Special Applications Patents (Class 348/61)
  • Patent number: 8842174
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The chamber includes a first panel and a second panel, between which the biologic fluid sample quiescently resides. At least one of the first and second panels is flexible. The chamber has one or more fields that are each defined by a cross-sectional area. The apparatus comprises a field illuminator, a chamber flattener, a positioner, and an image dissector. The field illuminator has an objective lens. The chamber flattener has a platen with a window and a cover plate. The chamber flattener is operable to cause the chamber to assume a substantially uniform Z-axis position for substantially all of the fields within the chamber. The positioner is adapted to position the objective lens and the chamber relative to one another. The image dissector is adapted to image the sample residing within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Point of Care, Inc.
    Inventors: John Blum, John J. Doskoczynski, Kaushal K. Verma, Pierre R. Emeric
  • Publication number: 20140267641
    Abstract: A star camera system that includes an optical system configured to focus radiation from a star to be imaged onto a collector. Specifically, the collector is in the form of an electron bombarded active pixel sensor (EBAPS) configured to provide high gain. The EBAPS comprising a photocathode disposed in a vacuum is configured to release electron into a vacuum when exposed to radiation focused thereon by the optical system. In addition, the EBAPS includes an active pixel sensor anode disposed distant from the photocathode in the vacuum. An electric field is generated by a voltage source to direct electrons from the photocathode to the active pixel sensor anode to thereby generate an image of the star.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC.
    Inventors: Juha-Pekka J. Laine, Gregory Blasche, John J. Boyle, Paul Bohn, Robin M. Dawson, Benjamin F. Lane, Erik L. Waldron, Stephen P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140267698
    Abstract: A method for room design includes photographing a room with a camera to generate a digital photograph. One or more objects are digitally cleared from the digital photograph to generate a digitally cleared photograph. A wire frame outline of an object is drawn in the digitally cleared photograph. A viewfinder of the camera is opened with the wire frame outline superimposed in the viewfinder. A new object substantially conforming to the dimensions of the wire frame outline is photographed. The method includes populating the digitally cleared photograph with the new object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Rivas
  • Publication number: 20140270801
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods, devices, and computer-implemented methods for transmitting a modulated signal transmitted from at least one signal light source and using the modulated signal for commissioning of network nodes. The method can include determining, by a network node, that the network node is not commissioned. The method can further include generating, by the network node, a random number, and generating a modulated light signal based on the random number. In addition, the method can include transmitting, to an image capture device, the modulated light signal, receiving, from a network control unit, via a radio channel, an encrypted commissioning message, and decrypting, by the network node, the encrypted commissioning message using the random number. Further, the method can include establishing, with the network control unit, communication based on data in the encrypted commissioning message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Michael Sleator
  • Publication number: 20140267640
    Abstract: An off-axis guide assembly provides a worm-gear or other gearing arrangement, permitting the tracking of a rotating image of an auto-guiding camera permitting a CCD camera to obtain and retain a fixed focus image of a celestial object over a period of time necessary to make a clear and focused image of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel W. Barziza
  • Patent number: 8836785
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and a process for producing and viewing through the internet high-resolution images of the commonly viewed exterior surfaces of a vehicle, while maintaining the same background view for multiple images of the vehicle. The view can be selected by the operator to reduce the bandwidth required for internet viewing. The background and the imaging device are revolved around a vehicle which is maintained in fixed position between the background and the imaging device. The vehicle does not need to be rotated or moved during the imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Swinford
  • Publication number: 20140253700
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for displaying content on a television in standby mode, comprising a storage for storing face data of one or more users and for storing preference data associated to the face data, said preference data indicating preferences of the user, a display for displaying content, a standby indicator for indicating that the television is in standby mode, wherein in case that the television is in standby mode activating a front camera for capturing an image of a user, and activating a recommendation device for searching the attribute data of content currently available and for selecting in case that the captured image corresponds to one of the store face data at least one content to be displayed having attribute data matching the associated stored preference data. The present invention further relates to a method for displaying content on a television in standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazumi HIRANO
  • Patent number: 8823845
    Abstract: A color filter array of an image sensor is disclosed. The color filter array includes a first filter to transmit wavelengths of a first region in a visible light region, a second filter to transmit wavelengths of a second region in the visible light region, a third filter to transmit wavelengths of a third region in the visible light region, and a mixed filter to transmit wavelengths of at least one of the first region, the second region and the third region, and wavelengths of an infrared region at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Chan Kim, Kwang Hyuk Bae, Kyu-Min Kyung
  • Patent number: 8823798
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for processing an image to obscure information which can be used for identification purposes. In one embodiment, an image is received as part of a traffic enforcement activity. A motor vehicle in the image has a visibly discernible license plate. The vehicle's license plate is first isolated in the image. Content in the image which can be used for identification purposes is thereafter identified. The identified content is compared to the license plate. Any content in the image which is different than the license plate is obscured by, for instance, pixelating the content in the image, introducing a distortion into the image at a location of the content, replacing content with other content, or by blurring the content of the image. The modified image containing the obscured content is then provided to an image output device for rendering. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Edgar A. Bernal
  • Patent number: 8817085
    Abstract: A control system to control an operating room lamp to generate light to illuminate a surgical site includes an image signal input to receive an image signal from a video camera to capture an image of a surgical site and a control signal output to emit to the operating room lamp a control signal to control at least either a direction or an intensity or a spectral characteristic of the light or a size or shape of the area illuminated by the light. The control system is configured to recognize a hand area of medical personnel and to generate the control signal depending on the image signal and to emit it to the control signal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Hiltl, Omid Abri, Stephan Schrader
  • Publication number: 20140232839
    Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a method for detecting a document includes capturing a first plurality of images of a document at a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, capturing a second plurality of images of the document at a second wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, and assembling the first and second pluralities of images to form one or more images of the document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Bruce Blair
  • Publication number: 20140232838
    Abstract: The invention provides an all-in-one imaging apparatus for photographing products, particularly suitable for photographing fashion related products such as apparel products, fashion accessories or other life style products. The imaging apparatus comprising a table part, a portable controller for user interaction with the table part, and a storage for storing images. The table part comprises a substantially horizontal table surface for supporting the product, lights, a fixture for fixing a camera, a backlighting system below the table surface, and an embedded system comprising an embedded computer and a wireless communication controller. The embedded computer controls the camera, switches the backlighting system, wirelessly transmits a live stream from the camera to the portable controller, and wirelessly receives instructions from the portable controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: VISUAL RETAILING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Anders Patrick Jorgensen, Jorik Blaas, Mathias Funk
  • Patent number: 8810413
    Abstract: Detect a head position of a user viewing a display device with a sensor, determine a duration of the user viewing the display device, identify a user fatigue in response to the head position, and provide a response to the user with the display device based on the user fatigue and the duration of the user viewing the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wong, Peter C. Ellis, Mark C. Solomon, Robert P. Bliven
  • Patent number: 8803956
    Abstract: The computer vision-based valve control system and method includes a camera mounted on a pneumatic control valve in such a way that the camera periodically observes positioning of the valve stem. An image processor is applied to the output of the camera to determine percentage opening of the valve. The valve opening percentage of the image processor is fed to a PID controller that uses the valve opening percentage in its process control calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Sami El Ferik, Mustafa El-Shafei, Mohammad Shaqura, Atef Bouchrit
  • Patent number: 8798896
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing accuracy in estimating average time taken to travel through a chosen road segment is provided. The method includes determination of time taken by one or more vehicles to travel through the road segments. Further, correlated road segments for which time taken to travel through the correlated road segments is correlated with the time taken to travel through the chosen road segment, are identified. A data repository stores a list of the one or more correlated road segments. Among the correlated road segments, one or more preferred road segments that increases the accuracy in determining the average time taken to travel through the chosen road segment, is determined by at least one processor. Further, the processor estimates the average time taken to travel through the chosen road segment using, data corresponding to time taken to travel through, the preferred road segments and the chosen road segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Vikram Srinivasan, Avhishek Chatterjee, Samik Datta, Supratim Deb, Sharad Jaiswal
  • Patent number: 8798640
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for providing information related to a geographic location of a user of a mobile device are disclosed. In some embodiments, a location of the mobile device is determined. Information related to the location is also determined. The related information is provided to a user of the mobile device via the mobile device. In some embodiments, an image sensor nearby the mobile device is identified and an image captured by the image sensor is displayed via the mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device can be used to control the direction, focus, and aperture of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20140210969
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a video frame data receiver that is capable of image acquisition at low frame rates. Such video frame data receivers may be used to capture images from diagnostic tests or assays in which lower frame capture rates are sufficient including, for example, lateral flow test strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Alverix, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephan Hengstler
  • Publication number: 20140210967
    Abstract: A method, an imaging and light source module insertable in a reverse vending machine, and a reverse vending machine including an opening for entering objects into a chamber, a plurality of light sources and a plurality of imaging devices allowing at least one feature of an object in the chamber to be read, wherein the plurality of imaging devices and the plurality of light sources are arranged as a plurality of imaging and light units around the perimeter of the chamber, wherein each imaging and light unit including one 2D imaging device and one light source, the 2D imaging device and the light source is viewing and illuminating the object at a first and a second oblique angle, respectively, wherein the first and second oblique angles are in the range 45-75° relative to a centre-symmetrical line of the imaging and light units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: TOMRA SYSTEMS ASA
    Inventors: Vidar Kirkerud, Tom Lunde
  • Publication number: 20140210968
    Abstract: Mobile test reader is disclosed. Reader receives, with wireless transceiver, test-specific plug-in from external entity, configures test reader application with plug-in, and takes, with digital camera controlled by application configured with plug-in, image data depicting output area of test. Furthermore, reader, under control of application configured with plug-in, performs at least one of following: transmits, with transceiver, image data to external entity; generates, with application configured with plug-in, test result for test on the basis of image data; transmits, with transceiver, test result to external entity; outputs, with user interface, test result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: iStoc Oy
    Inventors: Hannu KAUNISKANGAS, Jarmo JARVENPAA
  • Patent number: 8791993
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medicine management system wherein a camera is installed in a camera tube to acquire a good-quality medicine image, thereby improving recognition efficiency. A method of setting the camera of the medicine image capturing device includes extracting a jig block from a medicine image captured by the medicine image capturing device, analyzing image elements of the jig block, and setting a capturing mode of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8780189
    Abstract: A wheel slide detection system with at least one device, such as a camera, to capture an image of a wheel, and a processor to receive the captured image, identify the wheel, and to analyze the relative position of the wheel to determine whether or not the wheel is rotating. The system can detect rotation, non-rotation or partial rotation of the wheel. The camera(s) can be triggered by sensor-activation or microprocessor-activation. A visible or electronically encoded feature or marker on the wheel can be used as a reference for establishing wheel rotation. A processing algorithm can compare the location of the feature or marker on consecutive images to assess rotation of the wheel by determining an angle of rotation of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lynx Engineering Consultants Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Krzysztof Piotr Kilian
  • Patent number: 8773522
    Abstract: A band-limiting filter of the invention exhibits a trimodal filter characteristic, and includes, for example, band-limiting transmittance filter characteristic portions Rb, Gb, and Bb for wavelength regions of red, green, and blue, respectively. More specifically, the band-limiting transmittance filter characteristic portions Rb, Gb, and Bb, for example, have bandpass characteristics in which the respective center wavelengths are 630 nm (full width at half maximum ?1=30 to 90 nm), 540 nm (full width at half maximum ?2=20 to 60 nm), and 440 nm (full width at half maximum ?3=50 to 80 nm). This makes it possible to obtain an image of a predetermined color tone by restraining an influence of spectral sensitivity characteristic of an image pickup device when the band-limiting filter is applied to a synchronous type endoscope for performing color image pickup to perform observation under normal illumination light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kenji Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8773520
    Abstract: Provided is a control device for controlling an observation unit including an observation device for allowing a sample to be observed to acquire an observation image of the sample and an illumination device for illuminating the sample when the sample is observed with the observation device, the control device including a first control unit for controlling the illumination device to adjust an illuminance of the illumination device when a search mode is set for the observation unit, and a second control unit for controlling the illumination device to adjust the illuminance of the illumination device when a time lapse mode is set for the observation unit. Here, the illuminance set for the illumination device by the first control unit by adjusting the illuminance of the illumination device is lower than the illuminance set for the illumination device by the second control unit by adjusting the illuminance of the illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Inoue, Yoshitaro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8767056
    Abstract: Document imaging apparatuses, systems, and methods. An apparatus includes a base having a platen on a top surface. The apparatus includes a boom having a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably connected to the base, and the is boom movable between a first position where the second end is above the platen and a second position wherein the boom is stored within the base. The apparatus includes a camera mount located at the second end of the boom. The camera mount is configured to removably attach to a camera so that the camera is located above the platen and positioned to capture an image of the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20140176688
    Abstract: A photographing apparatus includes a display unit; and a processor that is configured to acquire from a storage unit that stores information that indicates a photographed image composition for photographing a crop, information that indicates a composition determined based on information related to a farm field, the storage unit storing multiple records of the information for the crop; and display on the display unit, the acquired information that indicates the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Takehiko Ibamoto
  • Patent number: 8761449
    Abstract: A method of generating one or more new spatial and chromatic variation digital images uses an original digitally-acquired image which including a face or portions of a face. A group of pixels that correspond to a face within the original digitally-acquired image is identified. A portion of the original image is selected to include the group of pixels. Values of pixels of one or more new images based on the selected portion are automatically generated, or an option to generate them is provided, in a manner which always includes the face within the one or more new images. Such method may be implemented to automatically establish the correct orientation and color balance of an image. Such method can be implemented as an automated method or a semi automatic method to guide users in viewing, capturing or printing of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: DigitalOptics Corporation Europe Limited
    Inventors: Eran Steinberg, Yury Prilutsky, Peter Corcoran, Petronel Bigioi
  • Publication number: 20140168396
    Abstract: A method for viewing contents of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The method includes obtaining a series of pictures of a chilled chamber of the refrigerator appliance over a period of time. The method also includes selecting at least two of the pictures and displaying the at least two pictures to a user. The method can assist the user with establishing an inventory of food articles positioned within the chilled chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael John Kempiak, Joel Erik Hitzelberger, Bahman Abbasi
  • Patent number: 8754940
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for monitoring using a movable video device. The video device is movable to a plurality of positions definable by three dimensions. In an example method, the video device is moved to one of the plurality of positions. Within the video device, video data is acquired at the one of the plurality of positions. Further, within the video device, the acquired video data is processed using a processing algorithm that is configured according to a predetermined profile associated with the one of the plurality of positions. The result of the processing is sent to an external receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ajit Belsarkar, David N. Katz
  • Patent number: 8754925
    Abstract: An audio locating and tracking apparatus, a method of directing a camera to view an audio source, and a video conferencing terminal are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) an audio source identifier configured to locate an audio source based on multimodal sensor data from at least two different types of sensors and (2) an image selector configured to automatically direct a camera to view the audio source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Hock M. Ng, Edward L. Sutter, Jr., Richard M. Abbot
  • Patent number: 8749627
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring digital microscope images is disclosed, in which a plurality of magnified images of a specimen are captured for tiling together to provide an overall composite image of the specimen. In accordance with the described method, the specimen is moved relative to an imaging system comprising a microscope and camera in a predetermined path while the plurality of magnified images are captured. In a preferred embodiment, the specimen, contained on a slide, is mounted on a movable microscope stage, and is moved beneath the microscope in the predetermined path. The velocity of the movement of the stage and the shutter speed of the camera is computer controlled to capture overlapping, clear images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Source Bioscience PLC
    Inventors: John R. Maddison, Noah F. Clinch
  • Publication number: 20140152786
    Abstract: A video sign based advertising method involves providing a video display that is adapted to display images as an arrangement of pixels; sending video signals representing an advertisement to the video display; capturing an image of a sample of less than all of the pixels of the video display; determining if the captured sample matches a bitmap of the image sample of the image that is being sent to the display; logging play-out of the advertisement if a match is detected; and initiating an error condition action if a match is not detected. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: ROBERT NICHOLSON
  • Patent number: 8743194
    Abstract: An imaging system consisting of a cell-phone with camera as the detection part of an optical train which includes other components. Optionally, an illumination system to create controlled contrast in the sample. Uses include but are not limited to disease diagnosis, symptom analysis, and post-procedure monitoring, and other applications to humans, animals, and plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel Fletcher, Wendy Hansen, Neil Switz, David Breslauer, Erik Douglas, Robi Maamari, Wilbur Lam, Jesse Dill
  • Publication number: 20140144989
    Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device, and a second holding portion that is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in a particular orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The relative orientation and position between the portable computing device and the personal computing device optimizes the ability for the portable computing device's camera to scan optical information provided on the personal identification card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Election Administrators, LLC
    Inventor: Martin White
  • Publication number: 20140139654
    Abstract: Article specifying information for specifying articles collected in an article collection site is detected from an image captured by an imaging unit (101). When the article specifying information is detected, a position of the article in the article collection site are determined from the position of the article specifying information in the captured image, and article information in which the detected article specifying information is correlated with position information indicating the determined position of the articles is stored. The position information of a pickup target article corresponding to the article specifying information of the pickup target article is acquired with reference to the article information. A laser beam output unit (108) presents the position of the pickup target article to a pickup operator so as to recognize the presented position by irradiating the position of the pickup target article with a laser beam on the basis of the acquired position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Masaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8731367
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit which stores data of a plurality of medical images at different imaging angles or different imaging positions with respect to the same region, a display unit which displays the data of the medical image read out from the storage unit, and a control unit which controls the storage unit and the display unit to play back the plurality of medical images as moving images and pause playback of the medical image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takuya Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8732273
    Abstract: This invention discloses a data inquiry system for three-dimensional location-based image, video, and information, which comprises a client device and a remote server. The client device provides space parameters and lens parameters to the remote server through a transmission module. The remote server determines a space inquiry range by the space parameter and lens parameter, inquires an object data of an object space position parameter at the space inquiry range, shows the object data in an image data displayed by the client device to facilitate users to identify the desired viewing object, and further inquires the object data and related image and/or video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Shiao-Li Tsao, Cheng-Lung Lin, Kaun-Ju Lin, Hsin-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 8730315
    Abstract: The number of seams between magnified images in a created virtual slide is reduced to make the virtual slide clear and sharp. Provided is a microscope apparatus including an objective lens that collects light from a sample on a slide; a focus position detecting section that detects a focus position of the objective lens with respect to the sample; a focus state adjustment section that adjusts a focus state with respect to the sample based on a detection result from the focus position detecting section; and a magnified-image acquisition section that acquires a magnified image of each part of the sample, in which, if the focus position detected by the focus position detecting section is changed by more than a predetermined threshold with respect to a focus state in which an adjacent magnified image was obtained, the focus state adjustment section limits the adjustment in the focus state to the predetermined threshold or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 8730313
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a reading unit which reads video data and control data from a recording medium, the recording medium containing the video data including a plurality of image data and the control data used to control a measurement operation; a measuring unit which performs the measurement operation on the basis of the image data of the video data read by the reading unit; and a control unit which controls the measuring unit on the basis of the control data read by the reading unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Numata
  • Patent number: 8730312
    Abstract: A method for generating an augmented reality display on a display device according to embodiments of the present invention includes overlaying augmented reality data onto an actual image using three dimensional positioning data and three dimensional orientation data of the display device. The augmented reality data may include at least one line feature and/or at least one video feature, and may take into account both elevation of the device and the three-dimensional direction in which the imaging device is pointed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Active Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Roebke, Alistair Neil Davidson
  • Patent number: 8723934
    Abstract: A projected display, onto the surface of an appliance, of a user interface that can be utilized to make selections regarding the operation of the appliance is described. Where the surface is part of a door of the appliance, the user interface can be configured for display on the top surface, bottom surface, or both, of the door. Such door can be constructed from a transparent material that can be transformed to provide a reflection of the projected display that is visible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Roman Roman Vila
  • Patent number: 8723937
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes an imaging section that includes an optical system and an imaging element, an observation mode setting section that sets an object observation mode, a diaphragm control section that selects a diaphragm state based on the observation mode, and an image processing section that processes an image acquired by the imaging section. The diaphragm control section selecting a first diaphragm state when the observation mode is a first observation mode. The first diaphragm state being a state in which a resolution determined by a diffraction limit based on a diaphragm of the optical system is lower than a resolution determined by the imaging element. The diaphragm control section selecting a second diaphragm state when the observation mode is a second observation mode. The second diaphragm state being a state in which the resolution determined by the diffraction limit based on the diaphragm of the optical system is equal to or higher than the resolution determined by the imaging element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20140125704
    Abstract: A camera identifies a physical object positioned in a workspace. A display displays first digital information into the workspace. A layering module treats the physical object as a first layer in the workspace and treats the first digital information as a second layer in the workspace. A controller controls the visual adjacency of the first and second layers via display of the first digital information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Otto K. Sievert
  • Publication number: 20140125786
    Abstract: A method and a system that are used to indirectly read embossed characters on a personalized document for verifying or recognizing the embossed characters. The method and system digitize an image of the embossed characters that is formed on a foil when applying coloration material from the foil to the embossed characters on the personalized document. The captured image on the foil is then used to verify and/or recognize the embossed characters on the personalized document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: DATACARD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140125789
    Abstract: The present invention provides head-mounted systems and devices for capturing images. In particular, the present invention provides systems and devices comprising: a) a head-mounted frame component configured to be mounted on the head of a user (e.g., hat, head band, glasses, goggles, etc.) and b) an extending component that is moveable between at least a first position in or adjacent to the head-mounted frame component and a second position non-adjacent to the head-mounted frame component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Jason R. Bond
  • Patent number: 8717426
    Abstract: A method of determining drilling fluid contents including fractionating a fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample includes a drilling fluid, and collecting image data from the fractioned fluid sample. Furthermore, processing the image data with a process station to produce a rendered image, and outputting the rendered image. Additionally, a system for determining drilling fluids content including an image gathering vessel having a holding section and an image gathering device operatively coupled to the image gathering vessel for collecting image data from a fluid sample, wherein the fluid sample includes a drilling fluid. Furthermore, a processing station for receiving the image data from the image gathering device and for producing a rendered image of the fluid sample based on the image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Mario Zamora, Marc A. Churan, Zhen Zhu
  • Patent number: 8717157
    Abstract: To provide a display device for vehicle in which, when particular vehicle information, for example vehicle information with great urgency and high priority is displayed, a passenger can easily recognize the information and his attention can be attracted to the information. A display device for vehicle 1 includes an image display device 10 and control means 20 for displaying vehicle information as an image in the image display device 10, wherein, in transition from a first display form in which each of a first display image GR1 and a second display image GR2 is displayed to a second display form in which each of the first display image GR1, the second display image GR2, and a third display image GR3 is displayed, the control means 20 displays the third display image GR3 between the first and second display images after the first and second display images GR1 and GR2 are moved in a direction in which they are separated from each other or while they are moved in that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Midori Watanabe, Masaki Katoh, Hikaru Hiraiwa, Ikuyo Sasajima, Yasuyuki Kojima, Takumi Sato
  • Publication number: 20140118514
    Abstract: An optical imaging system and method in which a second channel is used to provide alignment data for achieving image frame stacking of image data in a first channel. In one example, image stacking of infrared images is achieved by obtaining and analyzing corresponding visible images to provide alignment data that is then used to align and stack the infrared images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard J. Wright, William R. Owens, Gregory E. Longerich, Andrew F. Varecka, Perry H. Frahm, David C. Robillard, Emerald J. Adair
  • Patent number: 8706843
    Abstract: A network connector device and a method for making image information sent through a first digital network accessible by a second digital network. A first and a second network connector are arranged to pass on digital network traffic, a network traffic buffer buffers the digital network traffic, an image session identifier identifies a network session from the buffered digital network traffic, containing image information. An image session tracker tracks the identified network session containing image information, an image extractor extracts image information from the identified network session containing image information, and an image information buffer buffers the extracted image information. An image information arranger arranges the image information from the image information buffer into at least one image sequence of related images, and a server makes accessible the at least one image sequence via a third network connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Axis AB
    Inventors: Stefan Lundberg, Joacim Tullberg
  • Patent number: 8698881
    Abstract: An assay system includes an optical imager to acquire high resolution images of assay strips (e.g., lateral flow immunochromatographic test strips) and performs image processing to identify individual assay strips and determine results for each assay strip, by quantifies the presence or absence of test signal line(s) and control signal line(s). Assay strips may be in a holder or carrier contained in a specimen container also holding a specimen. The assay system automatically logs all results and data to a database that stores a high resolution image of the original immunochromatographic assay, the values of test line(s) and control line(s), and the test result. A user interface directs an end user through operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GenPrime, Inc
    Inventors: James E Fleming, Jesse M. McGrew, Stephen P. McGrew, Patrick Nicholes, Johnny Humphreys
  • Publication number: 20140098206
    Abstract: A garment having audio-video display capabilities, has a garment body bearing a a video display device. The display device is preferably mounted to a surface of the garment body whereby it cannot be seen unless activated. An audio reproduction device is also mounted to the garment body. Both the video and audio display/reproduction devices are controlled by a microprocessor system likewise mounted to the garment body. The processor system is capable of receiving video and audio data and control signals from a remote source, such as a smartphone, over a wireless communications system, such a Bluetooth system. In addition, the garment may itself have a camera and microphone to allow the wearer to record audio-visual material and display it on the garment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Cute Circuit LLC
    Inventors: Francesca ROSELLA, Ryan T. GENZ