Mechanical Optical Scanning Patents (Class 348/98)
-
Patent number: 10962357Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) scanner includes a housing, one or more light sources, one or more optical sensors, a plurality of processors in communication with the one or more light sources and the one or more optical sensors, and memory storing instructions for generating data corresponding to a 3D shape of a surface of an object by repeatedly performing the operations of: projecting, using the one or more light sources, structured light toward the surface of the object; and while projecting the structured light toward the surface of the object, acquiring, using the one or more optical sensors, an image of the surface of the object. The 3D scanner further includes a cooling manifold internal to the housing comprising a single piece of metal thermally coupled with the one or more light sources, the one or more optical sensors and the plurality of processors.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: ARTEC EUROPE S.À R.L.Inventors: Alexander Alexandrovich Sharapov, Sergey Vladimirovich Sukhovey, Gleb Alexandrovich Gusev, Artem Leonidovich Yukhin
-
Patent number: 8913123Abstract: A system for mounting a needle shield to a syringe. The system includes a syringe nest and a gripper having a gripping position and a release position. The gripper is movable between an aligned position and a spaced position. A shaker has a shaker axis that is generally coaxial with the syringe axis. The shaker is movable along the shaker axis. An inspection camera is positioned proximate the syringe axis and defines a line of sight. The syringe nest, gripper, shaker and cap plunger are generally aligned along the syringe axis in a placing configuration wherein the gripper is in the gripping position holding the needle shield. The gripper is in the spaced position and the distal end of the cap plunger is in engagement with the needle shield in a final cap mounting configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.Inventor: Justin Miller
-
Patent number: 8842174Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Abbott Point of Care, Inc.Inventors: John Blum, John J. Doskoczynski, Kaushal K. Verma, Pierre R. Emeric
-
Patent number: 8760508Abstract: An inspection system and associated method are provided for inspecting a smoking article having a smokable rod and a filter element serially secured together by a tipping material circumscribing a longitudinal periphery of the filter element and a portion of a longitudinal periphery of the smokable rod adjacent to the filter element. A transport device is configured to transport individual as-formed smoking articles from a first to a second position such that the tipping material associated with each smoking article is accessible at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article. An inspection device is configured to optically inspect each smoking article, at least about the portion of the longitudinal periphery of the smoking article having the tipping material, as the smoking article is transported between the first and second positions, and to automatically determine from the optical inspection whether the inspected smoking article is defective.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Franklin Forrest Brantley, Eddie Lee Nuckols, Darrell Thomas Dixon, Timothy Frederick Thomas, Calvin Wayne Henderson, Balager Ademe
-
Patent number: 8525878Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing film images which are deviated from the film-recording optical path of a moving picture camera and which are converted into digital assist signals (AS) with the aid of an image sensor which is arranged in the assist optical path (S4) of the moving picture camera which is periodically interrupted according to the image-recording frequency of the moving picture camera. Said assist signals are fed to a data processing device at an image frequency corresponding to the image-recording frequency of the moving picture camera. Said data processing device processes the assist images derived from the digital assist signal (AS) at the image-recording frequency of the moving picture camera.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co. Betriebs KGInventor: Klaus Jacumet
-
Patent number: 8506087Abstract: A laser light projector includes a laser beam generated by a laser light source, a scanner associated with the laser light source and having one or more moving mirrors capable of scanning the laser beam along X-Y coordinates, a scan-fail monitor and a safety-lens. The safety-lens includes at least one optical power, and is positioned and arranged for increasing the safety of the projected light within audience areas by increasing beam divergence in the audience, while keeping beam divergence low above the heads of the audience, thus allowing mirror targeting to occur.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventors: William R. Benner, Jr., Jeremy Philip Turner
-
Patent number: 8497900Abstract: A film scanner for the optical scanning of a motion picture film having a sequence of a plurality of image regions and at least one row of a plurality of perforation holes in the longitudinal direction, in particular a motion picture film of the type 16 mm or 35 mm, comprises an image sensor for the detection at least of a respective image region of the motion picture film to generate a corresponding scanned image. The film scanner further comprises an evaluation unit for the evaluation of the scanned image to generate an image steadiness correction signal. The image sensor is made for the additional detection of only a respective part region of perforation holes in the environment of the detected image region of the motion picture film, with the evaluation unit being made to determine a position of the detected part region of at least one perforation hole. The evaluation unit generates the image steadiness correction signal on the basis of the at least one determined part region position.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Arnold & Richter Cine Technik & Co. Betriebs KGInventor: Michael Cieslinski
-
Patent number: 8409913Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having at least one surface provided with a semiconductor element, wherein the semiconductor substrate includes a region of a first conductivity type, the region being formed in a surface layer portion of the semiconductor substrate; a first diffusion region of a second conductivity type, the first diffusion region having a first impurity concentration and being formed in the surface layer portion, and a pn junction being formed between the first diffusion region and the region of the first conductivity type; and a first metal silicide film formed on part of a portion of the surface corresponding to the first diffusion region.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Semiconductor LimitedInventor: Masaya Katayama
-
Patent number: 8330749Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating a control signal are provided. This method includes following steps. First, a reset parameter is generated according to a data enable signal and a clock signal, wherein the reset parameter indicates a cycle of the data enable signal. Next, a counting value is generated according to a positive rising edge of the data enable signal and the reset parameter. Finally, a control signal is generated according to the counting value. As a result, the control signal can be continually generated to apply various techniques when variation the data enable signal is ceased.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.Inventor: Yue-Li Chao
-
Patent number: 8218014Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanner for a scanned beam display may comprise a scanning platform having a mirror disposed thereon to reflect a beam of light impinging on the mirror, a drive coil disposed on the scanning platform to scan the reflected beam of light in response to a drive current applied to the drive coil. The drive coil has coil winding segments having a narrower width in one or more regions of the drive coil, and has coil winding segments having a greater width in one or more other regions of the drive coil to provide a the drive coil with a reduced electrical resistance.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: Jason B. Tauscher, Dean R. Brown, Matthew Ellis, Wyatt O. Davis, Mark P. Helsel
-
Patent number: 8164624Abstract: Provided are a data converting device for improving image quality, a method thereof, and an LCD device having the same. The data converting device includes a polarity signal generating part and a data varying part. The polarity signal generating part generates a polarity signal inverting polarity of a data signal in turns by a period of n fields. The data varying part differently varies data signals corresponding to respective field periods within the period of the n fields.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ju Young Lee
-
Patent number: 8009190Abstract: A film scanner of the type which uses diffuse illumination and an array sensor such as a line array or area array CCD includes an integrating optical element in the form of an integrating sphere to provide diffuse illumination to film. The diffuse illumination ensures that light is provided to film at a range of angles thereby improving the light level reaching the array sensor from film that has been scattered by defects such as scratches thereby reducing the visibility of such defects. A lens is provided at the exit aperture of the integrating sphere so as to define a particular area of the surface within the integrating sphere from which light that is not scattered by film is derived. The area has a lower reflectivity than the remainder of the integrating sphere thereby increasing the amount of light derived from scratches that reaches the sensor to further reduce the visibility of scratches.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Cintel International LimitedInventor: Terence William Mead
-
Patent number: 7982765Abstract: According to an embodiment, an image capture apparatus comprises a light emitter, a beam scanner aligned to receive emitted light and operable to scan the light in a two-dimensional pattern, imaging optics aligned to receive the scanned two-dimensional pattern and image the pattern onto an object, and to collect light scattered from the object, a detector to receive scattered light from the imaging optics, an electronic controller c operable to receive an electrical signal from the detector corresponding to the received scattered light, and an actuator operable to modify the relative alignment between the beam scanner and the imaging optics to change an imaged location on the object. According to an embodiment, a method for capturing an image comprises scanning a beam of light through imaging optics onto a location on a surface, detecting light scattered by the surface, and steering the beam scanner relative to the imaging optics to change the trajectory of the scanned pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: John R. Lewis, Clarence T. Tegreene
-
Publication number: 20100149328Abstract: A film scanner for the optical scanning of a motion picture film having a sequence of a plurality of image regions and at least one row of a plurality of perforation holes in the longitudinal direction, in particular a motion picture film of the type 16 mm or 35 mm, comprises an image sensor for the detection at least of a respective image region of the motion picture film to generate a corresponding scanned image. The film scanner further comprises an evaluation unit for the evaluation of the scanned image to generate an image steadiness correction signal. The image sensor is made for the additional detection of only a respective part region of perforation holes in the environment of the detected image region of the motion picture film, with the evaluation unit being made to determine a position of the detected part region of at least one perforation hole. The evaluation unit generates the image steadiness correction signal on the basis of the at least one determined part region position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventor: Michael Cieslinski
-
Patent number: 7639223Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel, a driver configured to drive the liquid crystal panel, a control circuit configured to control the driver in response to a display data signal and control signal supplied from an exterior, and a check circuit configured to detect a change between frames in a detection-purpose signal that is included in at least one of the display data signal and control signal so as to output a check signal responsive to presence/absence of the change.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasutake Furukoshi, Katsuyoshi Hiraki
-
Patent number: 7511866Abstract: An image sensor includes a row of first color sensors including a plurality of first color sensors for sensing first color light to generate a plurality of first sub-pixels and a row of second color sensors including a plurality of second color sensors for sensing second color light to generate a plurality of second sub-pixels. The distance between a first end of an effective sensing area of each first color sensor and a first end of an effective sensing area of a corresponding second color sensor in the linear direction of the image sensor is a first length greater than zero.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Transpacific Plasma, LLCInventor: Chang-Yung Feng
-
Patent number: 7497578Abstract: Crosstalk between a drive coil and a primary feedback coil is eliminated by positioning a secondary feedback coil in proximity with the drive coil for contamination by the crosstalk to the same extent as the primary feedback coil, and by processing feedback signals generated by the feedback coils to cancel the crosstalk. The drive coil is used to oscillate a scan mirror employed in an image projection arrangement or an electro-optical reader.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Frederick F. Wood
-
Patent number: 7477430Abstract: A transparency conveying apparatus is provided with: a first rail for guiding one end of a transparency; a second rail for guiding the other end portion, which is provided parallel to the first rail with the transparency reading region placed between the first and second rails; a first belt for conveying the transparency along the first rail, which faces the first rail in a position where the one end is inserted between the first belt and the first rail; a second belt for conveying the transparency along the second rail, which faces the second rail in a position where the other end is inserted between the second belt and the second rail; a first engagement member for engaging the one end with the first belt; a second engagement member for engaging the other end with the second belt; and a drive unit for rotating the first and second belts.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Teruo Baba, Hisayuki Akahane, Harrick Selvan, Letchumanan Thiagarajan
-
Patent number: 7474328Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for shooting an entire scene on a single large format film camera and recomposing the filmed scene into a video stream suitable for transfer to conventional formats.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Inventors: Benjamin P. Brunkhardt, Erik W. Courtney
-
Patent number: 7369075Abstract: An output circuit, a digital/analog conversion circuit and a display apparatus can reduce the number of required input voltages and the number of transistors to save the necessary area. The output circuit and the digital/analog conversion circuit comprise a selection circuit for receiving as input a plurality of (m) reference voltages having mutually different respective voltage values, selecting two of the voltages according to a selection signal and outputting them and an amplifier circuit for receiving as input the voltages output from the selection circuit at two input terminals T1, T2 and outputting the voltage obtained by interpolating the voltage difference of the two input terminal voltages V(T1), V(T2) to a predetermined ratio. It may alternatively be so arranged that the selection circuit sequentially outputs the selected two voltages and the amplifier circuit sequentially receives as two input the two voltages and outputs the output voltage obtained by interpolation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Junichirou Ishii, Hiroshi Tsuchi
-
Patent number: 7106397Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizing member constituted by, at least, a cholesteric liquid-crystal layer (1), a quarter-wave plate (2), and an optical rotatory layer (3). By the polarizing member according to the present invention, the plane of polarization of light linearly polarized by a combination of the cholesteric liquid-crystal layer and the quarter-wave plate are rotated by the optical rotatory layer so that the linearly polarized light is supplied to an absorption type polarizer (4) with good coincidence between the plane of polarization of the linearly polarized light and the axis of polarization of the absorption type polarizer. Thus, there can be obtained a liquid-crystal display device which has luminance improved by prevention of absorption loss and is excellent in display quality.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Ikuo Kawamoto, Tadayuki Kameyama
-
Patent number: 6967752Abstract: An image reading apparatus and method in which no complicated control is carried out and suitable adjustment of the color balance can be carried out in accordance with the type of a photographic material. First, the type of a photographic film to be read is acquired. When the photographic film is a negative film or a sepia-tone film, a filter for negative film is set on an optical axis of illumination light. When the photographic film is a positive film or a black-and-white film, a filter for positive film is set on the optical axis of illumination light. In either state, a film image on the photographic film is read.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2000Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiko Katakura
-
Patent number: 6891645Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which extended image reading time is prevented when high quality image data is obtained, which image data is corrected by invisible light such as infrared light which is transmitted through an original. In a CCD scanner, visible light emitted from a light source is irradiated onto a photographic film. Infrared light emitted from the light source is reduced by an IR light reducing filter to be irradiated onto the photographic film. Visible light which has been transmitted through the photographic film is irradiated on a linear CCD by a lens unit, and the infrared light is reflected by a dichroic mirror to be irradiated on the linear CCD. Accordingly, the reading of invisible light can be effected at the same time that the reading of visible light is effected. It is therefore possible to prevent image reading time from becoming long due to the time required for the receiving of invisible light.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoichi Nakamura
-
Patent number: 6812957Abstract: An image preprocessing apparatus, which processes image signals of an image of a scanned object, includes an image sensing module, a multiplexing unit and an analog signal processor. The image sensing module includes a number of monochrome image sensors, as well as a black-and-white (B/W) image sensor, outputting a number of monochrome analog image signals and a B/W analog image signal respectively. The multiplexing unit receives the B/W analog image signal and some of the monochrome analog image signals and then selects either the B/W analog image signal or these monochrome analog image signals as the output of the multiplexing unit. The analog signal processor receives the output of the multiplexing unit and the monochrome analog image signals that are not received by the multiplexing unit, and outputs a digital signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Avision Inc.Inventor: Michael Chen
-
Patent number: 6791721Abstract: An image reading device which has a reduced size and which can read images at high quality. LEDs, which are respective pluralities of light emitting diode elements that emit red, green, blue and infrared light, are disposed at an area CCD scanner. A frame image of a photographic film is successively read with light of each wavelength by emitting light from the LED elements. Pixels that are affected by a scratch or dust at the photographic film are detected by the infrared light. Red, green and blue image data for such pixels is corrected by means of interpolation or the like. Thus, images can be read at high quality. Furthermore, because the LEDs are used as a light source instead of a halogen lamp, less heat is emitted, the device is more compact, and cut filters and the like are not needed.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Konogaya, Yoichi Nakamura
-
Patent number: 6636255Abstract: In a three-dimensional image scanner, a grating projection type moire topography is used, so as to capture three-dimensional form information of an object to be measured easily in a short time with a high degree of freedom in measurement. Also, a heat-insulating partition comprising at least two partition walls forming a cooling/heat-insulating path is disposed between a light source and a heat-sensitive section, so as to effectively inhibit the heat generated by the light source from being transmitted to the heat-sensitive section. The three-dimensional form information of the object is captured by a measurement head 12 having a function as a grating projection type moire device.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fumio Kobayashi, Tetsuo Udagawa
-
Patent number: 6535250Abstract: An electronic camera adopts an image pickup and optical system of a mirror scan type in which a mirror for scanning is disposed at a forward side of a taking lens. A line image sensor relatively scans an object while rotating the mirror to perform photographing. When controlling the exposure, the taking lens is moved synchronously along with rotation of the mirror to adjust the focal position thereof each time a slender sub-image of the object is picked up by the CCD. Driving the taking lens to focus the sub-image each time of scanning the sub-image enables picking up an entirety of the object image perfectly in a focused state.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.Inventors: Noriyuki Okisu, Keizou Ochi
-
Publication number: 20020130952Abstract: A compact light source for an optical color correction system selectably removes under electronic control zero, one, two, or all three primary color components from an input beam of white light. The system polarizes the input beam linearly and passes it through three filter assemblies. Each filter assembly comprises a half-wave plate whose optic axis may be rotated between two different positions under electronic control and a colored polarizer. With the optic axis in one position, the half-wave plate passes the incoming polarized light unaltered. With the optic axis in a second position, the half-wave plate rotates the incoming polarized light. The colored polarizer removes a primary color component only when the light passing through it is polarized along its principal axis, and passes the incoming light unaltered when that light is polarized along the orthogonal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: John J. Galt, James B. Pearman
-
Publication number: 20020030737Abstract: This invention proposes an optical controller for dividing a predetermined source light into a plurality of optical paths, projecting the light of each of the optical paths onto corresponding optical shutters, and opening and closing the optical shutters so that the light of each of the optical paths is shut off, transmitted or adjusted for quantity of light, whereby the source light can be used further efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Kunika Hashimoto, Hiroshi Kiriyama
-
Publication number: 20010030687Abstract: When an image scanner scans an image recorded on an advanced photo system™ film, it determines spectral transmittance of a portion of the film, which is not exposed but developed, then sets parameters, such as masking parameters and &ggr; correction parameters, to be used in image signal processes on the basis of the spectral characteristics. Thereafter, the image is read by a CCD and image data is outputted. The film scanner applies the image signal processes to the image data using the parameters set in accordance with the spectral transmittance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 1997Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: KAZUYUKI KONDO, KAZUHIKO MATSUOKA
-
Patent number: 6220730Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
-
Patent number: 6191810Abstract: A film image input system is disclosed which can use a film cartridge constructed in such a manner that it requires a small space for storing a developed still photo film and also can protect the film against dust and damage, and also which allows the film cartridge to be mounted into a cartridge mounting part very simply and positively. The film image input system 1 is arranged such that it reproduces the image of the developed still photo film 2 on a video monitor 18. The system uses a film cartridge 6 which comprises a cartridge main body having an outlet opening 7 for sending out the film 2 in the longitudinal direction thereof, a single spool which fixes one end of the film 2 in the longitudinal direction thereof and round which the whole length of the film 2 can be wound, and support means for supporting the spool in such a manner that it can be rotated in both directions.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1995Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigenori Oosaka, Katuo Asami, Hitoshi Yozawa, Kazuo Ikari, Takeshi Misawa, Nakao Oi, Kuniharu Kitagawa, Tadayoshi Shibata
-
Patent number: 6154249Abstract: This is a film image input system wherein an image of the developed still photo film is made to focus on an image sensing plane of a charge coupled device through a taking lens to be converted into electric signals and the electric signals are input in a video monitor. The film image input system comprises: a zoom driving part for changing the image magnification of the taking lens; a scan mechanism for moving an image taking positionon the film by the taking lens; and a control part for controlling the scan mechanism in such a manner that the moving speed of the scan mechanism is decreased with the increase in the image magnification of the taking lens and making the moving speed of a screen on the video monitor constant during scan.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1993Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katuo Asami, Hitoshi Yozawa
-
Patent number: 6104841Abstract: An image is read by moving a line sensor relative to the image in a subsidiary scanning direction perpendicular to the direction of a pixels array of the line sensor. An image processor receives image signals from the sensor and produces an output image magnified relative to the image in accordance with a magnification ratio. The magnification ratio falls into one of n contiguous magnification ratio ranges between a reference magnification ratio and a minimum magnification ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yu Tojo, Takahiro Hideshima, Akira Ichizuka, Kazuteru Kowada
-
Patent number: 6081293Abstract: A linear motor driven film gate for a motion picture telecine and methods for operation. A housing associated with a telecine optical block is operative to support and transport a single film frame in a precisely controlled linear motion past a telecine scanning aperture for scanning. An entry guide sprocket on the telecine receives the film from a feed spool, stabilizes the film, and directs the film across the aperture. A pin assembly carrying precision milled registration pins on a film transport carriage engages with the film sprocket holes in a path perpendicular to the film plane. After the registration pins are engaged with the sprocket perforations, a precision linear motor with integrated optical position encoder pulls a single frame across the scanning aperture. When a single frame has passed by the aperture, the linear motor stops, and the registration pins are removed from engagement with the film. The linear motor then returns to an initial position to engage a subsequent frame of film.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: Steadi-Film Corp.Inventors: Brian K. Brown, Larry D. Bisel, Nathan R. Gleit, Walter K. Chambliss
-
Patent number: 6046765Abstract: The present invention relates to a film image input method, wherein a line sensor is used as an image sensor to reduce the cost, and the image data can be corrected in accordance with the taking environment, which occurs in a case of using the line sensor, for every frame. A line sensor is provided in which photoelectric transfer elements are arranged in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of a long roll of developed film for a still camera, the film is fed at the first speed continuously to take the rough image data of all frames through the line sensor, and the taking environment for every frame is detected based on the taken rough image data.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Nishimura, Atsushi Itoh
-
Patent number: 5982416Abstract: An image processor which provides a color space conversion characteristic suitable for an image includes a transfer unit which transfers digital color image data representing a desired image input by an image input unit and having a color space depending on the image input unit, and extraction unit which extracts a color space conversion characteristic used to convert the color space depending on the image input unit into another color space. The transfer unit transfers the digital color image data having the color space depending on the image input unit and the color space conversion characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1996Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshiki Ishii, Masamichi Ito
-
Patent number: 5929903Abstract: A scanner mechanism having a multi-position lens assembly for capturing images resident on an original includes an electronic camera for capturing the images and providing an image signal therefrom and a base assembly having a camera housing which supports the camera for movement relative to an optical axis in order to define plural fields of view. A lifting cam is mounted for pivotal movement from the base assembly, pivoting at one end thereof in spaced relation to the camera and engaging the camera at the other thereof for movement relative to the base assembly to define the plural fields of view, the lifting cam further having a contour cam surface on one side thereof. A slide is movable in relation to the base assembly and supports at least two lens assemblies in spaced relation relative to the optical axis of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Ronald H. Kiesow
-
Patent number: 5847754Abstract: A high resolution film scanner or telecine uses a microlithographic diffuser laminate (24) arranged adjacent the film. The diffuser diffuses a collimated light beam produced from a light source and the optics of a film scanner or telecine. This type of diffuser is inexpensive, yet produces a more uniformly distributed light intensity and aids in the reduction in visibility of surface imperfections such as scratches on the scanned film.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Rank Cintel Ltd.Inventor: Shane Thornton
-
Patent number: 5831757Abstract: The present invention provides precise constant velocity linear motion for reading and writing information over an area. The present invention uses a multiple cylinder linear feed unit to move a reflective surface and control the deflection of one or more beams. One embodiment of the present invention involves use of a pneumatic/hydraulic linear feed unit with a three color laser based film scanner/recorder system. The system can convert a film image to a digitized image capable of being processed by a computer and can also convert a digitized image to a film image. Two-axis scanning of a film frame is accomplished using a single scan mirror attached to a galvanometer scanner. The scan mirror and galvanometer scanner are coupled to a custom controlled rotary head assembly. The galvanometer deflects the scan mirror in a fast scan direction to create a scanline of the laser beam. A pneumatic/hydraulic linear feed unit is used to rotate the galvanometer assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: PixarInventor: David DiFrancesco
-
Patent number: 5815202Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning an image using a moving lens scanning system is described. The present invention moves film through a pin registered film gate, creating a projected image. A light source exposes images on the film in the film gate. The projected image passes through a lens and exposes a sensor, for example, a CCD camera. The sensor converts the section of the projected image exposed to it into electronic signals, and transfers that data out of the sensor. In one embodiment, the position of the film gate relative to the lens and sensor is adjustable to accommodate different size film formats. A rectangular sensor is used having a width narrower than the projected image width, and a height corresponding to the height of the projected image.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: PixarInventor: David Difrancesco
-
Patent number: 5808668Abstract: A film image input system is disclosed which provides an increased degree of freedom of design thereof, can be reduce the size and costs thereof, and can execute a trimming operation with ease. The film image input system forms an image of a developed still photo film 134 on a light receiving surface of an image pickup element 140 through a zoomable taking lens 138 and outputs to a monitor TV an image signal photo-electrically converted by the image pickup element 140 to thereby reproduce the film image on the screen of the monitor TV. The film image input system comprises at least one mirror 137 interposed between the photo film 134 and taking lens 138 for bending the optical axis of the taking lens 138, a mirror drive mechanism 168 for inclining the mirror 137 in all directions, and an operation part 170 for driving the mirror drive mechanism 168 in order to execute a desired scanning. This allows the system to be made compact and increases the freedom of design of the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1995Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Ikari, Ryo Imai
-
Patent number: 5805208Abstract: In an apparatus having a clock and a movable stage, a method of synchronizing the occurrence of the stage reaching a target velocity or target location with the clock signal, comprising:a) determining the clock period;b) before beginning movement of the movable stage, for a first relative time in the clock cycle, determining a calculated relative time of the target velocity or target location;c) if the calculated relative time differs from a predetermined second relative time in the clock cycle, then adding a delay commencing at the first relative time before beginning movement of the movable stage which moves the actual occurrence of the target velocity or target location to another relative time.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: John Daniel Meierdiercks
-
Patent number: 5767989Abstract: The improved image inputting apparatus for reading the image recorded on a transmission original comprises: a light source; an image sensor for photoelectrically reading the light that has issued from the light source and which has been transmitted through the original; an imaging lens for permitting the transmitted light to be focused on the image sensor; a focusing device for automatically adjusting a focus of the imaging lens; and a control device for controlling the focusing device before starting the reading of a new image group such that only the first frame of the image group is subjected to one-step automatic focusing or two-step automatic focusing consisting of coarse and fine adjustments whereas the other frames are not subjected to focusing but image reading is performed adopting the focus state of the first frame or are subjected to automatic focusing comprising only fine adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasunobu Sakaguchi
-
Patent number: 5689301Abstract: A first pixel of a given field is compared with second and third vertically aligned pixels of corresponding horizontal position of an adjacent field to produce, for each first pixel, a pixel difference signal having a value of zero if the value of the first pixel is intermediate the values of the second and third pixels, the difference signal otherwise having a value equal to the absolute value of a difference between the value of the first pixel and the value of one of the second and third pixels having a value closest to that of first pixel. The pixel difference signals are accumulated over a predetermined portion of one field period of the video signal to provide a field difference signal which is analyzed by a group of five correlators for patterns characteristic of 2-2 pull-down or 3-2 pull-down film mode sources. Flags are produced for identifying film mode operation and for identifying which of the adjacent fields to use in subsequent video processing such as de-interlacing or flicker reduction.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1994Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Todd J. Christopher, Carlos Correa
-
Patent number: 5640201Abstract: A film cartridge which can be looked up easily and a film image input system which can obtain a high quality image by using the film cartridge wherein the image signal of each frame image, of which the image quality is adjusted, is recorded in the EEPROM of the image record unit to be mounted on the film cartridge, in which the photo film is stored in a roll, so as to correspond to the frame number while the developed photo film is printed. And, the film image input system controls the adding circuit, the multiplying circuit and the gamma correction circuit based on the respective R, G, B color signals, which are respectively outputted to the black level controller, the white level controller and the gradation controller from the EEPROM, and outputs an image signal, which has the same gradation characteristics as that of the image signal which is recorded in the EEPROM, to the encoder.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masafumi Inuiya
-
Patent number: 5638115Abstract: A film image input system is disclosed which provides an increased degree of feedom of design thereof, can be reduce the size and costs thereof, and can execute a trimming operation with ease. The film image input system forms an image of a developed still photo film 134 on a light receiving surface of an image pickup element 140 through a zoomable taking lens 138 and outputs to a monitor TV an image signal photo-electrically converted by the image pickup element 140 to thereby reproduce the film image on the screen of the monitor TV. The film image input system comprises at least one mirror 137 interposed between the photo film 134 and taking lens 138 for bending the optical axis of the taking lens 138, a mirror drive mechanism 168 for inclining the mirror 137 in all directions, and an operation part 170 for driving the mirror drive mechanism 168 in order to execute a desired scanning. This allows the system to be made compact and increases the freedom of design of the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryo Imai
-
Patent number: 5563651Abstract: A binary number is generated representative of net motion during a field interval of an interlaced video signal from which a field to field difference signal is derived having a sign bit and a group of magnitude bits. The magnitude bits are compared with a first threshold to provide a first threshold indicating signal which, with the sign bit, are applied via respective bus lines to each correlator of a group of five correlators. The correlators are addressed using variable modulo addressing to detect patterns representative of 2--2 pull down and 3-2 pull down film originated frames. Logic is provided for detecting when one and only one of the five correlators indicates film detection to verify film mode operation. Error reduction is further enhanced by comparing the field difference signal with a second threshold, higher than the first, to provide a second thresold indicating signal to each correlator via a second bus.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1994Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Todd J. Christopher, Carlos Correa
-
Patent number: 5548328Abstract: A film scanner is disclosed which comprises a dynamic film gate. The film gate includes a pair of rollers for supporting the film at an imaging station and a pair of drive belts which clamp the film against the rollers. The belts are driven to advance the film through the imaging station. An integrating cylinder located above the film gate produces a line of light on the film, and light transmitted through the film in imaged onto a linear CCD image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Edward H. Wakefield
-
Patent number: 5519442Abstract: This is a film image input system wherein an image of the developed still photo film is made to focus on an image sensing plane of a charge coupled device through a taking lens to be converted into electric signals and the electric signals are input in a video monitor. The film image input system comprises: a zoom driving part for changing the image magnification of the taking lens; a scan mechanism for moving an image taking positionon the film by the taking lens; and a control part for controlling the scan mechanism in such a manner that the moving speed of the scan mechanism is decreased with the increase in the image magnification of the taking lens and making the moving speed of a screen on the video monitor constant during scan.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katuo Asami, Hitoshi Yozawa