and added text to the one or more emergency contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Liang-Yu Tom Chi, Steven John Lee, Indika Charles Mendis, Max Benjamin Braun, Luis Ricardo Prada Gomez
  • Patent number: 8934003
    Abstract: A robotic control method for a camera (30) having an optical view and a robot (40) having an end-effector (42) and one or more joints (41) for maneuvering end-effector (42). The robotic control method involves an acquisition of a digital video frame (32) illustrating an image as optically viewed by the camera (30), and an execution of a visual servoing for controlling a pose of end-effector (42) relative to an image feature within the digital video frame (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Aleksandra Popovic, Paul Thienphrapa
  • Publication number: 20150009309
    Abstract: Optical glasses, as well as other eyewear, are provided with a frame that has a camera button located on a part of the glasses frame most preferably centered just above one of the lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Mitchell Heinrich, Liang-Yu (Tom) Chi
  • Patent number: 8928747
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent interactive apparatus, system and method that aligns with grooming tools such as hair clippers or trimmers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hair clipper having an attached imaging apparatus assembly that is linked to a display output device allowing for more intelligent and consistent hair grooming views and overall control. The clipper imaging apparatus assembly of the present invention allows for an intelligent interactive system wherein the method used makes a user capable of a more accurate hair grooming experience. The present invention's system is linked by superimposed hair design overlays, and an interactive imaging apparatus for an improved viewing method. The imaging device enables a more accurate grooming experience using an imaging sensor that intelligently follows a grid mapping axis process using predictive analytics to reduce grooming errors and difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Romello J. Burdoucci
  • Publication number: 20140375781
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus for an endoscope, the image processing apparatus to which, any of a plurality of insertion units respectively having imaging devices with numbers of pixels different from one another being installed therein, is detachably connected and which processes an image signal captured by that imaging device and outputs the processed image signal as image data, the image processing apparatus including: an image signal processing unit that converts a pixel density of the image signal to a high density and generates a standard image signal of a predetermined amount of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mitsunobu ONO
  • Publication number: 20140368626
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques to enhance computer vision application processing are disclosed. In particular, the methods, systems, and techniques may reduce power consumption for computer vision applications and improve processing efficiency for computer vision applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Fitzgerald John Archibald, Khosro Mohammad Rabii, Hima Bindu Damecharla, Tadeusz Jarosinski, Ashwin Swaminathan
  • Patent number: 8913115
    Abstract: An imaging device includes: an imaging module configured to have a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements corresponding to a frame composed of a plurality of lines, with start of an accumulation period of electric charge by the plural photoelectric conversion elements being different depending on each of the lines, and reading the accumulated electric charge to repeatedly output the read electric charge as an image signal; a light source configured to irradiate an imaging range of the imaging module; and a controller configured to control an irradiation time of the light source according to a motion of an image captured by the imaging module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tetsuo Sakurai, Bin Qi
  • Patent number: 8913118
    Abstract: Multispectral images, including ultraviolet light and its interactions with ultraviolet light-interactive compounds, can be captured, processed, and represented to a user. Ultraviolet-light related information can be conveniently provided to a user to allow the user to have awareness of UV characteristics and the user's risk to UV exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Nathan Millikan
  • Patent number: 8908040
    Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having four photosensing pixels of a sub-array, with one of (a) a red-light transmitting spectral filter disposed at a first photosensing pixel whereby the first pixel of each sub-array primarily senses red visible light and with an IR transmitting spectral filter disposed at the fourth photosensing pixel whereby the fourth pixel of each sub-array primarily senses infrared radiation, and (b) a red-light transmitting spectral filter disposed at a first photosensing pixel whereby the first pixel of each sub-array primarily senses red visible light and with an IR transmitting spectral filter disposed at a third photosensing pixel whereby the third pixel of each sub-array primarily senses infrared radiation. An image processor processes the output of each sub-array to determine at least one of an infrared component of the imaged scene and a visible light component of the imaged scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James D. Harris
  • Publication number: 20140354787
    Abstract: A system for motion control is presented. In one embodiment, a motion control 3D projection system includes a projector; and a projection surface coupled to a robotic arm, where the robotic arm moves the projection surface through a set of spatial coordinates, and a 3D projection from the projector is projected onto a set of coordinates of the projection surface and matches the 3D projection to the set of coordinates of the projection surface as the projection surface moves through the set of spatial coordinates. In additional embodiments, a master control system may integrate additional robotic arms and other devices to create a motion control scene with a master timeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Autofuss
    Inventor: Jeff Linnell
  • Patent number: 8902303
    Abstract: An apparatus connectable to a pair of glasses provides information to a user by processing images captured from the environment of the user. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support configured for mounting on the pair of glasses and a sensory unit. The sensory unit includes a housing configured for selective attachment to the support and an image sensor contained within the housing. The support and the housing are configured to enable selective aiming of the image sensor to establish a set aiming direction relative to the pair of glasses. The support and the housing are configured to cooperate with each other such that each time the sensory unit is attached to the support, the image sensor assumes the set aiming direction without need for directional calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: OrCam Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Erez Na'Aman, Amnon Shashua
  • Patent number: 8902302
    Abstract: Methods are provided for conducting surveys of regions of interest, points of interest, and objects of interest. The methods typically involve using a survey instrument with programmed logic. The programmed logic may include one or more base of knowledge in an electronically accessible format, and may include statistical analysis software. The survey instrument generally includes a display and one or more sensors. The sensors may include a visible image or an infrared image sensor. The program logic may be used to guide an operator through a survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Raymond E. Garvey, III, Jay P. Gatz, Paul W. Gress
  • Patent number: 8896446
    Abstract: Described is a device for electronic access control (EAC) and surveillance. The device includes an EAC module and an imager integrated in a single unit. The EAC module controls physical access through a secure portal and the imager maintains surveillance of an observation area near the portal. A data signal is provided at a data port proximate to the EAC module and imager. The data signal includes EAC data for the portal, image or video data of the observation area and optional audio data. The device can be configured to communicate with a remote server and database over an IP data network. The device can also include one or more analytical modules for real-time computation and processing of data and generation of metadata for transmission over the data network. Correlating and combining current and historical data from multiple devices results in powerful real time threat detection and forensic search capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Francis John Cusack, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8890944
    Abstract: A firearms pulverizer system is disclosed which comprises a pulverizer unit having an inlet chute, a cutting chamber, and an outlet, a first image capturing device positioned above the inlet chute for capturing an image of an identification number associated with a firearm, and a second image capturing device positioned above the cutting chamber for recording destruction of the firearm inserted into the cutting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gunbusters, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond W Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20140333741
    Abstract: Estimation techniques for vision-aided inertial navigation are described. In one example, a vision-aided inertial navigation system (VINS) comprises an image source to produce image data for a keyframe and one or more non-keyframes along a trajectory, the one or more non-keyframes preceding the keyframe along the trajectory. The VINS comprises an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to produce IMU data indicative of a motion of the VINS along the trajectory for the keyframe and the one or more non-keyframes, and a processing unit comprising an estimator that processes the IMU data and the image data to compute state estimates of the VINS. The estimator computes the state estimates of the VINS for the keyframe by constraining the state estimates based on the IMU data and the image data for the one or more non-keyframes of the VINS without computing state estimates of the VINS for the one or more non-keyframes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Stergios I. Roumeliotis, Esha D. Nerurkar
  • Publication number: 20140333745
    Abstract: A motion detection and interpretation system comprising a camera plus an infrared transmitter/receiver paired with a single reflective surface that records image data from two vantage points. The camera is connected to a computer and a display screen. The system creates a virtual touch screen for interaction with the display screen. The components of the system can be protected behind a transparent barrier while the virtual touch screen is provided for user interaction thus preventing user interference with, deterring vandalism and theft of, and prolonging the usable life of the equipment. In addition to finite hand movements detected by the virtual touch screen, the system can also simultaneously perform facial recognition and body movement recognition. The system is capable of interpreting multi-touch inputs. All recognitions are defined in the computer to carry out preprogrammed responses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Howard
  • Publication number: 20140333740
    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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Jonathan G. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 8885030
    Abstract: A device for tracking objects in a video is described. The device has a processing unit. The processing unit has a selection module configured for selecting video portions, a tracking module for tracking positions of predetermined objects in the video portions, a stream generation module for creating a predetermined object's video streams, and a composition module configured for composing partial video streams of individual predetermined objects into an output video stream. The device also has a transmission system for tracking predetermined objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Moda E Technologia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marina Garzoni, Andrey Golub
  • Publication number: 20140327750
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product that displays a light field to simulate an electronic viewfinder of an image capture device. The method includes the operations of receiving a scene corresponding to the electronic viewfinder and determining a pre-filtered image that simulates the scene, where the pre-filtered image represents a light field and corresponds to a target image. The pre-filtered image is displayed as the light field to produce the target image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Chris A. Malachowsky, David Patrick Luebke, Douglas Robert Lanman
  • Patent number: 8872081
    Abstract: A relative navigation system projects a grid into space from a grid generator and an object, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may use the projected grid to aid in the landing of the object. Methods of adjusting the projected grid including stabilizing the projected grid and orienting the grid generator relative to the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael Steven Feldmann, Frank Saggio, III, John Robert Washburn
  • Publication number: 20140313319
    Abstract: Disk image acquiring device includes a guide for guiding a peripheral surface of a disk moving in a predetermined direction along a predetermined guide line, an imaging window defining an image-taking region on the one surface of the disk, a timing sensor to take images having a detection axis traversing a moving direction of the disk and outputting a timing signal as arrival of the disk at a predetermined position on the imaging window when the peripheral surface of the disk has been detected on the detection axis, and an imager which takes an image of the one surface of the disk via the imaging window based upon the timing signal, wherein a bisector of an angle between the guide line and the detection axis is utilized as a base line, and the imaging window is extended along the base line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ASAHI SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daishi SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8866901
    Abstract: A motion calculation device includes an image-capturing unit configured to capture an image of a range including a plane and outputs the captured image, an extraction unit configured to extract a region of the plane from the image, a detection unit configured to detect feature points and motion vectors of the feature points from a plurality of images captured by the image-capturing unit at a predetermined time interval; and a calculation unit configured to calculate the motion of the host device based on both of an epipolar constraint relating to the feature points and a homography relating to the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Elesys Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Azuma, Masatoshi Okutomi, Shigeki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 8860804
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically capturing, uploading, and publishing content. The system may include one or more monitoring modules for providing captured content to a remote site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Xanboo Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Rezvani, Jack L. Chen, Edward B. Kalin, Reza Jalili
  • Patent number: 8854459
    Abstract: A method and a system are provided for delivering a supplemented CCTV message to subscribers, such as residents of a MDU. A processor combines the signal from a local CCTV camera system with a supplementary message to be provided to subscribers. The supplemented CCTV signal resulting from this combining is inserted into a dedicated channel of an incoming broadcast television feed. For a digital television feed, the supplemented CCTV signal may be forwarded to a central office managing television feeds for this particular location, so that the inserting may take place thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: BCE Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Hingyee Yip
  • Publication number: 20140293029
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method recognizes stamped characters, detects stamped depths of characters using the same, and/or accurately recognizes characters even when an image distortion occurs at stamped portion due to different stamped depths of characters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Hun Song
  • Publication number: 20140293030
    Abstract: A mobile device, such as a smartphone, may be provided with a camera. Embodiments of the invention allow the smartphone to display a screen image of a document that includes an expression or an equation on a display screen of the smartphone and then to provide an indication of a real-time solution to the equation that is shown on the display screen. In some embodiments, the screen image may be provided by the camera in the smartphone that is viewing a surface upon which the equation is written. When the expression does not include a solution, then the real time solution may be superimposed on the screen to complete the equation. When the equation does include a solution, then an indication of correctness may be superimposed on the screen image of the equation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: James Joseph Galu, JR.
  • Patent number: 8848046
    Abstract: A round for launching from a gun may include a cartridge case and a projectile body adjacent the cartridge case. A pusher may be disposed in the cartridge case and may be operable to push the projectile body upon firing the round. An imaging sensor may be disposed at least partially in the projectile body. The imaging sensor may include a sensor base and a sensor lens. A first kinetic energy absorber may be disposed around the sensor base. A second kinetic energy absorber may be disposed around the sensor lens. After the round is fired and the pusher exits the gun, the pusher may separate from the projectile body and the second kinetic energy absorber may separate from the imaging sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Pavol Stofko, Pasquale Carlucci, Mark Mellini
  • Patent number: 8842173
    Abstract: This object aims to disclose a biological multi-directional observation device with measures to avoid an illumination backlight problem taken. In a preferable embodiment of the multi-directional observation device, a two-dimensional detector (6) is arranged right above a transparent specimen support (2) and a main image forming lens (8) is arranged right under the two-dimensional detector (6). A fluorescence-side filter (10) which allows only a fluorescence component from a biological specimen (4) pass therethrough is arranged, if necessary, between the main image forming lens (8) and the biological specimen (4). Reflection mirrors (M1, M2) are arranged on the down side of the specimen support (2), wherein the reflection mirrors are optional systems for leading a light of an image of the rear side of the biological specimen (4) to the main image forming lens (8). A light source device is provided to irradiate light to biological specimen (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Hizume, Ichiro Oda, Atsushi Yajima, Yoshio Tsunazawa
  • Patent number: RE45176
    Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a photosensing structure, a volume of elastomer capable of transmitting an image, and a reflective skin covering the volume of elastomer. The reflective skin is illuminated through the volume of elastomer by one or more light sources, and has particles that reflect light incident on the reflective skin from within the volume of elastomer. The reflective skin is geometrically altered in response to pressure applied by an entity touching the reflective skin, the geometrical alteration causing localized changes in the surface normal of the skin and associated localized changes in the amount of light reflected from the reflective skin in the direction of the photosensing structure. The photosensing structure receives a portion of the reflected light in the form of an image, the image indicating one or more features of the entity producing the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Edward Adelson