Photographic Lighting Patents (Class 362/3)
  • Publication number: 20140049937
    Abstract: A flash unit(s) include a flash device(s) operable to emit a flash. The flash can be of any type. The flash will be attached to the front face (front side) of the electronic device. The electronic device can be of any type. The unit(s) can be placed on either side of the device, meaning the right, left and/or both. It can also be placed in the center of the device. This will assist the user in obtaining a higher quality picture and/or video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Cody Skye Buckner
  • Publication number: 20140022757
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus which is capable of, even when an environmental temperature changes, stably reducing collision noise, vibration noise, and so on generated when the light-emitting apparatus moves from a retracted position to a light-emitting position. A movable portion has a first stopper portion coming into abutment with a first elastic member when the movable portion moves from the retracted position to the light-emitting position, and a second stopper portion coming into abutment with a second elastic member with a higher elastic coefficient than the first elastic member when the movable portion moves from the retracted position to the light-emitting position. When the movable portion moves from the retracted position to the light-emitting position, the first stopper portion comes into abutment with the first elastic member, deforming the first elastic member by a predetermined amount, and then the second stopper portion comes into abutment with the second elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Takashi FURUTA
  • Patent number: 8628201
    Abstract: A flash device structure comprises a front window mechanism and a fixing seat. The front window mechanism has a base, a luminous module and a placement element, wherein the luminous module is set up on the placement element to be located inside the base and maintain the luminous module electrically connected. The fixing seat includes a trigger, wherein the trigger electrically connects with the luminous module when the fixing seat is connected into the front window mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Chung Liang, Hung-Yu Chen, Pei-Jen Lin, Chia-Lan Cheng
  • Patent number: 8624895
    Abstract: A digitally controlled lighting system where aspects have a central media server connected to remote media servers. The connection may have separate networks for control versus media. Automatic synchronization of the contents of the media servers may be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Reese, Mark A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8622561
    Abstract: A luminaire (100) includes a lamp housing (2) having an outer surface (42), and a cover (14) extends a height (1) above the outer surface (42). A camera (12) is concealed within the cover (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Carmody
  • Publication number: 20140003025
    Abstract: A photographic device includes a casing, a photographic body, an auxiliary light source and an adjusting assembly. The casing includes an opening. The photographic body, disposed in the casing, and the photographic body, corresponds to the opening. The photographic body is adapted for image capturing. The auxiliary light source, disposed between the casing and the photographic body, is adapted for emitting light outside through the opening. The adjusting assembly, disposed in the casing, is connected to the auxiliary light source. The adjusting assembly is adapted for driving the auxiliary light source to move relative to the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: VIVOTEK INC.
    Inventors: Shyh-Yih MA, Chung-Yon HUANG
  • Patent number: 8591049
    Abstract: A photographic system includes a first light grid including a plurality of cells, and a first alignment feature disposed on the first light grid. The system further includes a bezel including a retainer for retaining at least the first light grid, and an alignment feature for aligning at least the first light grid within the light grid retainer, wherein the first alignment feature of the first light grid aligns with the alignment feature of the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: ExpoImaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Sowder, John B. Baker
  • Patent number: 8577218
    Abstract: An illumination device contains a light-emitting semiconductor chip containing a plurality of individually drivable emission regions. The illumination device furthermore contains an optical element designed to shape light emitted by the emission regions to form a beam of rays. The illumination device is designed such that different beam profiles of the beam of rays can be set by the individually drivable emission regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Norwin von Malm, Jürgen Moosburger, Ulrich Streppel, Michael Brandl, Stefan Morgott
  • Patent number: 8562158
    Abstract: A device having built-in digital data means is powered by an unlimited power source for a lamp-holder, LED bulb, light device connected to unlimited power source by prongs or a base that can be inserted into a socket that would otherwise receiving a bulb. The device may take the form of a webcam having auto tracking functions and retractable prongs that plug directly into a wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20130271944
    Abstract: A mechanism which makes it possible to space-efficiently arrange electrical components and a circuit board in a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a light emission section and a circuit board disposed in a manner extending in a direction intersecting with an emission surface of the light emission section. A first flash circuit including a booster circuit, a second flash circuit including a high voltage circuit for causing the light emission section to emit light, and a third flash circuit including a control circuit for a digital system are mounted on the circuit board, and the third flash circuit is disposed at a location more remote from the light emission section than the first flash circuit and the second flash circuit are.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kimwei LEW
  • Patent number: 8559063
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and/or apparatus to scan and/or visualize a document placed on a document placement deck and to automatically adjust the image of the document scanned using a mobile device. In one embodiment, the document scanning and visualization system comprises a base element comprising a document placement deck; a neck element comprising a head end and a base end and coupled to the base element at the base end; and a doublet of lighting arms comprising a first lighting arm and a second lighting arm. In this embodiment, the first lighting arm and the second lighting arm are coupled to at least one of the base element and the neck element and are positioned above the base element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Atiz Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sarasin Booppanon, Chanwut Sangsok, Supichai Kantrasiri, Apiwat Pituksin, Pituk Kaewsuksai, Nut Phanitch
  • Publication number: 20130259461
    Abstract: A pop-up flash assembly including a main body comprising an opening; a moving unit linearly movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the moving unit is received in the opening at the first position and protrudes from the opening at the second position; a flash installed on the moving unit and generates light; a first link that has an end that is rotatably coupled to the main body; a second link that has an end that is rotatably coupled to another end of the first link, and another end of the second link being rotatably coupled to the moving unit; and a driver for rotating the first link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae-jin Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130201653
    Abstract: The current invention discloses an illumination device that may be attached to a computing device and provide a light source for a video call, video conference, or a picture capturing process. The illumination device comprises a light source, a power connector, and an attachment assembly that connects that light source to the computing device. The light source maybe a plurality of LEDs or a light panel using electroluminescent lighting. The illumination device may further comprise an external power source and a switch. The illumination device may also be integrally connected to the computing device and uses the power source of the computing device and being controlled by buttons or switches of the computing device. The illumination device may also provide additional signals for incoming calls or ongoing calls by displaying different light intensity, pattern, or color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Allan Shoemake, William Winter, Juan Fernandez, Paul McGrath
  • Publication number: 20130182404
    Abstract: A storage structure for a light-emitting device is included in a camera body, which also includes a lens mount formed on its front side for attaching a lens barrel and an imaging element arranged on its back side with a center thereof aligned with the center of the lens mount. The storage structure is a concave storage compartment arranged to correspond with an upper part of the lens mount. The light-emitting device is attached to the storage compartment and capable of popping up and down therefrom, the floor of the concave storage compartment is located between a lower edge of an engaging pawl, which is arranged at an upper edge portion of the lens mount, and the upper side of the imaging area of the imaging element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130128103
    Abstract: An approach is provided to adjust illumination color temperature at a flash unit of a camera. Data that corresponds to the ambient light of a physical environment is collected, such as at a color temperature meter included in the camera. The ambient light has a distribution of color temperatures that cycle over a fixed time period. When a flash request is received, a time is calculated at which the flash unit will flash. One of the color temperatures is identified from the distribution of color temperatures with the identified color temperature being the predicted color of the ambient light that will be present in the physical environment when the flash unit flashes. The color temperature of the flash unit is set to the identified color temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: International Business Machines Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130113935
    Abstract: An active vision system includes an image capture device for capturing images in a region exterior of a vehicle and a headlamp control unit for controlling a vehicle headlamp beam for illuminating an environment exterior of a vehicle. The headlamp control unit is configured to selectively illuminate between making a path of travel of a road visible to a driver of the vehicle and making the region exterior of the vehicle visible for capturing images by the image capture device. The headlamp control unit utilizes a duty cycle for controlling a first cycle time that the headlamp beam illuminates the path of travel for making the road visible to the driver and for controlling a second cycle time that the headlamp beam makes the captured region visible for capturing images by the image capture device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev M. Naik, Wende Zhang, Shuqing Zeng
  • Patent number: 8430516
    Abstract: Disclosed is a simple lighting device for photographing, which makes it possible to take an artistic picture of a human, which is an object to be photographed, enhancing his or her facial expressions, without the need of troublesome light source adjustment. The lighting device comprises a reflecting plate (2) which has a concave shaped surface with respect to the object to be photographed and which has a transmission area (22) which permits light to pass therethrough, and a light emitter (1) which is provided on the convex surface side of the reflecting plate (2) and which emits light toward the transmission area (22). The light emitted from the light emitter (1) and transmitted through the transmission area (22) is irradiated onto the object to be photographed and is reflected by the reflecting plate (2) toward the object to be photographed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Serendipity Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Hanabusa
  • Patent number: 8427274
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method, system and apparatus, in particular, a lighting system and method of controlling the lighting system, comprising a computer readable medium and a programmable device capable of controlling and manipulating individually addressable lights to realize a visual display at a pixel level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SAJE Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Jones, Zhen Huang, Paul W. Bonham, Chuan Li, Cameron D. Jiles
  • Publication number: 20130058071
    Abstract: In a time-multiplexed structured (coded) light camera, the coded light patterns are formed by means of an array of laser sources, and binarizations of the light patterns are performed by computing the dark and bright frames from the code patterns themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Sagi Ben Moshe
  • Patent number: 8388155
    Abstract: An annunciator is provided. The annunciator includes a parabolic reflector formed from an insulating material, a reflective layer of metal disposed on a surface of the reflector, a high voltage strobe lamp disposed at a focal point of the reflector with a set of conductors of the strobe lamp extending through a center aperture of the reflector and a portion of the reflector proximate the aperture devoid of metallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Bojana Ozegovic Carey
  • Patent number: 8391702
    Abstract: A mobile device comprising a processor, a camera module, and a flash configured to generate at least one of a reduced pre-flash, a standard pre-flash and a flash. The processor, in response to receiving an image capture request, is configured to receive a brightness value and determine a flash status based on a flash setting with the flash status being one of an off mode, on mode, and auto mode. In the event the flash status is one of the on mode and auto mode, determine whether there is sufficient light to capture an image based at least in part on a comparison of the brightness value and a flash threshold. In the event the brightness value is greater than the flash threshold, cause the flash to generate a shortened pre-flash and obtain only a white balance measurement and an auto-exposure measurement during the shortened pre-flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Yochanan Cliel Manoach Gilbert-Schachter, Qian Wang
  • Patent number: 8382302
    Abstract: A portable foldable lighting designer (10) which includes a closed frame (11) made from an elastic, deformable material, where the frame is movable between a folded and an unfolded position, and a covering (12). The covering (12) is arranged in the frame and held by the latter to manipulate the light, and is kept tightened in the plane of the frame, when the lighting designer is completely unfolded by the material tension of the material of the frame. The covering is dimensioned smaller in a direction (B) than the width (D) of the uncovered frame in the completely unfolded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Wolfgang Peter Geller
  • Publication number: 20130028585
    Abstract: A flash module including a main body, a fixing base, a rotating structure, a switch and a linking structure is disclosed. The rotating structure is movably connected between the main body and the fixing base. The switch has a moving part. The linking structure is connected between the rotating structure and the moving part. The linking structure moves the moving part to an open position from a close position and rotates the rotating structure, so that the main body is moved relative to the fixing base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsien-Chang LEE
  • Patent number: 8364031
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting assembly for an image capturing system. The lighting assembly includes at least one lighting element for generating light and a control system arranged to control the at least one lighting element and to interface with at least one camera of the image capturing system. The control system is arranged for controlling an intensity and a spectrum of the at least one lighting element. The control system is arranged to provide a control for emitting a constant light or a pulsed light with the at least one lighting element. The at least one lighting element includes at least one LED being at least one high CRI white LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Endolab Holding B.V., Imagingete Inc.
    Inventors: William Scott Geffert, Marc Saes, Hubert Johan Marie Robert van Doorne
  • Publication number: 20130004152
    Abstract: An accessory controlled by a camera, includes: a storage section that stores information regarding an accessory function of the accessory; and an accessory control section that transmits the information stored in the storage section to the camera, wherein the storage section stores first information by which the camera determines whether the accessory has an extended function and second information indicating characteristics of the accessory function, and the accessory control section transmits the first information, and then transmits the second information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuharu IMAFUJI, Akihiro OZONE, Keiko TSUCHIYA, Izumi KUMAZAWA
  • Patent number: 8303125
    Abstract: A focus apparatus comprises a light apparatus emits the light onto an object, an optical apparatus, an image capture apparatus for receiving an image of the object through the optical apparatus, and converting the image into electronic signals, and a adapter. The adapter connects the light apparatus and the optical apparatus. The light apparatus transfers thermal energy generated by the light apparatus to the air of the surrounding environment, and scatters the light to make the light propagate uniformly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Kuang Chang, Dong-Hai Li, Li Jiang, Yi-Rong Hong, Xiao-Guang Xue
  • Publication number: 20120230663
    Abstract: A photography system includes: a camera containing a first communication unit; and a photography illumination device containing a second communication unit, wherein: the camera wirelessly transmits from the first communication unit to the second communication unit a first signal that commands, from the camera side to the photography illumination device side, a preparatory flash emission that precedes a main flash emission during photography; the photography illumination device wirelessly transmits from the second communication unit to the first communication unit a second signal that includes flash emission timing information of the preparatory flash emission, and that carries information, from the photography illumination device side to the camera side, as to the effect that the first signal has been received; and the camera starts photometric processing during the preparatory flash emission based upon the flash emission timing information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20120224351
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide a flash module and an electronic apparatus using the flash module. The electronic apparatus has a sensor and a processor. The sensor is used by the processor to detect an environmental brightness and issue a flash order. The flash module comprises a flash cartridge, a linkage lever set, a housing, an electromagnetic actuator, a mechanical linkage, and a latching mechanism. When necessary, the elements of the flash module perform a process to automatically move the flash to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Pong Lin, Ting-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20120212927
    Abstract: A flash device structure comprises a front window mechanism and a fixing seat. The front window mechanism has a base, a luminous module and a placement element, wherein the luminous module is set up on the placement element to be located inside the base and maintain the luminous module electrically connected. The fixing seat includes a trigger, wherein the trigger electrically connects with the luminous module when the fixing seat is connected into the front window mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIH-CHUNG LIANG, HUNG-YU CHEN, PEI-JEN LIN, CHIA-LAN CHENG
  • Publication number: 20120189291
    Abstract: An illumination device contains a light-emitting semiconductor chip containing a plurality of individually drivable emission regions. The illumination device furthermore contains an optical element designed to shape light emitted by the emission regions to form a beam of rays. The illumination device is designed such that different beam profiles of the beam of rays can be set by the individually drivable emission regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Norwin von Malm, Jürgen Moosburger, Ulrich Streppel, Michael Brandl, Stefan Morgott
  • Publication number: 20120154607
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a camera that includes a field of view (FOV), the apparatus for indicating at least a first portion of a field of view for analysis and comprising a light source for generating a first light pattern that is directed onto an object surface within the FOV while the light source remains stationary with respect to the object, an adjuster for, while the first light pattern subtends a surface of the object and without moving the light source with respect to the object, modifying the first light pattern to generate a first deformed light pattern that is directed onto the object surface in the FOV and a manual input device for controlling the adjuster to indicate how the first light pattern is to be modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Michael C. Moed, Robert T. Tremblay, Carl W. Gerst, III, William Equitz
  • Publication number: 20120092848
    Abstract: The embodiments and methods described are directed to a photographic light for illuminating a subject to be photographed and providing a desired reflective geometric pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Kuczynski, Aaron Dressin
  • Patent number: 8157396
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft operable to be held by an entity and a housing extending from one end of the shaft and operable to allow multiple deterrents to be emitted there from. The housing includes a rotation member coupled to a rim portion of the housing and operable to rotate along a track portion within the rim portion. The apparatus further includes a transparent material coupled to the rotation member and operable to allow a deterrent to travel there through. The housing includes a light source coupled to the transparent material and operable to emit a light. Further, the apparatus includes a swivel meshed between the shaft and the housing and operable to allow the housing oscillate in an angular direction. Each deterrent is operable to obscure an image of the entity captured by filming equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Wilbert Leon Smith, Jr., Keelo Lamance Jackson
  • Publication number: 20120087102
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for film, television, video capture, motion picture and photography which includes a Fresnel lens fixed in a housing which contains a tight array of high power LEDs. The LED panel or board is mated to a heat dissipating apparatus to provide active cooling and together forming an LED engine. The LED engine is mounted to a slider allowing the LED engine to be adjusted within the housing with respect to the lens. Light shaping diffusion may be included on the housing. A power supply unit may also be included in the housing. When in electrical communication, the LED engine and power supply unit function as an integrated self-contained lighting apparatus. Optionally, the power supply may have an integrated dimmer switch, and may be capable of receiving PFC power or have an integrated battery unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin C. Baxter, Fred H. Holmes, Ken Fisher
  • Publication number: 20120063116
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for film, television, video capture, motion picture and photography which includes a Fresnel lens fixed in a housing which contains a tight array of high power LEDs. The LED panel or board is mated to a heat dissipating apparatus to provide active cooling and together forming an LED engine. The LED engine is mounted to a slider allowing the LED engine to be adjusted within the housing with respect to the lens. Light shaping diffusion may be included on the housing. A power supply unit may also be included in the housing. When in electrical communication, the LED engine and power supply unit function as an integrated self-contained lighting apparatus. Optionally, the power supply may have an integrated dimmer switch, and may be capable of receiving PFC power or have an integrated battery unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin C. Baxter, Fred H. Holmes, Ken Fisher
  • Publication number: 20120049089
    Abstract: An excitation light source assembly includes a housing defining a central opening therein and a plurality of lamp receptacles surrounding the central opening. The housing is mountable to a support structure having a camera mounted thereto so that a field of view of the camera is substantially unobstructed by the housing. A light source is positioned within each of the plurality of lamp receptacles. A diffuser is positioned adjacent the light source in each of the plurality of lamp receptacles so that each of the diffusers diffuses light produced by each of the light sources. A control system operatively connected to each of the light sources operates selected ones of the light sources to provide a desired excitation illumination to an object within the field of view of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SPECTRAL INSTRUMENTS IMAGING, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Nelson, Michael D. Cable
  • Patent number: 8113690
    Abstract: An exemplary flash lamp module includes a light source, a holding pole, a lampshade, a slide orbit and a driving portion. The light source is mounted on the holding pole. The lampshade is configured for covering the light source. The lampshade has an opening configured for allowing light beams emitted from the light source passing through the opening. The slide orbit is configured for supporting and allowing the lampshade moving therealong. The driving portion is configured for driving the lampshade to move along the slide orbit so as to change the direction of emitting of light beams through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8107808
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of an apparatus including a curved reflector having an interior and an open end; a light module positioned around a perimeter of the open end of the reflector, the light module including a first side having one or more interior light sources thereon to direct light toward the interior of the reflector and a second side having one or more exterior light sources thereon to direct light away from the reflector; and a light pipe coupled to the light module and aligned so that light from the one or more exterior light sources is launched into the light pipe. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Microscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Messina, Thomas J. Driscoll, Kyle M. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8104934
    Abstract: A portable lightbox assembly comprises a housing and a lift mechanism having at least one light fixture coupled thereto, the lift mechanism coupled to the housing and movable from a retracted position enclosable within the housing to an extended position protruding beyond the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Probasco Design LP
    Inventor: Max Alan Probasco
  • Publication number: 20120002039
    Abstract: A machine vision system includes a table having a fixture for supporting an object under inspection above the table, a gantry supporting a camera further above the table, a docking station, and a profile light movable together with the gantry between an inspection position beneath the object and a docking position next to the docking station. Fittings are provided for releasably securing the profile light to the gantry and for releasably securing the profile light to the docking station. The profile light can be disengaged from the gantry and engaged with the docking station for moving the profile light to the docking position or disengaged from the docking station and reengaged with the gantry for moving the profile light to the inspection position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: QUALITY VISION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gerard Moriarty
  • Publication number: 20110280561
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting assembly for an image capturing system. The lighting assembly includes at least one lighting element for generating light and a control system arranged to control the at least one lighting element and to interface with at least one camera of the image capturing system. The control system is arranged for controlling an intensity and a spectrum of the at least one lighting element. The control system is arranged to provide a control for emitting a constant light or a pulsed light with the at least one lighting element. The at least one lighting element includes at least one LED being at least one high CRI white LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicants: CENTER FOR DIGITAL IMAGING INC., ELDOLAB HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: William Scott Geffert, Marc Saes, Hubert Johan Marie Robert van Doorne
  • Patent number: 8059948
    Abstract: A method of photographing an object (50,52) and associated photographic apparatus are disclosed. A camera (60), a light source (40) and a collapsible background unit (10,90) are provided, wherein the collapsible background unit (10,90) comprises an enclosure with an illuminating wall (18,95) that is translucent. The light source (40) and the background unit (10,90) are arranged relative to each other so that light from the light source (40) is directed into the interior of the enclosure, at least some of said light being transmitted to the exterior of the enclosure through the illuminating wall (18,95). The object (50,52) and the camera (60) are arranged externally of the enclosure such that the illuminating wall (18,95), or an additional translucent component (74) interposed between the illuminating wall (18,95) and the object (50,52), constitutes a background for the object (50,52). A photograph of the object (50,52) is then taken using the camera (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lastolite Limited
    Inventor: Gary James Astill
  • Patent number: 8050547
    Abstract: A device and a process are provided for uniformly lighting an operating area for performing the lighting of an operating area (2) of a bed (30) by means of a lighting unit (3) such that a selected lighting field (13) is lighted uniformly. The image signals of a camera (7) are sent to an image processing unit (17), in which the image signals are analyzed and the individual lighting elements (6) are switched via the control unit (18). A lighting situation is acquired in the process for initializing and operating this lighting system and a lighting field (13) of interest is selected. The image signals are analyzed during the operation and sent to the control unit (18) in order to switch the lighting elements (6) such that uniform lighting is obtained in the first lighting field (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Livio Fornasiero
  • Patent number: 8021006
    Abstract: A LED array flash for cameras includes a LED array and a controller. The LED array consists of at least one LED light source with first order lens. The LED light source may be further covered with a second order lens. Thus an oblong or round distribution pattern with uniform light intensity is emitted. The controller is used to control flash modes such as low brightness continuous lighting or high brightness pulse lighting with lighting time control so as to save power and avoid overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: E-Pin Optical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: San-Woei Shyu, Chu-Fong Lam, Teng-Chien Yu, Yi-Fan Liao
  • Patent number: 8000594
    Abstract: An apparatus including a curved light-reflecting surface including a pair of opposing curved edges and a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between corresponding endpoints of the opposing curved edges; a pair of reflective surfaces, each reflective surface being attached to a corresponding one of the curved edges; at least one flange coupled to one of the pair of longitudinal edges and projecting toward the opposing longitudinal edge; and at least one light source mounted on the at least one flange. Other embodiments and aspects are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Microscan Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. Messina
  • Publication number: 20110188848
    Abstract: An electronic flash device that is capable of preventing an electric leak from a secondary electrode section or a circuit board pattern that is electrically connected with the secondary electrode section to conductive materials such as a surrounding metal exterior and a metallic frame in a downsized electronic flash device. An electronic component has a high voltage section for emitting an emission section. A circuit board contains the electronic component. An insulating member covers the high voltage section of the electronic component. The insulating member is extended to a side of the circuit board that is opposite to the side on which the electronic component is contained at an outer edge section of the circuit board close to the high voltage section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeaki Sotsu
  • Patent number: 7988309
    Abstract: An illumination device has a light source that supplies illumination light to an object to be illuminated and also has a corner cube member disposed at the opposite side of the light source with respect to the object to be illuminated. With this feature, efficient illumination of the object to be illuminated is achieved without need for high precision in positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Saitoh, Hiroshi Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20110123184
    Abstract: A camera flash comprises a light guide arranged to extract light at least through one surface; and one or more light sources arranged, in use, to emit light into the lightguide. Each light source is an LED or a laser diode. The camera flash is connectable, in use, to drive circuitry, the drive circuitry being for driving the light source(s) to emit a pulse of light. The waveguide spreads out the light from the light source(s), so that a flash of light from the camera flash does not present a safety risk, while minimising loss of the light from the light source(s). The camera flash can thus provide a high overall optical output, spread over an extended area (as defined by the waveguide). The lightguide may for example be disposed around a camera module of a mobile telephone camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jonathan MATHER, Andrew KAY, David James MONTGOMERY, James Rowland SUCKLING, Emma Jayne WALTON, Yasunori KANAZAWA, Yukio WATANABE, Hirofumi ODA, Taro SUGITA
  • Patent number: 7938550
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes: a first and second LED chips for emitting light with a first and second wavelengths which are different from each other; and a translucent sealing resin for sealing the first and second LED chips; wherein the sealing resin contains a fluorescent material which is excited by light with the first wavelength but is not excited by light with the second wavelength, so that the light with the second wavelength and white light resulted from color mixture of the light with the first and second wavelengths and light emitted from the fluorescent material can be selectively emitted. The above light emitting device is adapted for a camera-equipped cellular phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuji Takenaka
  • Patent number: 7896509
    Abstract: The Anti-Picture with a means for detecting camera's radio frequency, a way of decoding said detected radio frequency, a switch/driver to trigger device, a way of producing light with one or more lighting elements, means of allowing said lighting element to reflect off of a one or more reflective surface to allow light to be directed and a means for all of said above to be encased a body wherein the said components are able to communicate with a light element allowing the light to reflect off of the said reflective surfaces to over expose and or interrupt a photograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Gallagher