Focusing (epo) Patents (Class 348/E5.045)
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Patent number: 11683575Abstract: An image system (100) comprising a camera (110), a control unit (120), a processing unit (130), one or more illumination devices (140). The image system (100) is configured to obtain a distance matrix for a scene. Each cell of the distance matrix corresponds to a zone of the scene and a value in each cell represents the distance from an object in the zone to the camera. The image system is further configured to obtain an illumination intensity matrix for the scene. Each cell of the illumination intensity matrix corresponds to a zone of the scene and a value in each cell represents illumination intensity of one or more illumination devices in each zone of the scene. The image system is further configured to generate a compensation matrix based on the illumination intensity matrix and the distance matrix and generate an image of the scene based on the compensation matrix.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: AXIS ABInventors: Malte Bokvist, Simon Preutz
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Patent number: 11678057Abstract: A control apparatus includes at least one processor configured to execute instructions to function as a first controller that automatically adjusts a focus lens to a focusing position, a second controller that adjusts the focus lens on the basis of a user operation quantity, and a third controller that drives the focus lens. The first controller and the second controller effectively work in a first drive area of the focus lens. The first controller is disabled in a second drive area of the focus lens. The third controller drives the focus lens on the basis of changes of the second drive area.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yumi Toyoda, Fuya Mizuochi
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Patent number: 11670068Abstract: An image processing apparatus and an image processing method for estimating a region of interest based on information of interest learned by a data recognition model satisfying a certain condition from among a plurality of data recognition models and for setting a focus are provided. The image processing apparatus includes estimating a region of interest by using a rule-based algorithm or an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. When estimating a region of interest by using an AI algorithm, the image processing apparatus may estimate a region of interest by using a machine learning algorithm, a neural network algorithm, or a deep learning algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Ye-hoon Kim, So-jung Yun, Jun-ik Jang
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Patent number: 11651504Abstract: According to one embodiment, a learning method for causing a statistical model to learn is provided. The statistical model is generated by learning a bokeh caused in a first image captured in a first domain in accordance with a distance to a first subject included in the first image, the method includes acquiring a plurality of second images by capturing a second subject from multiple viewpoints in a second domain other than the first domain, and causing the statistical model to learn using the second images.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Nao Mishima, Naoki Nishizawa
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Patent number: 11647288Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring a mask for microlithography, the device including an imaging device and an autofocusing device. The imaging device comprises an imaging optical unit with a focal plane for imaging the mask, an object stage for mounting the mask, and a movement module for producing a relative movement between object stage and imaging optical unit. The autofocusing device is configured to generate a focusing image by way of the imaging of a focusing structure in a focusing image plane intersecting the focal plane, in which the focusing structure is embodied as a gap. Furthermore, the invention relates to an autofocusing method for a device for measuring a mask for microlithography.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventor: Mario Laengle
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Patent number: 11645830Abstract: A method performed by at least one apparatus is disclosed in which image data is obtained that represents an image of a surface of a consignment captured by an image sensor. At least partially on the basis of the image data, metadata associated with the image data is determined. The metadata represent a plurality of image features of the image represented by the image data. Each image feature of the image features represented by the metadata is an image component of the image represented by the image data. Distribution and/or sorting information is determined for the automated distribution and/or sorting of the consignment at least partially on the basis of the image features represented by the metadata.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Deutsche Post AGInventor: Bernd Hartmann
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Patent number: 11622065Abstract: Various techniques are provided for interfacing motorized and non-motorized optical assemblies with imaging systems. In one example, a method includes receiving an optical assembly at a lens mount assembly of an imaging system. The method also includes receiving a rotation of the optical assembly from a first position to a second position to secure the optical assembly to the lens mount assembly. The rotation causes one or more electrical connections of the lens mount assembly to translate toward and engage with one or more complementary electrical connections of the optical assembly to couple an electrical component of the optical assembly with the imaging system. Additional methods and systems are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: FLIR Systems ABInventor: Jacob F. Bryan
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Patent number: 11612971Abstract: An apparatus and a method for assembling optical module is provided and the method includes: controlling an alignment mechanism holding a to-be-assembled lens to move at a preset step-size in a preset direction when an optical module to be aligned generates an image; collecting light spots of the images generated by an optical module to be aligned sequentially by an image collecting means, each time the alignment mechanism moves; selecting a light spot with a minimum size from the collected light spots, and determining a movement position of the alignment mechanism when the light spot with the minimum size is collected, as an optimal position; controlling the alignment mechanism to move to the optimal position to align the to-be-assembled lens.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: GOER OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Nanjing Dong, Debo Sun
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Patent number: 11614596Abstract: An optical element driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a driving assembly. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion and includes a holder to hold an optical element having a main axis. The driving assembly is disposed on the movable portion or the fixed portion for driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.Inventors: Chao-Chang Hu, Mao-Kuo Hsu, Hsueh-Ju Lu, Chih-Wei Weng, Che-Wei Chang
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Patent number: 11616092Abstract: An image sensor may include a first photo-sensing device on a semiconductor substrate and configured to sense light of a first wavelength spectrum, and second and third photo-sensing devices integrated in the semiconductor substrate and configured to sense light of a second and third wavelength spectrum, respectively. The first photo-sensing device may overlap each of the second and third photo-sensing devices in a thickness direction of the semiconductor substrate. The second and third photo-sensing devices do not overlap in the thickness direction and each have an upper surface, a lower surface, and a doped region therebetween. The third photo-sensing device includes an upper surface deeper further from the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate than the upper surface of the second photo-sensing device and a doped region thicker than the doped region of the second photo-sensing device. The image sensor may omit the first photo-sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung Bae Park, Yong Wan Jin, Sung Young Yun, Sung Jun Park, Feifei Fang, Chui Joon Heo
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Patent number: 11616901Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficiently determining a final camera lens position that captures a focused input image are described. An image signal processing system of a camera capable of performing automatic focus includes a camera lens, an image sensor, a focus engine, and a lens controller. Rather than generate a single contrast value based on digital signals corresponding to a single image, the focus engine uses at least two value generators to generate multiple contrast values. The value generators are bandpass filters with different bandwidths from one another. The focus engine uses the multiple contrast values, rather than from a single contrast value, to determine a search direction for finding a final lens position of the camera lens, when to use relatively large or coarse step sizes for updating the lens position, and when to use relatively small or fine step sizes for updating the lens position.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Yu-Huai Chen, Po-Min Wang
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Patent number: 11606496Abstract: An apparatus and a method are achieved in which guide information for enabling a high-quality composite image to be captured is output. Included are a composite image generation unit that performs a process of combining a color image and a black-and-white image captured from different viewpoints, to generate a composite image, and a display information control unit that performs control such that auxiliary information regarding the composite image is displayed on a display unit. In a case where a subject is too close or in a case where a high-quality composite image cannot be generated due to an obstacle, the display information control unit outputs a proximity alert or an obstacle alert as warning information, and also displays a composite image adaptation level. Moreover, a composite image, a color image, and the like are displayed in parallel so that a user can select an image to be recorded.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Goshi Watanabe, Hirotaka Goto
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Patent number: 11598933Abstract: A disclosed lens assembly may include at least four lenses sequentially arranged along an optical axis from a subject to an image sensor. Among the at least four lenses, a first lens disposed closest to the subject may have a visible light transmittance ranging from 0% to 5%, and, among subject-side surfaces and image-sensor-side surfaces of remaining lenses other than the first lens, at least four surfaces may include an inflection point. The lens assembly or an electronic device including the lens assembly may be variously implemented according to embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dongwoo Kim, Changhan Kim
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Patent number: 11601585Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile terminal and a method of capturing an image using the same. The mobile terminal controls a camera conveniently and efficiently to capture an image and performs focusing in various manners to capture an image. Accordingly, a user can obtain a desired image easily and conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2022Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Woo Chang Chun, Jin Sang Yun, Ja Won Koo
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Patent number: 11595741Abstract: A camera for detecting an object in a detection zone is provided that has an image sensor for recording image data, a reception optics having a focus adjustment unit for setting a focal position, a distance sensor for measuring a distance value from the object, and a control and evaluation unit connected to the distance sensor and the focus adjustment unit to set a focal position in dependence on the distance value, and to determine a distance value with the distance sensor via a variable measurement duration that is predefined in dependence on a provisional distance value such that a measurement error of the distance value and thus, on a recording of image data of the object, a focus deviation of the set focal position from an ideal focal position remains small enough for a required image sharpness of the image data.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: SICK AGInventors: Romain Müller, Tobias Pontiggia
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Patent number: 11582377Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing an Auto Focus (AF) function in an electronic device which does not perform the AF function while performing a camcorder function are provided. The apparatus includes a camera for receiving a photographing data, a camera processing unit for performing any one of a still picture acquisition function and an AF function, a recording processing unit for performing a function for recording the photographing data, a camera driver for operating the camera under control of the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit, and a processor for controlling the camera processing unit and the recording processing unit when detecting an AF request while photographing a moving picture to focus on the photographing data automatically and to record the focused photographing data.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang-Heum Cho, Gi-Ung Jung
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Patent number: 11570352Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2022Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kentaro Watanabe
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Patent number: 11563911Abstract: An image capturing system includes a light source configured to emit light toward an object or scene that is to be imaged. The system also includes a time-of-flight image sensor configured to receive light signals based on reflected light from the object or scene. The system also includes a processor operatively coupled to the light source and the time-of-flight image sensor. The processor is configured to perform compressive sensing of the received light signals. The processor is also configured to generate an image of the object or scene based at least in part on the compressive sensing of the received light signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Fengqiang Li, Oliver Strider Cossairt
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Patent number: 11562162Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Darran Michael Handshaw, Edward Barkan, Mark Drzymala, Dariusz J. Madej, Christopher W. Brock
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Patent number: 11563892Abstract: To satisfactorily detect an edge detection signal of a high frequency band from a captured image signal at all times. A filtering unit extracts an edge detection signal of a high frequency band from an image signal obtained from imaging, and a band control unit controls the high frequency band on the basis of lens information. For example, the filtering unit includes a first high-pass filter with a first cutoff frequency, a second high-pass filter with a second cutoff frequency that is lower than the first cutoff frequency, and an ? blending unit that performs ? blending on output of the first high-pass filter and output of the second high-pass filter. Even if the frequency of the edge detection signal included in the captured image signal varies due to a change in a zoom position, a lens model number, an F value or the like, the edge detection signal can be satisfactorily detected at all times.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATIONInventors: Shun Tanioka, Koji Kamiya
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Patent number: 11563903Abstract: An optical sensor according to one or more embodiments is an optical sensor including an optical member including a plurality of focusing units, each focusing unit focusing light from a subject, and a plurality of image capturing devices, each image capturing device including a plurality of light-receiving elements, each image capturing device being provided corresponding to one of the focusing units, and each image capturing device configured to receive light focused by the corresponding focusing unit and form a captured image of the subject. The light-receiving elements, of the plurality of light-receiving elements, that are to be used to form the captured image are set for each of the image capturing devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventor: Tanichi Ando
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Patent number: 11563923Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2022Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Kozo Hoshino
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Patent number: 11546502Abstract: An image processing apparatus is operable to determine a focus target area of an image capturing apparatus. The apparatus comprises: an obtainment unit configured to obtain a first area to be a focus target in a first image captured by the image capturing apparatus at a first point in time, a detection unit configured to detect a second area to be a focus target candidate from a second image captured by the image capturing apparatus at a second point in time succeeding a first point in time; and a determination unit configured to determine, based on the first area and the second image, a focus target area in the second image from among one or more partial areas in the second area.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masato Aoba, Koichi Takeuchi
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Patent number: 11538138Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying motion blur to overcapture content. In one embodiment, the motion blur is applied by selecting a number of frames of the captured image content for application of motion blur; selecting a plurality of pixel locations within the number of frames of the captured image content for the application of motion blur; applying motion blur to the captured image content in accordance with the selected number of frames and the selected plurality of pixel locations; and outputting the captured image content with the applied motion blur. In some implementations, motion blur is applied via implementation of a virtualized neutral density filter. Computerized devices and computer-readable apparatus for the application of motion blur are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2021Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: GoPro, Inc.Inventor: David A. Newman
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Patent number: 11533422Abstract: A detection unit detects a subject area that partially includes a subject to be detected in a shooting range. An obtainment unit obtains a plurality of defocus amounts corresponding to a plurality of ranging points inside a ranging area that includes the subject area. A categorization unit categorizes the ranging area into a plurality of partial areas based on the plurality of defocus amounts. Each of the plurality of partial areas corresponds to a different one of partial ranges in a range of the plurality of defocus amounts. A control unit performs shooting control based on the plurality of partial areas. The shooting control is performed so that a contribution of a partial area with a first subject degree is larger than a contribution of a partial area with a second subject degree that is lower than the first subject degree.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yu Inagaki
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Patent number: 11523044Abstract: A focus detection apparatus comprises a determination unit that determines whether a first signal output from an image sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, and outputs first information indicating a result of the determination, a calculation unit that performs filter processing on a plurality of the first signals using predetermined coefficients at a predetermined cycle and outputs a second signal, a generation unit that generates second information showing an effect of the first signal which satisfies the predetermined condition on the second signal using the coefficients and plural pieces of the first information corresponding to the plurality of the first signals used in the filter processing, and a focus detection unit that detects a focus state based on a plurality of the second signals and the second information.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Nakaoka, Yohei Horikawa
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Patent number: 11516378Abstract: Apparatus and methods employing a PDAF optical system are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels include a set of pixels configurable to be imaging pixels or focus pixels. The image sensor is configured to generate image data of a scene based on received light at the plurality of pixels. The example apparatus also includes a processor coupled to the image sensor. The processor may be configured to receive first image data of a first frame of the scene, determine at least one region of interest or region of non-interest of the first frame, select, based on the determined at least one region of interest or region of non-interest, a subset of the set of pixels to be focus pixels, and cause the selected subset of the set of pixels to operate as focus pixels.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Nan Cui, Zuguang Xiao, Wenbin Wang
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Patent number: 11490136Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a video stream along with a slow motion video showing a particular event depicted in the video stream are described herein. The method includes generating a first video stream and generating a second video stream, which is a slow motion video stream, from the first video stream by modifying a playback speed of the first video stream. The method includes monitoring content of the first video stream to identify an event trigger of a predefined set of event triggers. Each event trigger indicates a presence in the first video stream of an event that is to be generated for display using the second video stream. The method includes determining, based on the identifying of the event trigger, to transmit the second video stream along with the first video stream, and simultaneously transmitting both the first video stream and the second video stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: ROVI GUIDES, INC.Inventor: Takeaki Obara
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Patent number: 11490002Abstract: A method of an apparatus includes detecting a focusing state based on an output from a sensor, setting a step width of a focus position, and controlling to perform a plurality of times of image capturing based on a result of focus detection by the detecting and the set step width by the setting. In the setting, a step width from an in-focus position based on the result of focus detection by the detecting toward an infinity side is set to a value different from a step width from the in-focus position based on the result of focus detection by the detecting toward a closest side.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshiaki Ueguri
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Patent number: 11483526Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Kozo Hoshino
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Patent number: 11470268Abstract: A sensor device includes an array sensor having a plurality of detection elements arrayed in one or two dimensional manner, a signal processing unit configured to acquire a detection signal by the array sensor and perform signal processing, and a calculation unit. The calculation unit detects an object from the detection signal by the array sensor, and gives an instruction for making a frame rate of the detection signal from the array sensor variable on the basis of the detection of the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Sony Group CorporationInventors: Susumu Takatsuka, Hiroki Tetsukawa
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Patent number: 11470236Abstract: An image processing device includes a memory and a color correction circuit. The memory stores first correction information that used for correcting first pixel values among a plurality of pixel values. The plurality of pixel values are received from an auto-focus image sensor including first pixels configured to detect a phase difference and second pixels configured to detect an image. The first pixel values are obtained from the first pixels and correspond to a first color. The first correction information is used for correcting the first pixel values to correspond to a second color different from the first color. The color correction circuit receives first image frame data including the plurality of pixel values from the auto-focus image sensor, loads the first correction information from the memory, and generates first corrected image frame data by correcting the first pixel values included in the first image frame data to correspond to the second color based on the first correction information.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eunji Jeong, Deokha Shin, Youngjun Choi
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Patent number: 11451714Abstract: A light emitting element detecting method includes the steps of generating a first control signal to open a shutter of an image capturing device which captures an image toward a light outlet of a light emitting element, generating a pulse signal to light up the light emitting element, generating a second control signal to close the shutter of the image capturing device and obtaining a detection image, and determining the light emitting status of the light outlet of the light emitting element according to the detection image. As a result, the present invention can accurately detect whether the light outlet of the light emitting element has the problem of emitting no light or flashing.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: MPI CORPORATIONInventors: Ping-Ying Wu, Yung-Chin Liu, Hsuan-Chiao Huang
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Patent number: 11432712Abstract: Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. A first optical device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode with an image sensor assembly including one or more image sensors. A mechanism in the first optical device to automatically adjust the focus of the first optical device wherein the automatic focus adjustment compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive or diffractive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the first or second optical devices, or both. Adjustment mechanisms are provided using liquid lenses or repositioning sensors. The design may be integrated with a scope or detachable.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: KARL STORZ Imaging, Inc.Inventors: George E. Duckett, III, Russell Granneman, Daniel Lietz
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Patent number: 11431888Abstract: Auto-focus method and a remote sensing satellite are disclosed. The satellite comprises at least a focal plane assembly (FPA) and a focus adjusting apparatus, the auto-focus method comprises: processing a point spread function (PSF) estimation to a multiple regions of a first image to generate multiple first estimated point spread functions; generating a first average point spread function according to the first estimated point spread functions; processing a Gaussian curve fitting to the first average PSF function and defining a first focus number; processing a PSF estimation to multiple regions of a second image to generate multiple second estimated PSF functions; generating a second average point spread function according to the second estimated point spread functions; processing a Gaussian curve fitting to the second average point spread function and defining a second focus number; and comparing the first focus number and the second focus number.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: National Applied Research LaboratoriesInventors: Shiau-Jing Liu, Yu-Lin Tsai, Li-Fen Huang
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Patent number: 11412127Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATEDInventor: Yusuke Mitani
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Patent number: 11397417Abstract: A robotic system automatically aligns, and/or tests alignment of, a lens to a digital camera or other workpiece. The system includes an optical target, an intermediate lens and a plurality of collimators peripheral to the intermediate lens to accommodate a wide range of fields of view of the workpieces, without requiring changes in equipment hardware. When manufacturing or testing a workpiece with a relatively narrow field of view, the entire field of view of the workpiece can be filled with a view of the target through the intermediate lens, and the collimators need not be used. However, when manufacturing or testing a camera having a relatively large field of view, the intermediate lens is used to fill a central portion of the field of view with an image of the target, and the collimators are used to fill a remaining portion of the field of view with images of reticles.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: Automation Engineering Inc.Inventors: Michael Chiu, Regan Mills, Lu Ren
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Patent number: 11343424Abstract: An image capturing method is provided. The method includes: shooting a monitoring scene at the same time through multiple image capturing devices to capture multiple images corresponding to multiple focal lengths at a same time point; recognizing a target area of each of the captured images according to multiple focal sections; keeping multiple target sub-images in the target areas of the images, in which multiple object images in the target sub-images are all focused; directly generated a single reconstructed image corresponding to the time point according to the target sub-images; and outputting the reconstructed image.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: ViewSonic International CorporationInventors: Craig Cameron Scott, Tsung-Tse Hung, Yi-Jen Sheng
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Patent number: 11335098Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure disclose data processing methods, apparatuses and storage media. The data processing method includes: obtaining a plurality of video images of a target site within a predetermined time range; performing pedestrian identification processing on the plurality of video images to obtain, based on the identification result, a customer counting result for a first region in the target site and a customer counting result for a second region in the target site; and determining a degree of association between the second region and the first region based on the customer counting result for the first region and the customer counting result for the second region.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Beijing Sensetime Technology Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xuecheng Wang, Lingfeng Pan, Chen Chen
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Patent number: 10984513Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and techniques directed to producing an all-in-focus image with a camera of a mobile device, in particular, cameras with shallow depth-of-field. User equipment includes a sensor for determining distance to an object in a camera's field-of-view. Based on a depth map of the field-of-view, a plurality of segments is inferred, each segment defining a unique focus area within the camera's field-of-view. An autofocus lens of the camera sweeps to a respective focal distance associated with each of the plurality of segments. The camera captures sample images at each focal distance swept by the autofocus lens. The user equipment produces an all-in-focus image by combining or merging portions of the captured sample images.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Szepo Robert Hung, Ying Chen Lou
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Patent number: 10778897Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for compensating for image quality of an optical system by means of a lens adjustment, applicable to a camera module comprising an adjustable lens or an adjustable lens set, the method comprising the following steps: (A) determining, based on imaging information of a to-be-adjusted optical system, parameters that need to be adjusted for compensating for the image quality; (B) establishing functions of relation between the parameters that need to be adjusted for compensating for the image quality and a to-be-adjusted lens factors; and (C) determining an adjustment mode and an adjustment amount for the to-be-adjusted lens based on the relation between the parameters that need to be adjusted for compensating for the image quality and the to-be-adjusted lens factors.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Ningbo Sunny Opotech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mingzhu Wang, Chunmei Liu, Hailong Liao, Yiqi Wang, Huaigang Zhuang, Nan Guo
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Patent number: 10712529Abstract: This invention provides a removably mountable lens assembly for a vision system camera that includes an integral auto-focusing liquid lens unit, in which the lens unit compensates for focus variations by employing a feedback control circuit that is integrated into the body of the lens assembly. The feedback control circuit receives motion information related to the bobbin of the lens from a position sensor (e.g. a Hall sensor) and uses this information internally to correct for motion variations that deviate from the lens setting position at a desired lens focal distance setting. Illustratively, the feedback circuit can be interconnected with one or more temperature sensors that adjust the lens setting position for a particular temperature value. In addition, the feedback circuit can communicate with an accelerometer that reads a direction of gravity and thereby corrects for potential sag in the lens membrane based upon the spatial orientation of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Laurens Nunnink, Rene Delasauce, William Equitz
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Patent number: 10642014Abstract: An apparatus for viewing a biological sample that functions as both a microscope and an interferometer. A short-coherence light source directs light onto the sample. A Fourier transform lens and a pixel-array detector are positioned to collect light scattered by the sample. An optic fiber assembly conveys a reference beam from the short-coherence light source. The detector collects the reference beam and the signal beam and uses coherence gating to acquire interferometric image data. In some embodiments the axis of the incident light striking the sample and the axis of collected scattered signal light form an angle of less than 180 degrees and advantageously an angle between 120 and 150 degrees. A method of converting a microscope into an interferometer is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: David D. Nolte, John J. Turek, Ran An
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Patent number: 10565736Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and method, a program, and an image processing system that enable detection of a positional and directional shift of a camera while the vehicle is running. An image processing IC performs a calibration process on four cameras, using image signals from the four cameras, sensing information from a sensing chip, and information detected from a drive system unit or the like from a control microcomputer. For example, the image processing calibrates at least the orientations of the cameras disposed at the front and the rear, in accordance with the infinite point in the running background. Using the correction values obtained through the orientation calibration, the image processing IC generates overhead images of the respective cameras.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Eiji Oba, Takahiro Okubo, Takuya Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 10154203Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method enables an automated extended depth of field capability that automates and simplifies the process of creating extended depth of field images. An embodiment automates the acquisition of an image “stack” or sequence and stores metadata at the time of image acquisition that facilitates production of a composite image having an extended depth of field from at least a portion of the images in the acquired sequence. An embodiment allows a user to specify, either at the time of image capture or at the time the composite image is created, a range of distances that the user wishes to have in focus within the composite image. An embodiment provides an on-board capability to produce a composite, extended depth of field image from the image stack. One embodiment allows the user to import the image stack into an image-processing software application that produces the composite image.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventor: Bran Ferren
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Patent number: 10116877Abstract: An image processing apparatus combines a partial area of a first image with a second image. The partial area to be combined with the second image is determined based on distance information with regard to a plurality of partial areas of the first image.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiko Iwamoto
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Patent number: 9973677Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward providing refocusable image. Refocusable images are images that, after being captured, can be refocused, or adjusted to have a different focal length. The embodiments described herein can utilize a mobile user device, such as a smartphone, without the need for specialized hardware. A camera of the mobile device can be configured to take a series of images in succession over a short period of time in which the focal length of the camera is varied so that each image has a different focal length. An image stack is created by aligning the images, and images are processed to determine which image has the highest contrast (i.e., is in focus) for each region of the image stack. Embodiments can further include displaying a first image of the series of images.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Subramaniam Venkatraman, Victor Kulik
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Patent number: 9955094Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit including a plurality of pixels each including a first photoelectric conversion unit, a second photoelectric conversion unit, and a microlens collecting light to the first photoelectric conversion unit and the second photoelectric conversion unit, and a first mixing unit configured to mix output signals from the first photoelectric conversion units of the plurality of pixels to generate a first signal and configured to output the first signal and a second signal based on the output signal from the first photoelectric conversion unit and an output signal from the second photoelectric conversion unit from each of the plurality of pixels, an image processing unit configured to generate an image based or the second signal, and a focus detection processing unit configured to perform focus detection based on the first signal and the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mineo Uchida
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Patent number: 9817207Abstract: Image pickup information output apparatus which outputs information about image pickup condition derived from combination of positions/states of condition decision members serving as optical members that affect fulfillment of the condition, comprising: setting unit for setting a condition setting value as the condition to be fulfilled; controller for driving one of the condition decision members to control its position/state based on the condition setting value, condition calculator for calculating information about the condition as calculated condition based on the combination of positions/states of the condition decision members; determination unit for determining whether or not the condition setting value changed; decision unit for determining the information about condition to be output, based on the calculated condition and the determination made by the determination unit as to whether or not the condition setting value changed; and output unit for outputting information about the condition to be outputType: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Junji Shigeta
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Patent number: 9609226Abstract: A system for improved camera focusing systems using subject location tags. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to providing a system comprising camera accessories and in-lens technologies that allows for the continuous, automated focus of a subject by measuring the distance between the camera and a subject that has been “tagged” with a locator beacon.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Free Focus SystemsInventors: Douglas R Kennedy, Stephen A Kennedy, Phillip B Kennedy