Focusing (epo) Patents (Class 348/E5.045)
  • Patent number: 12250457
    Abstract: Imaging systems and techniques are described. An imaging system can receive image data from an image sensor with different sets of photodetectors sensitive to different electromagnetic (EM) frequency domains. The imaging system determines, based on image data of a scene received from the image sensor, a first focus setting for focusing on the scene using the image sensor in the first domain. The imaging system determines, based on the first focus setting and a difference between respective characteristics of the first domain and a second domain, a second focus setting for focusing on the scene using the image sensor in the second domain. The imaging system causes the image sensor to capture a first image of the scene in the first domain according to the first focus setting, and to capture a second image of the scene in the second domain according to the second focus setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Nikhil Verma, Naga Chandan Babu Gudivada, Prakasha Nayak, Vishnu Vardhan Kasilya Sudarsan
  • Patent number: 12222299
    Abstract: A method for assessing contrasts on surfaces, in particular for optically identifying structured and/or pictorial surfaces, e.g. of paintings or sculptures, is simple to use independently of the location and safe. For this purpose, the method involves the steps of: focusing a camera onto a prominent image dot on the surface; creating at least two images of a recognizable, high-contrast area of the image dot; and storing the image having the greatest depth of detail as a reference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: 4Art Holding AG
    Inventor: Kai Zeh
  • Patent number: 12217375
    Abstract: The system generates real-time augmented reality video for TV broadcast, cinema or video games. The system includes a monoscopic video camera including a body, a stereoscopic video camera, and a processor. The system includes sensors, including multiple non-optical sensors, which provide real-time positioning data defining the 3D position and 3D orientation of the monoscopic video camera, or enable the 3D position and 3D orientation of the monoscopic video camera to be calculated. The processor is configured to use the real-time positioning data automatically to create, recall, render or modify computer generated 3D objects. The processor is configured to determine the 3D position and orientation of the monoscopic video camera with reference to a 3D map of the real-world generated whilst the camera is being used to capture video. The processor is configured to track the scene without a requirement for an initial or prior survey of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: NCAM TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Samuel Boivin, Brice Michoud
  • Patent number: 12190196
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes techniques for improving image quality when a camera-based barcode-reading device is reading barcodes located on objects that are moving relative to the barcode-reading device. The techniques disclosed herein enable the image sensor in the barcode-reading device's camera to remain aimed at an object that is moving relative to the barcode-reading device while the camera is capturing an image of the object. Advantageously, the techniques disclosed herein can reduce image blur. In a barcode-reading device that includes a rolling shutter-type image sensor, the techniques disclosed herein can also reduce image distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: THE CODE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick R. Sherwood, Bruce Robert Scharf
  • Patent number: 12192632
    Abstract: An installation assistance apparatus (100) includes a first image capture unit and a second image capture unit that are placed in such a way as to face each other in a plan view, an acquisition unit (102) acquiring a first image from the first image capture unit, a detection unit (104) detecting a position of at least part of the second image capture unit in the first image by processing the first image, a determination unit (106) determining whether the position of the second image capture unit satisfies a criterion, and an output processing unit (108) causing a determination result by the determination unit (106) to be output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsumi Kikuchi, Soma Shiraishi, Yu Nabeto, Takami Sato
  • Patent number: 12177564
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a control unit configured to control a position of a focus lens of the apparatus, an acquisition unit configured to acquire an event signal indicating a position of a pixel in which a luminance change has occurred and a time when the luminance change has occurred, and a determination unit configured to determine an in-focus position of the focus lens by acquiring, for each position of the focus lens, an evaluation value based on the event signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 12170846
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a processor; and a memory storing a program which, when executed by the processor, causes the electronic apparatus to: receive an instruction to perform image capturing preparation processing; control to display a captured image which is captured by an image pickup element but not to display a first item to indicate setting information related to image capturing and a second item to indicate information related to a result of the image capturing preparation processing, on a display, in a case of a first state including a state of not receiving the instruction; and control to display, 1) the second item at a position corresponding to the result of the image capturing preparation processing and 2) the first item, along with the captured image, on the display, in a case where the instruction is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Jiro Shimosato
  • Patent number: 12167829
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating an endoscope system and an endoscope system comprising an image sensor and a processing device, the image sensor comprising an image sensor output, the processing device comprising an input connected to the image sensor output. The method comprising: consecutively receiving frames captured by the image sensor; receiving a first capture signal, indicative of an operator performing a first action associated with capturing a still image of the frames captured by the image sensor; storing a first plurality of frames of the frames captured by the image sensor; determining one or more quality properties of each of the first plurality of frames; and selecting a designated frame of the first plurality of frames based on the one or more quality properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: AMBU A/S
    Inventors: Brian Nielsen, Tai Chi Minh Ralph Eastwood
  • Patent number: 12167145
    Abstract: A processing circuitry is configured to generate a first analysis result based on a size of a partial area of a target area when the partial area is captured by only one of a first sensor or a second sensor, based on first image data for the target area captured by the first sensor and second image data for the target area captured by the second sensor, and generate first final image data or second final image data by using the first image data and the second image data, based on the first analysis result. A difference between the first final image data and the second final image data is based on a difference between a first characteristic of the first sensor and a second characteristic of the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Jin Park, Duck-Soo Kim, Dongki Min, Junam Song, Joonhyuk Im
  • Patent number: 12165310
    Abstract: A method, computer program, and computer system is provided for image processing. Data corresponding to an out-of-focus image is received. A first image is generated based on segmenting the received data. A second image is generated based on sharpening the received data corresponding to the out-of-focus image. A third image corresponding to one or more predetermined objects (e.g., cells) in the out-of-focus image is generated based on post-processing the generated first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Rakuten Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhishek Vahadane, Devraj Mandal, Shantanu Majumdar, Madan Dabbeeru
  • Patent number: 12114070
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a sensor configured to pick up a plurality of images different in in-focus position in an optical axis direction, an adjustment unit configured to adjust a parameter relating to image pickup to correct influence caused by an effective F-number varied depending on an in-focus position when at least a part of the plurality of images is picked up, and a synthesis unit configured to synthesize the plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Yasutomi
  • Patent number: 12105871
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: an eyeball information acquisition unit configured to acquire eyeball information of a user; an estimation unit configured to estimate a user state based on the eyeball information; an operation process information acquisition unit configured to acquire operation process information that allows to identify operation content of the user; and a storage unit configured to record, in a time series, at least one of the eyeball information and the user state in association with the operation process information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shogo Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 12105401
    Abstract: Provided are a device and a method by which high-precision auto focus (AF) processing can be performed while a focus lens or a zoom lens is being operated. An interchangeable lens acquires position information regarding a focus lens and a zoom lens at a predetermined time interval during an exposure time period of detection information acquisition pixels for use in calculation of a defocus amount (DF), and outputs the position information to an imaging device. The imaging device calculates the defocus amount (DF) by using information regarding the detection information acquisition pixels, calculates a reference focus lens position (Ref_fc) by using points, on a cam curve, corresponding to the inputted lens position information, calculates a target focus lens position (Tgt_fc) in an in-focus position, from the reference focus lens position (Ref_fc) and the defocus amount (DF), and outputs the target focus lens position (Tgt_fc) to the interchangeable lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoomi Ito, Yoshinori Yamatsuta, Shinichi Fujii
  • Patent number: 12075025
    Abstract: A method for testing a focusing characteristic of a camera may include setting a camera to align the camera and a first chart structured to provide a first scene for testing such that the camera is focused on the first chart disposed at a first distance from the camera, measuring a blur in an image of a second chart captured at a second distance from the camera, the second chart being structured to provide a second scene for testing, and evaluating a phase difference range (PDR) of the camera based on the measured blur and a blur calculated through a circle of confusion (CoC) model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: SK HYNIX INC.
    Inventors: Hun Kim, Jong Heon Kim, Woo Young Choi
  • Patent number: 12075164
    Abstract: A device includes a processor which controls a display operation of a display unit. The processor acquires a specified portion specified by a first user operation in an object image including an object to be imaged, sets an enlargement reference point in the object image according to the specified portion with respect to which a part of the object image is enlarged when performing enlargement display control, and extracts a display target range from the object image as the part of the object image to be enlarged. The display target range includes both the enlargement reference point and the specified portion, and the enlargement reference point is set so that the representative point approaches a middle of the display area in response to each input of a second user operation for performing enlargement display control, until the representative point coincides with the middle of the display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Aoki, Yuya Hayashi, Yuki Katada
  • Patent number: 12072241
    Abstract: In described examples, a spatial light modulator includes groups of pixels. Each group is arranged to transmit only a respective portion of a light spectrum. The respective portion has a respective dominant color. The respective portions of the light spectrum are distinct from one another, according to their respective dominant colors. Each group is controlled by a respective reset signal. The spatial light modulator is coupled to receive a selection from the integrated circuit and in response to the selection: cause a selected one of the groups to transmit its respective portion of the light spectrum; and cause an unselected one of the groups to block transmission of its respective portion of the light spectrum. A photodetector is coupled to: receive the respective portion of the light spectrum transmitted by the selected group; and output a signal indicating an intensity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Philip Scott King
  • Patent number: 12075147
    Abstract: A camera module includes a driving assembly configured to drive a lens module in a direction intersecting an optical axis. The driving assembly includes: a driving magnet member; auxiliary magnet members arranged on opposing sides of the driving magnet member and arranged to have polarities different from a polarity of the driving magnet member in a first direction; and a driving coil including portions extending along boundaries between the driving magnet member and the auxiliary magnet members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo Cheol Lim, Nam Ki Park
  • Patent number: 12062222
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing computer readable instructions executable by a computer is provided. The computer readable instructions cause the computer to obtain subject image data composing a subject image, set larger regions and smaller regions in each of the larger regions in the subject image, calculate a first feature amount of each of the smaller regions with use of values of pixels in each of the smaller regions and a second feature amount of each of the larger regions with use of values of pixels in each of the larger regions, determine whether each of the smaller regions is an edge region including an edge based on a comparison between the first feature amount and the second feature amount, and generate edge image data indicating edges in the subject image with use of results of the determination whether each of the smaller regions is an edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Takasu, Chisato Inoue
  • Patent number: 12058447
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, apparatus, methods, and computer-readable media that support improved image signal processing, particularly in low-light or high dynamic range (HDR) scenes. The image processing techniques may include performing two automatic exposure control (AEC) operations, in which a first AEC operation targets obtaining good conditions for autofocus (AF) operation, and a second AEC operation follows the AF operation and targets obtaining good conditions for an image capture. The image processing techniques may also include communication between the AEC operations and AF operations to coordinate the operations by locking and releasing exposure levels and focus positions as part of the image signal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wen-Chun Feng, Hsuan-Ming Liu, Hui Shan Kao, Hang-Wei Liaw, Yawen Chi
  • Patent number: 12047683
    Abstract: This application relates to an image acquisition method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium, and relates to the field of image processing technologies. The method includes obtaining a first image, the first image being an image acquired by controlling an exposure time of an image acquisition component according to a brightness reference value; obtaining an exposure state of the first image; updating the brightness reference value according to the exposure state of the first image, to obtain an updated brightness reference value; controlling the exposure time of the image acquisition component according to the updated brightness reference value; and acquiring a second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Jingwen Ye, Baochang Han, Xiao Han
  • Patent number: 12022195
    Abstract: A camera device calibration method according to one embodiment comprises the steps of: acquiring first data including location values of a first zoom lens and location values of a first focus lens, corresponding to the location values of the first zoom lens; setting at least two location points of the first zoom lens; acquiring at least two location values, which correspond to the location values of the first focus lens corresponding to at least two location points of the first zoom lens; acquiring second data corresponding to a value between at least two location values of the first zoom lens; and setting, in a camera including the first zoom lens and the first focus lens, at least two location values of the first zoom lens and the first focus lens when a difference value, which is acquired by comparing the first data with the second data, is within a preset threshold range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Seok Oh, Min Kim
  • Patent number: 12013552
    Abstract: A camera module includes a liquid lens unit, a lens holder in which the liquid lens unit is disposed, a main board configured to supply a driving signal to drive the liquid lens unit, and a base disposed between the liquid lens unit and the main board, the base being configured to transmit the driving signal output from the main board to the liquid lens unit, wherein the base includes a body in which the lens holder is disposed, a first pillar and a second pillar protruding upwards from the body, and a first connection part and a second connection part electrically connecting the liquid lens unit to the main board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dong Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 11989899
    Abstract: Techniques are described for automated analysis and use of data acquired about an object of interest, such as from a physically mounted camera or other sensing device with only partial coverage of the object exterior, such as to automatically generate a computer model of the object from visual data in images and to use the computer model to automatically estimate values for one or more object attributes. For example, the described techniques may be used to measure the volume of a pile of material significantly larger than a human using images acquired by one or more fixed-location cameras that provide visual coverage of only a subset of the pile's exterior. The images from such physically mounted devices may be acquired at various times (e.g., when triggered by conditions in the environment of the object, dynamically upon request, etc.), and may be used to monitor changes in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: EveryPoint, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Boardman, Jared S. Heinly, Srinivas Kapaganty, Daniel B. Simon, Brooke N. Steele
  • Patent number: 11977981
    Abstract: A device and method of operating the device for automatically creating photos or videos of a certain moment are provided. The method includes obtaining a plurality of image frames sequentially captured through a camera for a preset time interval; detecting at least one image frame among the plurality of image frames in which a main object corresponding to a preset main object or an action of the main object corresponding to a preset action is recognized; determining a type of composition of the at least one image frame; cropping a region including the main object from the at least one image frame based on placement of objects in the at least one image frame and the determined type of composition; and creating the photo using the cropped region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gunill Lee, Jiwon Jeong, Taehyuk Kwon, Deokho Kim, Byeongwook Yoo, Wonwoo Lee, Jaewoong Lee, Sunghoon Yim
  • Patent number: 11968446
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a sensor capable of generating a signal pair used in focus detection. The apparatus obtains, based on a defocus amount obtained using the signal pair, a focus distance of a lens unit that is mounted to the apparatus and adjusts a focus distance of the lens unit based on the obtained focus distance. When the lens unit is a multi-scopic lens unit having a plurality of optical systems having different axes, the apparatus obtains the focus distance using an adjustment value obtained based on an axis position that is a position on the sensor through which an axis of the multi-scopic lens unit passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yumi Takao, Nobutaka Mizuno, Junichi Imamiya
  • Patent number: 11962888
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: an image sensor that captures a subject image via an optical system including a focus lens, to generate image data; a display that displays a moving image indicated by the image data; a user interface allowing to input user operation; and a controller that controls focusing operation using the focus lens, based on the user operation input to the user interface. The controller controls the display to display operation information together with the moving image, the operation information indicating a setting value related to a speed at which the focusing operation is executed, and responds to first operation via the user interface to adjust the setting value indicated by the operation information, and responds to second operation via the user interface to execute the focusing operation in accordance with the setting value indicated by the displayed operation information together with the moving image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuyoshi Asawa
  • Patent number: 11947184
    Abstract: A lens barrel includes: a variable-power optical system including a focus lens group; a focus actuator configured to move the focus lens group supported by a support forward or backward in a direction of the optical axis to change a shooting distance; and a moving unit configured to, in response to receiving a driving force for changing a zoom magnification, move a position of the focus lens group in the direction of the optical axis to a position corresponding to the changed zoom magnification. The moving unit is configured to move the focus lens group in the direction of the optical axis by the driving force such that a change in a shooting distance due to a change in the zoom magnification is within a predetermined tolerance when the focus lens group is at a position corresponding to the minimum shooting distance, at every zoom magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Kobayashi, Tomoaki Kobayashi, Takahiro Nakayama
  • Patent number: 11948605
    Abstract: In a recording and reproducing apparatus and a recording and reproducing method for the recording and reproducing apparatus for recording and reproducing image information on a scene obtained through photographing, relative to a predetermined first recording medium and being capable of setting one or more chapters to each scene, a face recognizing process is executed for a photographed image based on the image information, an importance level of each chapter is set in accordance with a result of the face recognizing process for a very important person (VIP) set by a user, and each chapter having a relevant importance level among importance levels of respective chapters is selectively reproduced. A user can therefore find an object chapter and scene quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11943418
    Abstract: A processing method and a processing system for multiple depth information are provided. The processing method for multiple depth information includes the following steps. A plurality of first images and a plurality of second images are obtained. The first images and the second images are inputted to the same depth generating unit. The first images and the second images are calculated by the depth generating unit to obtain a plurality of depth information corresponding to the first images and the second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: EYS3D MICROELECTRONICS Co.
    Inventor: Chi-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 11943533
    Abstract: Lens mode auto-detection includes obtaining predicate lens mode data, obtaining probable lens mode data, obtaining a lens mode score in accordance with the predicate lens mode data and the probable lens mode data, determining whether the lens mode score is greater than a defined lens mode change threshold, and, in response to determining that the lens mode score is greater than the defined lens mode change threshold, outputting lens mode data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Gladys Marc, Marc Lebrun
  • Patent number: 11936994
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device and an electronic apparatus that enable simultaneous acquisition of a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference. The solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixel sets each including color filters of the same color, for a plurality of colors, each pixel set including a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a plurality of photodiodes PD. The present technology can be applied, for example, to a solid-state imaging device that generates a high dynamic range image and detects a phase difference, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Kozo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 11934033
    Abstract: A lens driving device is provided, including: a holder member; a bobbin disposed at an inner side of the holder member; a magnet disposed at the holder member; a first coil unit disposed at the bobbin, and facing the magnet; a first support member coupled to the holder member and the bobbin; and a detection sensor disposed at the bobbin, and configured to detect magnetic force of the magnet, wherein the magnet includes a facing surface and an opposite surface disposed at an opposite side of the facing surface, wherein a polarity of the facing surface and a polarity of the opposite surface are different from each other, wherein a polarity of an upper portion of the facing surface and a polarity of a lower portion of the facing surface are different from each other. According to an embodiment, Hall output detected by the detection sensor can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Taek Lee
  • Patent number: 11928794
    Abstract: An image processing device includes a first processing unit which executes blurring processing in a common focus position on each of plural images in mutually different focus positions, an integration unit which generates an integrated image resulting from integration of the plural images on which the blurring processing is executed, and a second processing unit which generates a composite image having a predetermined blur degree by executing sharpening processing on the integrated image generated by the integration unit based on information in which optical information indicating optical characteristics of an optical system in which the plural images are acquired and a blur degree of the blurring processing in the common focus position are composited together along a depth direction of the plural image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsuneyuki Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 11924554
    Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes an imaging unit (140) configured to capture an image of a target object while the imaging unit (140) being mounted on a movable apparatus (500); and an exposure condition determination unit (161) configured to determine any one of a fixed exposure condition and an automatic exposure (AE) condition, as an exposure condition, based on a distance detected between the movable apparatus (500) and the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Yamada, Yuji Yamanaka, Taro Kikuchi, Keito Sawada, Shusaku Takasu
  • Patent number: 11924549
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imager, and a controller. The imager is configured to capture a subject image formed via an optical system including a focus lens, to generate image data. The controller is configured to control a focusing operation for adjusting a position of the focus lens along an optical axis in the optical system according to an evaluation value for a focus state. In response to an instruction to reduce or increase a distance to a subject to be focused, the controller is operable to shift a start position to a direction according to the instruction in directions along the optical axis, the start position being a position of the focus lens for starting the focusing operation. The controller is operable to start the focusing operation from the start position after the shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Shibuno
  • Patent number: 11914258
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a camera, a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a liquid crystal panel, and a controller controlling the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes a first region and a second region. The controller controls a first opening mode of transmitting light through the first region and the second region, and a second opening mode of making a quantity of light transmitted through the first region smaller than a quantity of light transmitted through the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Akio Takimoto, Toshiki Kaneko, Takuo Kaitoh, Kazuhiro Nishiyama, Hiroyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 11899342
    Abstract: A multi-eye interchangeable lens is disclosed. In one example, it includes a lens barrel, a movable unit, individual-eye lenses, and a light source. The movable unit is movable along an optical axis with respect to the lens barrel. The individual-eye lenses are integrally movable with the movable unit and are arranged such that emission positions of imaging lights emitted via the individual-eye lenses do not overlap with one another. The light source is configured to be movable along the optical axis integrally with the movable unit and the individual-eye lenses, and is arranged such that an emission position of an irradiation light emitted to an image sensor provided in a camera body does not overlap with the emission position of the imaging light of each of the individual-eye lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Kengo Hayasaka, Hidenori Kushida, Katsuhisa Ito
  • Patent number: 11899343
    Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling or regulating motors for movement axes of devices in the film and broadcast sector, at least one motor is controlled via radio or via cable by a control unit of processing unit having at least one control element. An electromechanical element can apply on the control element a force that generates a haptic feedback. This force can be changed dynamically by entered or read-out parameters and can be manually overridden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Florian Maier
  • Patent number: 11892610
    Abstract: A variable magnification optical system has, in order from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; an aperture stop; a third lens group having positive refractive power; and a rear lens group. Upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, at least the rear lens group is moved toward the object side, and distances between the lens groups are varied. Upon focusing from an infinitely distant object to a closely distant object, the third lens group is moved along the optical axis. At least a portion of the rear lens group constitutes a vibration reduction lens group having negative refractive power and moveable perpendicular to the optical axis. An optical apparatus and a method of manufacture are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Obama, Masashi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 11882357
    Abstract: An image display method and device are provided. The method is applied to an electronic device having a display screen and a camera. The method includes: detecting a first operation of turning on the camera by a user; displaying a photographing interface on the display screen in response to the first operation, where the photographing interface includes a viewfinder frame including a first image; detecting a second operation of the camera indicated by the user; and displaying a second image in the viewfinder frame in response to the second operation, where the second image is an image obtained by processing N frames of raw images captured by the camera; a neural network model is applied to a processing process, and the neural network model uses an image whose noise is lower than a target threshold as an output objective; and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chengtao Zhou, Qianwen Zhu, Yinting Wang
  • Patent number: 11877074
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a solid-state imaging device and an electronic apparatus that enable simultaneous acquisition of a signal for generating a high dynamic range image and a signal for detecting a phase difference. The solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixel sets each including color filters of the same color, for a plurality of colors, each pixel set including a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a plurality of photodiodes PD. The present technology can be applied, for example, to a solid-state imaging device that generates a high dynamic range image and detects a phase difference, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Kozo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 11853839
    Abstract: Barcode readers with transflective mirrors are disclosed herein. An example barcode reader includes a housing and a window positioned within the housing, an imaging sensor and second imaging sensor positioned within the housing, and a transflective mirror positioned within the housing and in a path of a field-of-view of the imaging sensor. The field-of-view of the imaging sensor passes through the transflective mirror and out the window with the transflective mirror in a transmissive state and the field-of-view of the second imaging sensor is reflected off of the transflective mirror and out the window with the transflective mirror in a reflective state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Darran Michael Handshaw, Edward Barkan, Mark Drzymala, Dariusz J. Madej, Christopher W. Brock
  • Patent number: 11846562
    Abstract: An MTF testing apparatus including a plurality of telescopic cameras each mounted at a fixed predetermined position on a camera holder, each camera receiving an image projected by at least one lens of a single device under test. A processor is coupled to the telescopic cameras. is the processor configured to receive image data from every telescopic camera and perform a plurality of MTF measurements, the telescopic cameras are mounted on the camera holder such that every telescopic camera captures image data resulting in an MTF measurement at a different field position of the lens. The camera holder comprises a holding structure and at least two brackets elongated elements projecting between first and second end portions, the end portions being releasably mounted on the holding structure, and at least two cameras are mounted on every bracket and the brackets are individually detachable from the holding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: TRIOPTICS GMBH
    Inventor: Ralf Poikat
  • Patent number: 11847759
    Abstract: An image signal processor (110) according to an embodiment inputs, as an input image, a mosaic image in which pixel blocks each of which is formed of a plurality of pixels of the same color sharing one lens (40) are arrayed. The image signal processor performs interpolation processing on the entire surface of the input image based on a pixel signal of a pixel of a predetermined color included in the input image to generate a first image signal. The image signal processor generates a second image signal, which has a difference based on a relative position of a pixel of interest with respect to the lens and has a lower resolution than the first image signal, based on the input image. The image signal processor generates a conversion pixel whose position after conversion corresponds to a position of the pixel of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kentaro Okamura
  • Patent number: 11838628
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing device, a detection unit configured to detect the subject from the image captured by the image capturing device, a setting unit configured to set a plurality of focus detection frames inside the image based on a result of the detection by the detection unit, a focus detection unit configured to detect a focus state and reliability thereof in each of the plurality of focus detection frames; and a selection unit configured to select a main focus detection frame for performing focus adjustment based on results of the detections by the detection unit and the focus detection unit, wherein the selection unit is configured to cause a method of selecting the main focus detection frame to vary depending on a part of the subject detected by the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirokazu Ishii
  • Patent number: 11838629
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus is configured to detect a plurality of portions of a subject from a captured image. The imaging apparatus is configured to set a region that is related to a detection region of the subject as a related region, and to set an arbitrary region in the image as a search region. In a case where the search region overlaps with at least one of a detection region or a related region of the subject, even if the related region is a region that does not include the detection region, the search region is configured to be set as an AF (autofocus) target region, and AF target region notification processing is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kentaro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11826208
    Abstract: A surgical imaging system is described. The system includes first and second optical assemblies. Each optical assembly defines a respective optical axis, and each includes a respective set of one or more optics for adjusting field-of-view (FOV) and focus and a respective camera for capturing an image. The system includes a controller for controlling the optical assemblies and for switching the surgical imaging system between a coupled configuration and an uncoupled configuration. In the coupled configuration, the first optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics and/or the respective optical axes in dependence on each other. In the uncoupled configuration, the optical assemblies are controlled to adjust the respective sets of optics, and the respective optical axes independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Frank Gunter Wood, Cameron Anthony Piron, Tammy Kee-Wai Lee, Kamyar Abhari, Kai Michael Hynna
  • Patent number: 11822148
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first obtaining unit configured to obtain optical information about an image capturing apparatus including an imaging optical system including at least one movable lens movable in an optical axis direction, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain orientation information indicating an orientation of a lens barrel holding the imaging optical system, a third obtaining unit configured to obtain installation information indicating an installation direction of the image capturing apparatus, and a control unit configured to control a position of the movable lens based on the optical information, the orientation information, and the installation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kimura
  • Patent number: 11812145
    Abstract: An imaging device in which an autofocus function can be performed without using brightness information is provided. In an imaging device according to one aspect, a density of points obtained by plotting two-dimensional point data of a plurality of event data as points on a plane, the event data outputted from an imaging element in a predetermined period in a state in which a focal point of a light receiving lens is adjusted by an adjustment mechanism, is calculated as a point density. When the point density is calculated, a control unit drives and controls the adjustment mechanism based on comparison results between the point density currently calculated and the point density last calculated to thereby adjust the focal point toward the in-focus position. In another aspect, an imaging device having an autofocus function can be provided without using event data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Yusuke Mitani
  • Patent number: 11812133
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprising a first detection unit configured to detect a first area in an image of an image signal output from an image pickup element, a second detection unit configured to detect one or more second areas each corresponding to an eye included in the first area in the image, a specification unit configured to receive an area specification instruction by a user operation and to specify one area in the image, and a setting unit configured to set an object corresponding to the area specified by the specification unit to be focused on, wherein, in a case where the first area is detected by the first detection unit, the specification unit receives specification of the eye in an area based on the first area regardless of a detection result of the second areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Ishii