Having Auxiliary Illumination Patents (Class 396/106)
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Patent number: 8379142Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for balancing the color of a flashed image using depth estimation. The apparatus includes a depth value measurement unit, a region identification unit, a color impression estimation unit, and a color balancing unit. The depth value measurement unit measures the depth values of the respective regions of an image to be captured using a camera preview image. The region identification unit identifies the regions of the preview image as a region influenced by camera flash or a region not influenced by camera flash using the depth values measured by the depth value measurement unit. The color impression estimation unit estimates the color impression of actual illumination in the region not influenced by camera flash. The color balancing unit corrects the color of the region influenced by camera flash.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Seong Dae Kim, Sung Soo Hwang, Su Jung Kim, Hwang Soo Lee, Young Serk Shim, Joon Sik Choi
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Patent number: 8306411Abstract: A photographic apparatus comprises an information obtaining unit and a controller. The information obtaining unit obtains information regarding a photographic subject image. The controller performs a switching control that changes a first use mode to a second use mode on a basis of the information. The first use mode is set by a user, and the second use mode is different from the first use mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.Inventor: Hirokazu Maeda
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Patent number: 8280238Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Nocturnal Devices, LLCInventors: Michael Laganas, Charles Ronald Musgrove, William Ray Blessing, Jr.
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Publication number: 20120177353Abstract: A camera aiming and focus assist device using a laser to generate a point of view beam, and method of using the device is disclosed. The device projects a visible beam of light to create a focus spot on an intended subject to be photographed which allows a photographer to select a subject without looking through the camera view finder, and which allows the camera to focus on the desired subject in low light situations or in crowded or obstructed fields of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventor: Michael Dowell
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Publication number: 20120155846Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITEDInventors: Yochanan Cliel Manoach Gilbert-Schachter, Qian Wang
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Publication number: 20120114321Abstract: An optical lighting device includes a radiation detector, a first light source and a second light source. The radiation detector includes a semiconductor chip and an optical filter, and has a spectral sensitivity distribution. The first light source generates white radiation. The second light source generates monochrome radiation in the visible spectral range, wherein radiation emitted by the first light source and radiation emitted by the second light source are superimposed to yield mixed radiation which includes a wavelength spectrum. The wavelength spectrum of the mixed radiation is adapted to the spectral sensitivity distribution of the radiation detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBHInventors: Michael Brandl, Alexander Wilm
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Patent number: 8135271Abstract: A method of calibrating an autofocus (AF) lighting device of a camera is disclosed. A reference image is captured with light projected from the AF lighting device, and a relative position of a central coordinate of the projected light with respect to a central coordinate of the reference image is stored. When operating the camera, the AF lighting device is activated to emit light after a shutter button of the camera is pressed halfway down, and a preview picture is displayed on a panel of the camera. A central position of the emitted light is then transposed toward a center of the panel according to the stored relative position.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Ability Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsung-Yi Lu
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Patent number: 8115855Abstract: Digital photographing devices traditionally comprise an assist light that illuminates the object being photographed in low light conditions The solution concerns a method comprising exposing an image frame comprising a window of interest; performing an autofocus for the window of interest; and controlling an assist light for the autofocus according to an exposure of the window of interest. The solutions is also targeted to an apparatus and a computer-readable storage means.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Mikko Ollila, Mikko Muukki, Ossi Mikael Kalevo
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Patent number: 8073318Abstract: A method for producing a distance map of scene distance values for a digital image captured by a digital camera includes capturing a first digital image of a scene under a first illumination condition, wherein the first digital image includes a plurality of pixels and the scene includes a plurality of scene objects located at different distances from the digital camera, capturing a second digital image of the scene under a second illumination condition that is different from the first illumination condition, and using the first and second digital images to produce a distance map having a plurality of scene distance values, wherein each scene distance value relates to the distance between the digital camera and the corresponding scene object.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Edward B. Gindele, Andrew C. Gallagher, Amy D. Enge
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Publication number: 20110280558Abstract: A method of calibrating an autofocus (AF) lighting device of a camera is disclosed. A reference image is captured with light projected from the AF lighting device, and a relative position of a central coordinate of the projected light with respect to a central coordinate of the reference image is stored. When operating the camera, the AF lighting device is activated to emit light after a shutter button of the camera is pressed halfway down, and a preview picture is displayed on a panel of the camera. A central position of the emitted light is then transposed toward a center of the panel according to the stored relative position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.Inventor: TSUNG-YI LU
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Publication number: 20110243541Abstract: A defocus calibration module is applied in a light-sensing system utilized for sensing a measured object for generating a sensed image. The light-sensing system comprises a light-emitting component, a focusing component, and an image sensor. The light-emitting component emits a detecting light to the measured object so that the measured object generates a reflecting light. The focusing component focuses the reflecting light to the image sensor. The image sensor generates the sensed image according to the reflecting light. The defocus calibration module has a calibrating object for blocking a part of the detecting light and the reflecting light for forming images at a first and a second calibration imaging locations in the sensed image. In this way, the defocus calibration module calculates a defocus parameter representing the defocus level of the light-sensing system according to the first and the second calibration imaging locations, and accordingly calibrates the sensed image.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Wei-Chung Wang, Hui-Hsuan Chen
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Patent number: 8004600Abstract: A composite image device having image capturing, laser pointing, lighting and related functions in one includes a first perspective window, a second perspective window, a third perspective window, an image capturing module, laser source module, a light source module and a switchable light modulating module. The image capturing module captures ambient light through the first perspective window to generate digital image data. The laser source module emits a laser through the second perspective window. The light source module emits illuminating light through the third perspective window. The switchable light modulating module includes at least a light modulating gate and a switching device for moving the at least a light modulating gate to a position relatively parallel to the second or third perspective window to modulate the emitted laser or the emitted illuminating light.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventors: Wen-Nan Hsia, Hsin-Chuan Hsu
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Publication number: 20110200314Abstract: A temperature compensated liquid lens is disclosed in which wait times for the liquid lens to respond to an applied control voltage or calculated in advance and stored in a table. A temperature sensor is utilized with the liquid lens that provides temperature data to the controlled circuitry. The wait time for the liquid lens to respond is then minimized to be no more than the minimum required time for the liquid lens to respond to the controlled voltage enough to focus the image to a prescribed level of quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2008Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Optoelectronics Co. Ltd.Inventor: Yasutake Kawashima
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Patent number: 7953318Abstract: Unless a release button is pressed halfway to input a command to prepare for capturing a still image, a focus lens is moved at predetermined intervals to focus roughly on a subject. When the release button is pressed halfway, the present position of the focus lens is detected. If the position of the focus lens is closer to a lens terminal on a short shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the short shooting distance side toward a lens terminal on a long shooting distance side. If the position of the focus lens is closer to the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side toward the opposite lens terminal. When an in-focus position is detected while the focus lens is being moved, the focus lens is immediately set at the in-focus position.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Masaaki Takagi
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Patent number: 7949244Abstract: An exemplary method for measuring a distance from a subject to a camera includes the following operations: focusing on the subject using the imaging system; illuminating an area on the subject using auxiliary light; capturing an image of the subject, the image having an illumination portion corresponding to the illuminated area; measuring the area of the illumination portion of the image; and calculating the subject distance based on the measured area.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cheng-Wei Huang
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Publication number: 20110043682Abstract: A method for assist in focal length detection is adapted to a digital camera having a flash. The method includes the following steps. First, the flash of the digital camera is actuated and an image having a face portion is captured. Afterwards, an exposure feature value of the face portion in the image is calculated. A focus range comparison table is looked up according to the exposure feature value to obtain an initial focus position. Then, a focus procedure is performed according to the initial focus position to obtain a target focal length. After the target focal length is obtained, a flash feature value of the image is further calculated, and a guide number (GN) and a diaphragm value are set according to the flash feature value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: ALTEK CORPORATIONInventors: Chan-Min Chou, Tsung-Pin Lu
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Publication number: 20100310247Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a light-beam splitting mirror configured to transmit and reflect incident light that has entered the light-beam splitting mirror through a photographing optical system; an image sensor that receives light transmitted through the light-beam splitting mirror; an autofocus detecting unit that receives light reflected by the light-beam splitting mirror; a signal processing unit configured to process an image pickup signal of the image sensor; and a display unit configured to display an image being photographed, on the basis of an image signal obtained at the signal processing unit. In the image pickup apparatus, the light-beam splitting mirror has spectral characteristics including a reflectivity of 25% or more and 35% or less at a wavelength of 400 to 650 nm and a reflectivity of 60% or more at a wavelength of about 700 nm through optimization.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: Sony CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro OSHIMA, Shozo Masuda, Naoji Nada, Kazuhito Shimoda, Yasutoshi Katsuda, Hideaki Inoue, Yasuro Nakagawa
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Patent number: 7848629Abstract: An exemplary auto-focus method includes the following steps. An ambient brightness is measured before a pre-flash. Then, a pre-flash ambient brightness is also measured during the pre-flash is fired. A main flash ratio is subsequently calculated using the ambient brightness, the pre-flash ambient brightness, and a preset desired brightness. Next, an object distance is indexed using the calculated main flash ratio and a table. The table includes a collection of main flash ratios and a collection of object distances, where each flash ratio is associated with a corresponding object distance. Then an image distance corresponding to the indexed object distance is calculated using the imaging formula. The calculated image distance is converted into a number of focus steps of a focus lens. Finally, the focus lens is moved with a corresponding number of focus steps.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Cing-Shin Lin
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Publication number: 20100284675Abstract: It is possible to provide a user-friendly camera. Provided is an illumination device for emitting illumination light for photographing by a camera including: a light emission unit which can emit lights of a plurality of different colors and/or a plurality of different light emission amounts as the illumination light; and a light emission control unit which controls the light emission unit so as to continuously emit the illumination light while changing the color and/or the light emission amount as the time elapses, independently of photographing by the camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Kiyosada Machida, Hatsuko Ogasawara
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Patent number: 7826736Abstract: A camera comprising a first imaging part for capturing IR image data of a first field of view, said first imaging part comprising IR optics, a second imaging part for capturing visible light data of a second field of view at least partially overlapping the first field of view, said second imaging part comprising visible light optics, a laser pointer for providing a laser dot in the second field of view, and means for adjusting the first and second field of view relative to each other in dependence of the focusing distance of the first or second imaging part. The camera is arranged to determine the distance z between the camera and an object being imaged by means of the distance d, using the stored relationship. The distance z may be used to align the IR image and the visible light image.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: FLIR Systems ABInventors: Katrin Strandemar, Malin Ingerhed
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Patent number: 7813632Abstract: System and method for modifying an optical assembly with another image modifying device by using an adapter assembly to connect or couple three image modifying devices together. The adapter assembly includes two adapters that have collars to hold a night vision monocular between them, and to each connect with a camera and lens, respectively, modifying a camera-lens assembly for use in night time photo surveillance. Attachment members on each adapter may include mechanical and/or electrical connectors to couple or connect the adapters to each other, and/or to electrically connect the camera with the lens.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Nocturnal Devices, LLCInventors: Michael Laganas, Charles Ronald Musgrove
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Publication number: 20100158495Abstract: Autofocus (AF) assist lighting can be useful as a camera rangefinder in low light conditions. When ambient light conditions are inadequate for determining camera-to-subject distance using through-the-lens autofocus (TTL-AF) procedures, the AF assist light is used to attempt to raise the light level enough that the camera-to-subject distance can be determined using TTL-AF. If a camera-to-subject distance is not determined when the AF assist light is used, a camera-to-subject distance based on tabulated values is determined using an empirical model of AF assist luminance increment versus distance. If a camera-to-subject distance can be determined using TTL-AF when the AF assist light is used, but the lighting conditions are inadequate, the camera-to-subject distance used for capturing an image is a weighted combination of the TTL-AF camera-to-subject distance and a camera-to-subject distance based on a set of tabulated values determined using an empircal model of AP assist luminance increment versus distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: John P. Spence
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Patent number: 7729601Abstract: An autofocus method can include moving a lens and reading out first image data associated with a plurality of image pixels during a first low light interval, modifying camera parameters to provide autofocus image light received during an autofocus light interval, acquiring second image data associated with the plurality of image pixels during the autofocus light interval, modifying camera parameters to substantially reduce image light received during a second low light interval, reading out the second image data during the second low light interval, and analyzing at least the first image data and the second image data to determine a focus position of the lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Siimpel CorporationInventor: Richard Tsai
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Patent number: 7630621Abstract: In a camera body of an electronic camera, first information representing spectral characteristics of auxiliary light is read out of a nonvolatile memory under control of a CPU of the camera body. The first information is sent to a serial driver of a lens unit via a serial driver of the camera body. The lens unit includes a selector switch for changing a color signal to be inputted into an AE/AF detection circuit. In the lens unit, the first information is compared with second information representing spectral characteristics of the color signal which is changeable by the selector switch. On the basis of a comparison result, the selector switch is operated under control of a CPU of the lens unit such that the color signal having the spectral characteristics identical with the first information is inputted into the AE/AF detection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Mikio Watanabe
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Patent number: 7620308Abstract: In order to carry out relatively accurate AF control while eliminating the adverse effect on a reproduced moving picture, a subject is imaged every 1/30 seconds, so that subject images are obtained. Image data representing the subject images respectively corresponding to odd-numbered frames are recorded on a memory card as image data representing the moving picture. At timing where the subject images respectively corresponding to even-numbered frames are obtained by the imaging, auxiliary light is irradiated onto the subject. A high-frequency component is extracted from the image data representing each of the subject images respectively corresponding to even-numbered frames, so that focusing data representing the degree of focusing of the subject image is obtained. Since the subject image used for focusing control is bright, focusing control can be carried out relatively accurately.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Fujifilm CorporationInventor: Daisuke Itoh
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Patent number: 7558474Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device including a photographic optical system having a zoom function, an auxiliary light irradiation device which includes an auxiliary light source emitting auxiliary light and which irradiates the auxiliary light towards a subject, a range finding device which makes the auxiliary light reflected by the subject incident on the photographic optical system to perform a focusing operation, and an auxiliary light control device which controls at least one of emitted light quantity of the auxiliary light and irradiation range of the auxiliary light in accordance with a zoom position of the photographic optical system.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Mikio Sasagawa
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Publication number: 20090097836Abstract: A photographic method for slow synchro-flash photography conducted by firing a flash at a slow shutter speed, comprising the steps of: starting exposure with a focusing lens placed at an arbitrary position, and moving the focusing lens to such a position as to focus on a main subject, just before the flash is fired.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Seiji TANAKA, Kenkichi Hayashi
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Patent number: 7499638Abstract: The object recognition apparatus has an active range finder having a floodlight unit which floodlights a light onto a target object, and determines a distance up to a target object on the basis of a reflected light therefrom, a stereo camera to determine a distance up to the target object on the basis of image information from the target object, an object recognition unit which recognizes the target object on the basis of an output signal from the active range finder and an output signal from the stereo camera, and a fill light control unit which controls the floodlight unit to operate so as to irradiate a light floodlit by the floodlight unit as a fill light of the stereo camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Kazuhiko Arai, Hidekazu Iwaki, Takashi Miyoshi
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Patent number: 7493035Abstract: A method for focusing by using a pre-flash is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, the image sensor captures a first image of the object, wherein the average brightness of the first image is calculated to be Y0. Next, the image sensor captures a second image of the object with the aid of a first pre-flash having a first energy, wherein the average brightness of the second image is calculated to be Y1. Afterwards, the image sensor captures a third image of the object with the aid of a second pre-flash having a second energy, wherein the average brightness of the third image is calculated to be Y2. Then, the distance D to the object is calculated according to the brightness Y0 and the difference ?Y between Y1 and Y2. Finally, the image sensor adjusts the focus according to the distance D.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Lee-Ren Kuo, Jian-Yu Lin, Feng-Chi Chang
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Patent number: 7483627Abstract: The present invention provides an image-taking apparatus which includes: a first light-emitting section having a xenon tube and a main capacitor; and a second light-emitting section having an LED. When an image is to be taken with an auxiliary light emission immediately after power-on and immediately after previous image taking with a previous auxiliary light emission, recharge of the main capacitor is not completed yet. In such a case, the image-taking apparatus selects the second light-emitting section to emit auxiliary light from the LED.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Endo
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Publication number: 20090010632Abstract: An image-taking apparatus including an auxiliary light projecting section that is small in size in spite of using multiple projection elements and is capable of performing extensive illumination to a range including parallax while maintaining a certain degree of brightness until reaching a given distance, and a projection module suitable for being loaded on the image-taking apparatus are provided. This apparatus projects light from three light points onto an object in a projection pattern shown in part (b) of FIG. 11 by use of a lens split into three regions. The light from the three light points is formed respectively into three beams by use of each of projecting sections subjected to region splitting, and single light beams out of sets of three beams are projected so as to overlap one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Michio Cho, Kenji Hoshino
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Publication number: 20090003815Abstract: An improved autofocus system and method that includes a controllable light source having at least two selectively activated substantially monochromatic output wavelengths adapted for illuminating an object; a camera receiving light from said light source reflected from a portion of said object and generating output signals responsive to said received light; a controller connected to said camera and said controllable light source for positioning said camera and sequentially illuminating a first portion of the object with at least two selectively activated substantially monochromatic output wavelengths, moving the camera to a second position and sequentially illuminating a second portion of the object with at least two selectively activated substantially monochromatic output wavelengths; and a data processor connected to said camera and receiving said output signals and for each portion, comparing the output signals associated with each wavelength and determining a focus parameter from said comparisonType: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Quality Vision InternationalInventors: Edward T. Polidor, Robert L. Jackson
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Patent number: 7415211Abstract: An optical communications system including a submarine optical communications system, a landing station associated with the submarine optical communications system, a terrestrial optical communications system, a point of presence associated with the terrestrial optical communications system, a first wavelength division multiplexed optical connection between the point of presence and the landing station, and a second wavelength division multiplexed optical connection between the point of presence and the landing station and routed diversely from the first wavelength division multiplexed optical connection.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Dorsal Networks L.L.C.Inventors: Lee Daniel Feinberg, Darren E. Wolf, legal representative
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Patent number: 7415201Abstract: An auto focusing device for a camera includes a focus detecting section which detects a focused state of an image taking lens an AF mode setting section sets an AF mode of the camera to either a first AF mode or a second AF mode. An auxiliary light emitting section emits an auxiliary light to the object in association with the focus detecting operation by the focus detecting section if the object has a low luminance. An emission control section limits the number of times that the auxiliary light emitting section emits the auxiliary light to the object to one per a predetermined number of operations by the focus detecting section if the AF mode setting section has set the AF mode to the second AF mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Hisayuki Matsumoto
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Patent number: 7412159Abstract: An image pickup apparatus, in which a light is projected toward a physical object by projection means, and based on the reflected light by the physical object of the light, a defocus amount is detected (steps S2003 to S2008) by the first focus detection means and the second focus detection means, respectively, and a correction value for matching the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means with the defocus amount detected by the second focus detection means is calculated and kept stored (step S2009), and at the photographing time, based on the defocus amount detected by the first focus detection means and the correction value kept stored, a focus adjustment lens within a photographic lens is driven, thereby preventing an inappropriate correction of the defocus amount.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Ichimiya
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Patent number: 7389041Abstract: A method for producing a distance map of scene distance values for a digital image captured by a digital camera includes capturing a first digital image of a scene under a first illumination condition, wherein the first digital image includes a plurality of pixels and the scene includes a plurality of scene objects located at different distances from the digital camera, capturing a second digital image of the scene under a second illumination condition that is different from the first illumination condition, and using the first and second digital images to produce a distance map having a plurality of scene distance values, wherein each scene distance value relates to the distance between the digital camera and the corresponding scene object.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Edward B. Gindele, Andrew C. Gallagher, Amy D. Enge
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Patent number: 7333145Abstract: A camera module comprising an image sensor array, a gain amplifier, an indicator set to indicate whether a first flash device or a second flash device is present, and a plurality of storage locations. The plurality of storage locations is configured to store an exposure time and a gain. The exposure time and the gain are associated with the first flash device in response to the indicator indicating the presence of the first flash device, and the exposure time and the gain are associated with the second flash device in response to the indicator indicating the presence of the second flash device. The image sensor array is configured to capture an image using the exposure time, and the gain amplifier is configured to perform processing on the image using the gain.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Dwight D. Poplin
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Patent number: 7307251Abstract: A light source is injected into an optical path of a camera to provide a controlled background to insure optimum uniformity of performance of the camera. An optical system, camera, image background measurement system, source intensity control, and light source comprise a closed loop control around the light source to control an operating point of the camera. Intensity of the light source is decreased as intensity of a background flux is increased.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Frey, Jr., Walter P. Watson, William E. Shaw
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Patent number: 7303308Abstract: Lighting apparatus for an image-gathering device, includes a light frame supporting a plurality of light emitting diode lamps configured to emit light at a tungsten balanced colour temperature, and a focussing frame comprising a plurality of light focussing lenses configured to focus light emitted from said light frame into an elliptical beam. The focussing frame is configured to focus light into an elliptical beam to complement a subject illumination area frame having a ratio 16:9. The light emitting diode lamps are configured to emit light at a colour temperature of 3200 Kelvin or 5600 Kelvin, and to emit light having a colour rendering index of 90. The focussing frame is releasably mountable to the light frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Gekko Technology LimitedInventor: David Richard Amphlett
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Patent number: 7283736Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a ranging device for measuring a distance to a subject, a device for radiating fill-light to the subject, and a re-ranging determining device for determining as to whether re-measurement is executed based on a measured result of the ranging device, when the re-ranging determining device determines that the re-measurement by the ranging device is required, the fill-light radiating device radiating the fill light to the subject based on the determination of the re-ranging determining device, the ranging device having a ranging element mechanism for allowing a light flux from the subject to image thereon to measure the distance to the subject, a ranging arithmetical mechanism for achieving an arithmetic of the ranging based on outputting data of the ranging element mechanism, and an area selecting mechanism for selecting an area based on an arithmetical result of the ranging arithmetical mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Sugiura, Kei Itoh
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Publication number: 20070206938Abstract: In an imaging device that performs pre-emission of strobe light prior to imaging, image data of a subject is obtained while the pre-emission is performed, and a target object is detected from the obtained image data. Then, a determination is made whether the luminance and/or gradation of the detected target object is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. If it is determined to be less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, AF auxiliary light is irradiated toward the target object, and the distance to the target object is measured while the irradiation of AF auxiliary light is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventor: Hiroshi Tanaka
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Publication number: 20070189749Abstract: An object detecting system, which is installed in a vehicle, uses a camera comprising an optical lens, a distance measuring image chip, and an illumination device to detect information about an object occupying a vehicle seat. The illumination device is sectioned into a plurality of illuminants, such as a first illuminant and a second illuminant, so that the light emitting modes of the illuminants are controlled to be changed individually.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2007Publication date: August 16, 2007Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Masato Yokoo, Yuu Hakomori
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Patent number: 7248795Abstract: Image projection apparatus wherein, a focusing lens is controlled when a shutter is operated so that a contrast signal, obtained when a luminance signal from a camera signal processing circuit is supplied to an auto focusing detection circuit, may become maximum. A laser diode is driven to generate laser beams that are condensed into parallel laser beams by a condenser. These parallel laser beams are applied to a hologram plate and thereby diffracted. The diffracted laser beams interfere with each other, to produce a hologram image with sufficient contrast. Therefore, satisfactory focusing can be made in an auto focus mode of the contrast detection system or in a manual focus mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Makibi Nakamura
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Publication number: 20070154199Abstract: A light-emitting module includes a light guiding body, a light-emitting unit and a fluorescent unit. The light-guiding unit has a groove. The light-emitting unit is disposed in a portion of the groove and emits a first light. The fluorescent unit is disposed in a remaining portion of the groove, receives the first light and emits a second light having a different wavelength range than the first light. The fluorescent unit emits the second light to an inner side surface of the groove. Therefore, loss of the first and second light is reduced and light-using efficiency of the light-emitting module is increased. Furthermore, a power consumption of a display device is significantly reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventor: Young-Bee Chu
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Patent number: 7145602Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling exposure of a digital camera with high precision by setting a proper exposure amount by emitting auxiliary light during auto-focusing, detecting the luminance level of an object, and carrying out an exposure controlling operation. The apparatus detects the luminance level of an object in an AE frame under the outside light prior to emitting the auxiliary light, and detects again the luminance level of the object in an AF frame under the auxiliary light after emitting the auxiliary light. The apparatus further performs an exposure controlling operation based on the luminance level in the AE frame when it has been determined that the exposure amount of the AF frame has increased markedly in a determining step, or based on the luminance level in the AF frame when it has been determined that the exposure amount of the AF frame has not increased markedly in the determining step.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Akira Shiga
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Patent number: 7136521Abstract: An optical arrangement for stereoscopic viewing of objects which is outfitted with an imaging system and with at least one lens group with a fixed focal length which is arranged between the imaging system and a viewed object for changing the imaging scale. This is achieved in that an adjusting device is provided for changing the position of the lens group in the direction of the optical axis and, accordingly, for changing the distance c between the lens group and a reference edge of the imaging system. This makes it possible to adjust different magnification ?? by actuating the adjusting device or changing the distance c and, therefore, to generate virtual intermediate images of objects located at various distances within a working range in the imaging plane of the stationary system. Accordingly, very advantageous applications are possible in restoration work, in dental engineering, and so on, in which the enhanced use value achieved by the invention is desired.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbHInventors: Johannes Winterot, Johannes Knoblich, Bernd Meder
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Patent number: 7116492Abstract: A lens-controlling device controls a first lens unit which moves for zooming and a second lens unit which moves for correcting the displacement of an image plane caused by zooming and for focusing. The lens-controlling device includes a memory which stores data for obtaining target-position information representing a target position to which the second lens unit is to be moved, the target position corresponding to a position to which the first lens unit is moved from a current position and a controller which generates the target-position information on the basis of the data and controls the movement of the second lens unit on the basis of position information of the first lens unit and the target-position information.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroto Okawara
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Patent number: 7106423Abstract: A distance measuring device includes a light emitter, a light detector, a clamp that outputs long-range side signal or clamp signal, a calculator that calculates the ratio between the short-range side signal and the signal output from the clamp and outputs a ratio signal, a light meter measuring the luminance of outside light, a threshold setter that sets up an infinity determination threshold value such that a lower luminance of the outside light corresponds to the longer range side as a threshold value; a converter that, when the output ratio signal is the signal corresponding to the short range side and is shorter than the infinity determination threshold value, converts the output ratio signal into a distance signal, and, if not, converts the output ratio signal into a distance signal having a fixed value.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Fujinon CorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Miwa
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Patent number: 7075661Abstract: Methods and apparatus for introducing a plurality of optical markers to a field of view, capturing a two-dimensional image of said field of view on an image plate comprising a pixel array, determining a set of marker origin offset values and using said offset values to establish a set of orientation values describing the relationship between the field of view and the image plate are disclosed. These orientation values are used to relate the area of image captured by each pixel in the image plate to the real world. By applying projective geometry, vector analysis and trigonometrical surveys an image analysis is conducted to establish a three-dimensional positional data set describing the three-dimensional position of regions of reflectivity in the captured two-dimensional image. From this data set a three-dimensional model of the field of view can be reconstructed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Industrial Control Systems LimitedInventors: John Michael Petty, Phillip Stephen Petty
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Patent number: 7068317Abstract: This invention is to decrease the sensor pitch, prevent saturation by external light, accurately determine skimming, simplify skimming determination, and prevent any difference in influence of the transfer efficiency between the ON and OFF states. For this purpose, a distance measuring apparatus includes a light projection section for projecting light to an object, a sensor array for receiving reflected light from the object, a first transfer section for transferring charges from the sensor array, and a ring-shaped second charge transfer section for integrating the charges from the first transfer section, wherein the first charge transfer section transfers charges in a light projection ON state and charges in a light projection OFF state at a timing, the transfer frequency of the second charge transfer section is twice that of the first charge transfer section, and the timing of the first charge transfer section has a phase different from that of the second charge transfer section.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Akira Egawa