Mask Or Stencil Patents (Class 396/316)
  • Patent number: 11575844
    Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging system and application thereof are provided. The multi-aperture imaging system includes a long-focal length camera module, a mid-focal length camera module and a wide-angle camera module. The long-focal length camera module has a field of view-FOV3. The mid-focal length camera module has a field of view-FOV2. The wide-angle camera module has a field of view-FOV1. They satisfy the condition of FOV1>FOV2>FOV3. Besides, a portion of the field of view area of FOV1 is covered by a portion of the field of view area of FOV2, while a portion of the field of view area of FOV2 is covered by a portion of the field of view area of FOV3, so as to enable a better zooming performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO SUNNY OPOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yinli Fang, Mingzhu Wang, Lifeng Yao, Zhenyu Chen, Ang Ji, Yurong Wu
  • Patent number: 11064135
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes: an image sensor that outputs an image signal obtained by image capturing by an imaging device, the imaging device performing image capturing of a photographic subject through an image capturing optical system; a display that displays a captured image based on the image signal; and a processor configured to determine, on the basis of a result of analysis of the captured image, a position of a boundary line along which the captured image is divided into a plurality of regions, adjust, in a case where a change occurs in the captured image, the determined position of the boundary line on the basis of the change in the captured image, and control, on the basis of a brightness of the captured image after the change, an exposure for at least one of the plurality of regions separated by the adjusted boundary line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 10944915
    Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging system and application thereof are provided. The multi-aperture imaging system includes a long-focal length camera module, a mid-focal length camera module and a wide-angle camera module. The long-focal length camera module has a field of view-FOV3. The mid-focal length camera module has a field of view-FOV2. The wide-angle camera module has a field of view-FOV1. They satisfy the condition of FOV1>FOV2>FOV3. Besides, a portion of the field of view area of FOV1 is covered by a portion of the field of view area of FOV2, while a portion of the field of view area of FOV2 is covered by a portion of the field of view area of FOV3, so as to enable a better zooming performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ningbo Sunny Opotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yinli Fang, Mingzhu Wang, Lifeng Yao, Zhenyu Chen, Ang Ji, Yurong Wu
  • Patent number: 9947109
    Abstract: A method and system for processing digital image data taken from a three-dimensional topographic area including terrain and a right of way including a first and a second object to establish a clearance surface to define clearance violations within a boundary area. Waypoints are located to define a centerline and the boundary area to be analyzed. Vegetation coordinate points in the scene are determined from the digital image data. Ground coordinate points are determined from the digital image data. A clearance surface segment is constructed within the boundary area between the first and second object. The clearance surface is determined from the location of the first and second object and clearance criteria. The clearance surface is used to define a violation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Aerotec, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Dow, Michael D. Rhodes, William A. Openshaw, W. Scott Dow, Alan R. Page
  • Patent number: 9536313
    Abstract: A method and system for processing digital image data taken from a three-dimensional topographic area including terrain and a right of way including a first and a second object to establish a clearance surface to define clearance violations within a boundary area. Waypoints are located to define a centerline and the boundary area to be analyzed. Vegetation coordinate points in the scene are determined from the digital image data. Ground coordinate points are determined from the digital image data. A clearance surface segment is constructed within the boundary area between the first and second object. The clearance surface is determined from the location of the first and second object and clearance criteria. The clearance surface is used to define a violation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: James W. Dow, Michael D. Rhodes, William A. Openshaw, W. Scott Dow, Alan R. Page
  • Patent number: 9140548
    Abstract: A method and system for processing digital image data taken from a three-dimensional topographic area including terrain and a right of way including a first and a second object to establish a clearance surface to define clearance violations within a boundary area. Waypoints are located to define a centerline and the boundary area to be analyzed. Vegetation coordinate points in the scene are determined from the digital image data. Ground coordinate points are determined from the digital image data. A clearance surface segment is constructed within the boundary area between the first and second object. The clearance surface is determined from the location of the first and second object and clearance criteria. The clearance surface is used to define a violation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Aerotec, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Dow, Michael D. Rhodes, William A. Openshaw, W. Scott Dow, Alan R. Page
  • Patent number: 7894719
    Abstract: A film record comprises a film strip representing a plurality of frames. At least one of the frames includes at least one region wherein the optical density of the region is representative of a symbol from a constellation of symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: James Arthur Fancher, Jeff James Rosica
  • Patent number: 7830559
    Abstract: An information processing device may include a first frame provided with a scanner for reading information recorded on a medium, a second frame which faces the first frame across a traveling path and is provided with a pressing member for pressing the medium toward a reading face of the scanner, a support plate which supports the pressing member and whose one end is axially supported with the second frame to be movable between a locked position where the pressing member is protruded in the traveling path and an open position where a reading face of the scanner is exposed, a locking part for locking the support plate to the second frame at the locked position, and a half lock preventing mechanism for preventing a half-lock state when the support plate is locked to the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Ishikawa, Kazunori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7092628
    Abstract: In a photography method, a film image is scanned and digitized to provide a digital image. An identifier associated with the film image is read. The identifier points to a group of filter effects. Each filter effect has a preassigned digital modification. The modifications are not remedial for the respective filter effects. One of the filter effects is detected in the digital image. Responsive to the detecting of that filter effect, the preassigned digital modification is applied to the digital image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Joel S. Lawther, Anthony DiRisio, David C. Smart, Edward B. Gindele
  • Patent number: 6801715
    Abstract: A photographic film strip in the form of a length of photographic film has a pre-exposed area and an unexposed area. The pre-exposed area is continuous and extends along one edge of the strip between ends of the strip. The unexposed area is also continuous and has a length suitable for making multiple single exposure frames with adjacent frames being separated by a frame line. Upon development the film, an image formed by the pre-exposed section of each print will extend between opposite edges of prints formed by individual frames without the need to preregister the film in a camera The pre-exposure comprises a contact exposure. A strip of film can be placed in contact with a partially pre-exposed master on a cylindrical drum in a light tight housing so that pre-exposed section of the film can be exposed by one activation of an electronic flash located in the center of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Lee Craiig
  • Patent number: 6771902
    Abstract: A sealed package of film to be opened, put into a camera and exposed to form a plurality of photographs, comprising a plurality of film items to be exposed, each film item comprising a first unexposed portion and a second exposed portion, whereby upon exposure of the first unexposed portion and development there is formed in said first portion a picture corresponding to the exposure alongside a picture corresponding to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Robert T. Trick
  • Patent number: 6735388
    Abstract: A camera has a body having an exposure frame surrounding an exposure opening. The exposure frame has a window. A mask core is mounted in the body. The mask core has an axis of rotation extending transverse to the exposure frame. The mask core has a plurality of sectors arranged about the axis of rotation. Each sector has an active position adjoining the window. Each sector shades the window differently in the respective active position. A drive is coupled to the mask core. The drive selectively rotates the mask core between the active positions of each of the sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: David C. Smart
  • Patent number: 6728483
    Abstract: A camera has a body and a film holder having an exposure frame surrounding an exposure opening. A taking lens system is mounted to the body. The taking lens system has an optical axis. The taking lens system transmits a scene image through the exposure opening. A screener is mounted to the body. The screener is movable, relative to the exposure frame, between a primary position and a plurality of different secondary positions. The screener shadows the exposure frame differently in each secondary position. The exposure frame is unshaded when the screener is in the primary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David C. Smart, Anthony Dirisio, Joel S. Lawther, Robert L. Walker, Edward B. Gindele, David A. Hodder
  • Patent number: 6711355
    Abstract: A camera, used with photographic film, has a body having an exposure support surrounding an exposure opening. The body defines an encoder light path. An encoder is mounted in the body in alignment with the encoder light path. The encoder has an axis of rotation. The encoder has a marker occupying part of the encoder light path. The marker has a pair of subunits. The subunits are opposed relative to the axis of rotation. A drive is coupled to the encoder. The drive selectively rotates the encoder about the axis of rotation between a primary position and a plurality of secondary positions. The subunits are both disposed in the encoder light path in all of the positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David C. Smart, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6542699
    Abstract: A camera is provided with an object lens, an aperture and a guiding device for an image-recording medium. The camera includes a device for providing generally scattered or white light to be incident on a first portion of the image-recording medium and a light adjusting device for varying the dissipation of the white or scatted light across the aperture of the camera in relation to the exposure time across the aperture. The camera also includes a lens system with an object lens and an additional focusing device with a focal length in a first area being infinite and in a second area being a relatively short focusing light on the image close to the lens system, for example, on the plate held in front of the lens system. A light enhancement device is also provided for increasing the light on the first portion of the image-recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ginfax Development Limited
    Inventors: Ming Tung Lau, Quan Jiang
  • Patent number: 6473565
    Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a main body preloaded with photo film. A front cover covers a front of the main body. An exposure unit is secured between the main body and the front cover, for providing the photo film with an exposure. A plate-shaped information imprinting module is secured between the main body and the front cover with the exposure unit. Positioning pins are formed in the front of the main body. Positioning holes are formed in a rear of the information imprinting module, and are fitted on the positioning pins. The information imprinting module is subsequently kept positioned between the front cover and the main body by fitting the front cover on the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Moriya, Kazuhito Iwase
  • Patent number: 6463218
    Abstract: An apparatus for alternating between two field frames in a camera viewfinder. The mask has a foldable mask with an aperture, with the mask being movable between two positions. In the first position, the mask is unfolded and interposed in the light-path of the viewfinder, thereby framing the viewfinder image in the shape of the aperture. In the second position, the mask is folded and stored compactly alongside the viewfinder, thereby not interfering with the image in the viewfinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Concord Camera Corp.
    Inventor: Chi Ping Yeung
  • Patent number: 6456798
    Abstract: A method of placing a two-dimensional barcode symbol on a photographic element, the barcode symbol comprising collections of modules arranged in a regular array with a plurality of defined orientation directions, the photographic element exhibiting linear defects in a predominant direction and having a maximum width, includes the step of orienting the barcode symbol so that each defined orientation direction is rotated relative to the predominant direction sufficient so that no single collection of modules aligned in a defined orientation direction is completely obscured by the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John T. Keech, Gary W. Ahlquist, John P. Spence
  • Patent number: 6438326
    Abstract: An apparatus for the exposure of additional information into the film plane of a camera, is located in a data back. The data back has a two-column liquid crystal display. Control of the data back takes place directly through the printer output of a computer. The data to be exposed can be entered for this purpose by means of the computer keyboard. The computer is simultaneously connected via the printer output to the code transducer and to the path measuring system of the zoom system of the photomicroscope. The overall magnification is calculated from the data which is read in, by means of a computer program, and is exposed in the photograph by means of the data back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Günter Niederecker, Bernd Spruck
  • Patent number: 6366740
    Abstract: The invention enables users to adapt 35 mm SLR still cameras to function as 35 mm motion picture viewfinders and adapt 35 mm SLR still cameras to create photographs which correspond to what they see through its viewing system. By substituting an accurately marked focusing screen for the original and placing an identically marked insert within the camera we can accomplish both of these goals. The insert interrupts the image forming light path close enough to the film plane to precisely transfer its markings to the image exposed there. As the images are all formed in the same size as in 35 mm motion picture photography the optical characteristics they present are identical to those of 35 mm motion picture photography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Fortunato Procopio
  • Publication number: 20010028797
    Abstract: A camera is provided with an object lens, an aperture and a guiding device for an image-recording medium. The camera includes a device for providing generally scattered or white light to be incident on a first portion of the image-recording medium and a light adjusting device for varying the dissipation of the white or scatted light across the aperture of the camera in relation to the exposure time across the aperture. The camera also includes a lens system with an object lens and an additional focusing device with a focal length in a first area being infinite and in a second area being a relatively short focusing light on the image close to the lens system, for example, on the plate held in front of the lens system. A light enhancement device is also provided for increasing the light on the first portion of the image-recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Ginfax Development Limited
    Inventors: Ming Tung Lau, Quan Jiang
  • Patent number: 6289181
    Abstract: A camera (1) is provided with an object lens, an aperture and guiding means for an image recording medium. The camera includes a means for providing generally scattered or white light to be incident on a first portion of the image recording medium and a light adjusting means for varying the dissipation of the white or scattered light across the aperture of the camera in relation to the exposure time across the aperture. The camera also includes a lens system with an object lens and an additional focusing means with a focal length in a first area being infinite and in a second area being relatively short focusing light on the image close to the lens system, for example on the plate (10) held in front of the lens system. Light enhancement means are also provided for increasing the light on the first portion of the image recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Ginfax Development Limited
    Inventors: Ming Tung Lau, Quan Jiang
  • Patent number: 6285834
    Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film plane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings or may produce a controlled grainy appearance to an image recorded on film. In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Smartlens Corporation
    Inventor: Steven H. L. Hylen
  • Patent number: 6246838
    Abstract: A camera includes a casing having an optical device disposed in the front portion and a film disposed in the rear portion. One or more image sheets are detachably securing to the middle portion of the casing and between the film and the optical device by magnetic members. The magnetic members of the casing or the magnetic members of the image sheets are different from each other for checking the image sheets at the correct position. The casing includes a window having an additional image sheet for checking whether the image sheets are at the correct position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Chao Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 6201933
    Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film plane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings. In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Smartlens Corporation
    Inventor: Steven H. L. Hylen
  • Patent number: 6202040
    Abstract: A system and a method for modifying an original image to simulate a painting effect, wherein an irregularly translucent diffusion element is configured to be overlayed with an original image such as a photograph or picture and a scanner or photocopier is configured to scan an imaging area adjacent the original image overlayed with the diffusion element and produce image data representative of the original image modified by the diffusion element. Alternatively, the painting effect can be simulated in software to produce shifts in pixels of original image data and display a distorted image with painting effect based on the shifts in pixel values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Arizona
    Inventors: James T. Schwiegerling, William F. Coyer
  • Patent number: 6167206
    Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film lane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings or may produce a controlled grainy appearance to an image recorded on film. In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Smartlens Corporation
    Inventor: Steven H. L. Hylen
  • Patent number: 5946508
    Abstract: A data-projection device for a camera which always projects both a data pattern and its background clearly without the need for a photometer or similar mechanism. This data-projection device includes a data-projection module positioned on the reverse side of a frame of photographic film housed in a camera body and a filter plate positioned between the film and the camera lens. In this filter plate, the light transmittance of central area corresponding to the path of the photographing light entering the data-projection area of the film is set so that the received light reduction rate of the photographing light falls within the range of 40% to 80% in this data-projection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shinsuke Ito
  • Patent number: 5897185
    Abstract: In data projection display device (6) of data-projection device (1), outgoing-light side light-shielding mask (622) is provided on outgoing-light surface (602b) of outgoing-light side electrode substrate (602) of liquid crystal cell (604). Gap G among translucent segments (701-710) formed on light-shielding mask (622) is determined according to the thickness of outgoing-light side electrode substrate (602). If Go is used to indicate gap G that can produce a clear projection image when electrode substrate (602) having a thickness t=0.4 mm is used, a value obtained by adding the increase in diffusion ?.DELTA.=0.017 mm! when light is passing through the electrode substrate to gap Go is used as the gap G between the translucent segments of light-shielding mask (622) when an electrode substrate having a thickness t=0.55 mm is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 5765061
    Abstract: A transparent film member (10) for superimposing an icon (13) on individual film frames (12') of an exposable film strip (12) as the frames are exposed in a camera (7) is described. The transparent film member (10) is detachably or permanently secured to a film canister (11) containing the exposable film strip (12) and secured in such a manner as to position the transparent film member between an aperture of an exposure chamber (21) of a camera and the film strip (12) whereby the icon (13) may be transferred onto individual frames (12') as they are exposed to produce a composite image comprised of a subject (24) being photographed and the icon (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Marc P. Mintzberg
    Inventors: Marc P. Mintzberg, Donald M. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5696996
    Abstract: A camera and more particularly, but not exclusively, a disposable camera has an exposure chamber therein which defines an aperture over which an exposable film strip is displaced to expose an image of a subject being photographed. A transparent film member, provided with one or more predetermined images thereon, is disposed against this aperture whereby to expose in superimposition on a film frame of the exposable film strip a composite image which is comprised of the subject being photographed in combination with the one or more predetermined images on the transparent film member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Marc P. Mintzberg
  • Patent number: 5689743
    Abstract: A camera comprising a viewfinder for defining a field of view provided with a given aspect ratio, and a pair of front and rear masks insertable in the field of view to position respective larger and smaller openings of the front and rear masks in the field of view to change the aspect ratio of the field of view, is characterized in that a differential gear mechanism connects the front and rear masks for moving the front mask a greater extent than the rear mask is moved, to position the larger and smaller openings in the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Randy Eugene Horning, Ralph Merwin Lyon
  • Patent number: 5649259
    Abstract: In a first embodiment of the invention, a transparent plate is mounted at the film plane within a camera. The transparent plate includes a translucent diffusion pattern which diffuses incoming light rays reflected from the subject and effectively repositions them in a controlled manner prior to the light exposing the film. Proposed diffusion patterns may alter the light rays to create characteristics indicative of various types of paintings.In another embodiment of the invention, the transparent plate is mounted in a film cartridge.In another embodiment of the invention, a length of plastic film (a pattern strip) is positioned adjacent to a similar length of photographic film (film strip). An appropriate translucent diffusion pattern is provided onto one surface of the pattern strip, along its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Steven H. L. Hylen