Pseudo Zoom Patents (Class 396/60)
  • Patent number: 11831987
    Abstract: A control apparatus includes a selection unit that selects a drive mode for first and second correction units based on a focal length, and a control unit that drives the correction units in the selected mode. The first correction unit moves an optical element. The second correction unit moves a sensor. The selection unit selects a first mode if the focal length is a first value, and selects a second mode if the focal length is a second value larger than the first value. With the first mode selected, if a shake amount is a threshold or less, the first correction unit is driven based on the shake amount, and if the shake amount is larger than the threshold, the correction units are driven based on the shake amount. With the second mode selected, the correction units are driven based on the shake amount and a drive ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Saito, Masafumi Kimura
  • Patent number: 10771697
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for managing image capture and processing in a multi-camera imaging system. In such a system, a pair of cameras each may output a sequence of frames representing captured image data. The cameras' output may be synchronized to each other to cause synchronism in the image capture operations of the cameras. The system may assess image quality of frames output from the cameras and, based on the image quality, designate a pair of the frames to serve as a “reference frame pair.” Thus, one frame from the first camera and a paired frame from the second camera will be designated as the reference frame pair. The system may adjust each reference frame in the pair using other frames from their respective cameras. The reference frames also may be processed by other operations within the system, such as image fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Hubel, Marius Tico, Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 10469759
    Abstract: A device includes a lens assembly to focus an image or to optically zoom, a sensor array to capture an image; a memory to store instructions; and a processor to execute the instructions. The processor may execute the instructions to: cause the sensor array to capture an image; determining a field of view in the captured image; obtain parameter values based on sensor measurements associated with the captured image; obtain a digital zoom profile and an optical zoom profile based on the parameter values, the captured image, and the field of view; and jointly apply the digital zoom profile and the optical zoom profile to set the camera to the received zoom request for the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: AXIS AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Benjamin Ardo, Johan David Philip Nystrom
  • Patent number: 9203986
    Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging unit that images a subject to generate electronic image data; and a communication unit that communicates with a plurality of servers through a network. The imaging device also includes an image file generating unit that generates an image file including first interpretation subject information interpreted by anyone of the plurality of servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Corporatoin
    Inventors: Yuji Imai, Osamu Nonaka
  • Patent number: 9143684
    Abstract: An apparatus, computer readable medium, and a method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus comprising a plurality of optical systems, the method including deriving shake information from the plurality of optical systems; and determining a base optical system from among the plurality of optical systems according to the shake information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung-kyu Choi, Soon-geun Jang
  • Patent number: 8405743
    Abstract: An image-data processing apparatus includes a writer which writes image data into a memory according to a non-interlaced-scanning or an interlaced-scanning of each N line. An updater updates a cumulative zoom coefficient by accumulating, for each line, a decimal portion of the cumulative zoom coefficient to a first numerical value corresponding to the zoom coefficient. An accumulator accumulates, for each line, a second numerical value corresponding to an integer portion of the cumulative zoom coefficient. A reader reads out image data in a line corresponding to an accumulated value of the accumulator. A first setter sets N-times the zoom coefficient to the first numerical value in the non-interlaced-scanning, and sets the zoom coefficient to the first numerical value in the interlaced-scanning. A second setter sets an integer portion to the second numerical value in the non-interlaced-scanning, and sets N-times the integer portion to the second numerical value in the interlaced-scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Matsumura
  • Patent number: 8346073
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, once the mode setting device sets the person photographing mode, and the face zooming instruction device instructs zooming to the face of the person, the detection device detects the size of the face of the person captured by the image pickup device. The zooming device is then controlled so as to capture the face of the person in a certain size based on the detection result. Subsequently, the photographer instructs zooming in the telephoto direction or the wide direction using the zooming instruction device as necessary to thereby allow fine adjustment of the composition. This enables to easily and quickly photograph an image in a user's desired composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Syuji Nose
  • Patent number: 8254771
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, once the mode setting device sets the person photographing mode, and the face zooming instruction device instructs zooming to the face of the person, the detection device detects the size of the face of the person captured by the image pickup device. The zooming device is then controlled so as to capture the face of the person in a certain size based on the detection result. Subsequently, the photographer instructs zooming in the telephoto direction or the wide direction using the zooming instruction device as necessary to thereby allow fine adjustment of the composition. This enables to easily and quickly photograph an image in a user's desired composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Syuji Nose
  • Patent number: 8040399
    Abstract: A system and method for effectively optimizing zoom settings in a digital camera includes a digital zoom module that performs a digital zoom function, and an optical zoom module that controls a lens unit of the digital camera to perform an optical zoom function. A depth of field manager performs a zoom-setting optimization procedure to select optimal zoom values for the optical zoom module and the digital zoom module to thereby optimize image quality characteristics of images captured by the camera device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Georgis, Fredrik Carpio, Paul Hwang
  • Patent number: 7941041
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging optical system; a display unit; a detecting unit performing focus detection in phase difference detection; a focusing unit performing focus control of a lens in the imaging optical system on the basis of the focus detection result; an imaging unit generating an image signal concerning an optical image of a subject; an electronic zoom unit zooming in or out the image of the subject displayed in the display unit on the basis of the image signal by performing signal processing; and a switching unit switching between an electronic zoom active state and an electronic zoom inactive state. The detecting unit includes a sensor unit including a first licensor and a second licensor; a setting unit that sets detection sections having the same section length in the first and second licensors; a focus detecting unit; and a section length controlling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kishimoto, Hisamo Sogawa, Norihiko Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 7936383
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus has an optical zoom function, with which the image imaged on the imaging device (CCD) is enlarged and reduced by moving an optical system, and an electronic zoom function, with which the image data generated by the imaging device is electronically enlarged and reduced. In an imaging mode (pixel-number conversion mode) in which the image generated by the imaging device is recorded with the number of pixels lower than that of the imaging device, the imaging apparatus performs control so that only the electronic zoom is actuated when a total zoom magnification is not more than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasutoshi Yamamoto, Masaaki Nakayama, Shinobu Fusa, Kaoru Mokunaka, Shougo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7853136
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an imaging optical system; a display unit; a detecting unit performing focus detection in phase difference detection; a focusing unit performing focus control of a lens in the imaging optical system on the basis of the focus detection result; an imaging unit generating an image signal concerning an optical image of a subject; an electronic zoom unit zooming in or out the image of the subject displayed in the display unit on the basis of the image signal by performing signal processing; and a switching unit switching between an electronic zoom active state and an electronic zoom inactive state. The detecting unit includes a sensor unit including a first licensor and a second licensor; a setting unit that sets detection sections having the same section length in the first and second licensors; a focus detecting unit; and a section length controlling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kishimoto, Hisamo Sogawa, Norihiko Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 7801431
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a lens unit, an image sensor, a face recognition unit, a selecting unit, an auto-focusing (AF) unit and a driving unit. The lens unit focuses images onto the image sensor. The image sensor converts the images into electronic signals. The face recognition unit locates any faces in a current image. If faces are detected, the selecting unit indicates to a user where the faces are located in the image, and selects one of the locations as a main focus area in response to a user input. The driving unit is configured for moving the lens unit. The AF unit controls the driving unit to focus the lens unit according to the selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Wang, Shih-Pao Cheng
  • Patent number: 7782376
    Abstract: An imaging method includes a step of setting, when a digital zoom operation mode for enlarging an image imaged by a imaging part of an X-Y address type is selected, a zoom magnification and enlarging the image at the zoom magnification set. The imaging method includes the steps of: setting an imaging range in a vertical direction of the imaging part according to the zoom magnification set in the digital zoom step; outputting a driving signal for scanning the shutter signal and the readout signal to perform exposure in the imaging range set in the imaging range setting step and driving the imaging part; and discarding, when the zoom magnification is changed in the digital zoom step, images imaged by the imaging part before and after the change of the zoom magnification to prevent the images from being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Yoneda, Toshio Yamada
  • Patent number: 7778537
    Abstract: A zooming system includes a selecting unit, a detection unit, a calculating unit, a controlling unit, and a zooming unit. The selecting unit is configured for selecting a zoom mode based on the presence of faces in a pre-image. The detection unit is configured for detecting facial areas in the pre-image. The calculating unit is configured for calculating a zoom ratio on the basis of a dimensional ratio of the detected facial areas to the pre-image. The zooming unit is controlled by the controlling unit to zoom the imaging device according to the zoom ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Premier Image Technology (China) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Qi-Da Guan
  • Patent number: 7738016
    Abstract: A digital camera has a first optical system having a wide zoom lens and a second optical system for a telephotography zoom lens. In an initial state where power is active, a controller and timing-generator controls the wide zoom lens so as to be situated at a wide position and the telephotography zoom lens so as to be situated at a telephotograph position. When zoom-in is effected, the wide zoom lens is actuated, and the telephotography zoom lens is maintained at the telephotograph position. When a zoom position of the wide zoom lens has reached a threshold zoom position set to a wider angle of view than that achieved at the telephotograph position, the telephotography zoom lens starts being actuated toward the wide position. When the zoom lens has reached the telephotograph position, an image signal is switched from the wide zoom lens to the telephotography zoom lens, and the selected image signal is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Toyofuku
  • Patent number: 7711258
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit which captures image data of an object, a zoom image data generating unit which generates items of zoom image data having different zoom magnifications, a display control unit which displays through images on a display unit based on the items of the generated zoom image data, a selection unit which selects one of the zoom magnifications by selecting one of the through images displayed on the display unit, and a recording control unit which records image data corresponding to the selected zoom magnification in a storing medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Yanagi
  • Patent number: 7643742
    Abstract: An electronic camera detects a person's face image from an object image obtained by photographing an object, executes an enlarging process on the detected face image so as to obtain a face image whose face size is suitable, and displays the face image which is enlarged into the suitable size on a display device. When a plurality of people are present on the object image, the enlarged face images are switched by an image operating switch. As a result, the switched face image is displayed on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Watanabe, Fumiyuki Shiratani, Hiroshi Matsuzaki, Satoko Furuki, Akikazu Yachi, Hideki Nagata, Toru Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 7580622
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises an optical magnification changing mechanism which optically changes a magnification of an image, and an electronic magnification change mechanism which reduces or expands a magnification with respect to image data by signal processing. The optical magnification changing mechanism is configured so that a magnification is discrete and a focal position changes together with a focal distance. The electronic magnification change mechanism carries out an interpolation process such that the number of pixels is increased with respect to a predetermined region of read image data during an expanding process, and carried out a process for discretely sampling a wide region as compared with a readout region obtained by the sampling provided when no magnification conversion is made, during a reducing process, thereby offsetting a change of the focal position in the optical magnification changing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Watanabe, Fumiyuki Shiratani, Noriyuki Iyama, Shinichi Mihara, Hiroyuki Minakata
  • Patent number: 7558476
    Abstract: A hand-held camera comprising an electronic image sensor for sensing an image, a photo-width printhead for printing the image onto print media, the photo-width printhead having an array of inkjet nozzles, each nozzles having micro electromechanical system (MEMS) actuator for ejecting ink, a receptacle adjacent the printhead for receiving a cartridge containing a roll of the print media, the print media having a magnetic recording surface, a magnetic recorder for recording associated information on the magnetic recording surface and a battery for powering the electronic image sensor, the photo-width printhead and the magnetic recorder; wherein during use, the photo-width printhead operates on less than 10 Watts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7522827
    Abstract: A projection system may include a lamp irradiating a light, an illumination unit providing a plurality of lenses on light paths, a composition unit providing an image by separating/composing the light, a projecting lens projecting the light composed in the composition unit to a screen, a cool air injection guide provided to one side of the composition unit for guiding an air injection port to be injected into the composition unit, and an injection port guide interposed on a contact portion of the cool air injection guide and the composition unit. The injection port guide may be formed in plate-shape. An injection port may be formed on the injection port guide to eject the air to the composition unit. A fan may be formed on other side of the composition unit for transmitting a negative pressure to the side of the composition unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: An Yong Don
  • Patent number: 7515314
    Abstract: A correction scheme derives correction parameters from an interval between image data in a negative film. In one embodiment, a scanner uses the correction parameters to correct image data scanning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Wen-Chao Tseng
  • Patent number: 7509041
    Abstract: By providing different switching points between two optical systems for the case where an image capture device such as a camera is zoomed in, when the angle of view for the captured image is transitioned from wide to tele, and for the case where the camera is zoomed out, when the angle of view of the captured image is transitioned from tele to wide, the number of switching operations between the two optical systems can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Eiji Hosono
  • Patent number: 7447425
    Abstract: A method and wireless terminal for zooming an image in a wireless terminal are provided, in which information of a selected image is analyzed, when a predetermined image is selected in an image edit mode; control is authorized to a second controller, if the selected image is a high resolution image; the selected image is displayed on a first screen and a zoom box used to select a partial image to be zoomed is displayed on a second screen, under the control of the second controller; a zoom function is performed while displaying the partial image selected by the zoom box on the first screen, if a zoom mode is selected; and a partial image selected by the moved zoom box is displayed on the first screen, when moving the zoom box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Hwa Gong
  • Patent number: 7417673
    Abstract: The invention relates to photographing process, where zooming is carried out. In a method an image is formed through imaging optics onto a light sensitive image sensor in an imaging device and wherein the device is capable of both optical and digital zooming. The method comprises steps of determining an amount of available illumination, determining, according to the amount of available illumination, a ratio between the optical zooming and the digital zooming, and performing, according to which ratio, the optical and the digital zooming. The invention also relates to a device, controller, a computer executable program and a medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Antti Wright, Anne Juvonen, Ossi Kalevo
  • Patent number: 7418199
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a first lens unit with positive power in which the most object-side surface is concave and the most image-side surface is convex, an aperture stop, a second lens unit with positive power in which the most object-side surface is convex and the most image-side surface is concave, and a third lens unit with positive power; and an image sensor. Air spacing between the second lens unit and the third lens unit assumes the shape of a biconvex air lens. The imaging apparatus satisfies the following condition: 1.4?|r 2R|/IH?15.0 where IH is the maximum photographic image height, which is a half of the diagonal length, in an effective imaging area, of the image sensor, and r 2R is the radius of curvature, measured along the optical axis, of the most image-side surface of the second lens unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation and Olympus Imaging Corp.
    Inventors: Kazuteru Kawamura, Kazuya Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7397609
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus suppresses deterioration in an image quality caused by an electronic zoom. A digital camera equipped with a plurality of optical systems includes a fixed focal distance lens and a zoom lens. When a user sets a zoom position between discrete optical zoom positions within an overlapping range of the electronic zoom range of the fixed focal distance lens and the optical zoom range of the zoom lens, a control processor and timing generator sets the electronic zoom at the user's setting zoom position. Subsequently, when the zoom position of the zoom lens passes the user's setting zoom position, a photograph is taken, and an optical zoom image is stored in a memory card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Hideki Akiyama, Peter Labaziewicz
  • Patent number: 7376347
    Abstract: The image of a subject is sensed, the image of the subject is displayed on the display screen of a digital still camera and the image of a face is detected in the image of the subject. The image of the subject is shifted in such a manner that the center of the detected face image becomes the center of the display screen, and the image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen. Since the image of the face is displayed in enlarged form, it becomes easier to check the face even if the display screen is small in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 7362966
    Abstract: To provide a controlling apparatus for a photographing system that enables effective use of a memory zoom function regardless of whether a zoom position is within an optical-zoom region or a digital zoom region. The present invention provides a controlling apparatus for a photographing system having an optical-zoom region and a digital zoom region, including a zoom controlling unit for making the photographing system perform a memory zoom operation which is a zoom operation to a zoomed state stored in a storage unit. In addition, the zoom controlling unit makes the photographing system perform the memory zoom operation from a first zoomed state corresponding to one of the optical-zoom region and the digital zoom region to a second zoomed state which corresponds to the other zoom region and is stored in the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 7359547
    Abstract: The pseudo depth information of a subject is generated from multiple images of the subject captured with and without illumination or under various illumination intensities. A pseudo 3D image generating apparatus generates a pseudo 3D image. It includes an image storing unit that stores the images, and a depth computing unit that computes pseudo depth values of the subject based on operations between the pixel values of corresponding pixels in the images. A compact and handy 3D image generating apparatus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Noto, Yasuo Ishigure, Akihiko Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7305180
    Abstract: A digital camera includes a first image sensor, a first wide angle lens for forming a first image of a scene on the first image sensor; a second image sensor, a zoom lens for forming a second image of the same scene on the second image sensor, a control element for selecting either a first sensor output from the first image sensor or a second sensor output from the second image sensor, and a processing section for producing the output image from the selected sensor output. In one variation of this embodiment, the first lens is also a zoom lens, where the maximum focal length of the first lens is less than or equal to the minimum focal length of the second zoom lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Kodak Company
    Inventors: Peter Labaziewicz, Wilbert F. Janson, Jr., Kenneth A. Parulski
  • Patent number: 7269344
    Abstract: An optical apparatus has an imaging optical system provided with a deformable mirror and an electronic zoom function that an image recorded in an image sensor by the imaging optical system is magnified by image processing. A ray deflecting function of the deformable mirror is changed in accordance with a change of an object area corresponding to an image to be used, and aberration of the imaging optical system is optimized. The deformable mirror is controlled by an arithmetical unit connected to an image processor and a driving circuit. The electronic zoom is performed with respect to the image recorded in the image sensor through a signal processing circuit and the image processor, and when the image is displayed on a display device, the deformable mirror is deformed so that sharpness at nearly the center of an object image formed on the image sensor is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kimihiko Nishioka, Kentaro Sekiyama
  • Patent number: 7110185
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a multifocal optical system in which first and second focal lengths on short and long focal length sides is optically selected; an image pickup device for converting an optical image into an image signal; an image processor which processes the image signal to form an original image; a trimming device for trimming the original image formed by the image processor; a drive controller for switching the optical focal length when the set angle-of-view of the trimming device changes between the second angle-of-view and a third angle-of-view which is smaller than the second angle-of-view; and a memory for storing an original image formed by the image processor at a focal length before the optical focal length is switched by the drive controller. The trimming device forms trimmed images of set angle-of-views while the optical focal length is switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Masakazu Saori
  • Patent number: 7065294
    Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit is pre-loaded with photo film, and includes a viewfinder adapted for observing an object. A selector button is operable externally, for being shifted to a standard position and a telephoto position. A view region changer lever sets the viewfinder in a standard view field when the selector button is in the standard position, and sets the viewfinder in a telephoto view field when the selector button is in the telephoto position, the telephoto view field being included in the standard view field. An information exposure unit photographically records a telephoto discernment PAR code to an information exposure region in the photo film when the selector button is in the telephoto position. The telephoto discernment PAR code includes at least three dots, for designating production of a pseudo telephoto print from a region in an imaging frame in the photo film corresponding to the telephoto view field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Kamata
  • Patent number: 7062162
    Abstract: An apparatus, a control method, and a control program which permit a first change operation of optically changing magnifications of a taken image and a second change operation of changing the magnifications by signal processing and in which a predetermined restriction that is not imposed on transition from the second change operation to the first change operation is imposed on transition from the first change operation to the second change operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Asada
  • Patent number: 6985207
    Abstract: A camera provides a photo (7) printed on print media via printer device (6) under the control of a central processor (4). The photo (7) is a print of an image (5) provided by a CCD sensor (3). The photo (7) includes print media having, in addition, a magnetically recordable medium whereby sound processed by sound chip (10) received from sound microphone (13) and/or processed by central processor (4) can be recorded with magnetic recording head (16) on the photo (7). The photo (7) is printed using an ink jet printer on suitable ink jet compatible print media preferably with the magnetically recordable medium on the rear of the photo (7) and the image (2) on the front surface of the photo (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research PTY LTD
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 6850700
    Abstract: An electronic camera includes: an image-capturing unit that creates an image by capturing an image of a subject; an enlarged image generating unit that creates an enlarged image by enlarging a portion of the image created by the image-capturing unit; an optical viewfinder that enables verification of a subject range corresponding to a range of the image created by the image-capturing unit; and a warning output unit that issues a warning when the enlarged image generating unit is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kazami
  • Publication number: 20030123874
    Abstract: an electronic camera includes: an image-capturing unit that creates an image by capturing an image of a subject; an enlarged image generating unit that creates an enlarged image by enlarging a portion of the image created by the image-capturing unit; an optical viewfinder that enables verification of a subject range corresponding to a range of the image created by the image-capturing unit; and a warning output unit that issues a warning when the enlarged image generating unit is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kazami
  • Patent number: 6587643
    Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit is pre-loaded with photo film, and includes a viewfinder adapted for observing an object. A selector button is operable externally, for being shifted to a standard position and a telephoto position. A view region changer lever sets the viewfinder in a standard view field when the selector button is in the standard position, and sets the viewfinder in a telephoto view field when the selector button is in the telephoto position, the telephoto view field being included in the standard view field. An information exposure unit photographically records a telephoto discernment PAR code to an information exposure region in the photo film when the selector button is in the telephoto position. The telephoto discernment PAR code includes at least three dots, for designating production of a pseudo telephoto print from a region in an imaging frame in the photo film corresponding to the telephoto view field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Kamata
  • Patent number: 6584281
    Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit has a taking lens of a fixed focal length, through which picture frames are photographed in respective exposure areas in a constant size on a photo filmstrip. Prior to loading the photo filmstrip in the lens-fitted photo film unit, three dots are prerecorded on each PAR code recording zone of the photo filmstrip, to indicating that a predetermined size photographic print is to be produced from a predetermined central fragment of each of the picture frames by enlarging at a specific print magnification. The lens-fitted photo film unit has an optical viewfinder that shows the photographer a subject at a corresponding magnification and a corresponding angle of view to an image contained in a photographic print of the predetermined size as produced from the central fragment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Kamata
  • Patent number: 6546199
    Abstract: An electronic camera includes: an image-capturing unit that creates an image by capturing an image of a subject; an enlarged image generating unit that creates an enlarged image by enlarging a portion of the image created by the image-capturing unit; an optical viewfinder that enables verification of a subject range corresponding to a range of the image created by the image-capturing unit; and a warning output unit that issues a warning when the enlarged image generating unit is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kazami
  • Patent number: 6507703
    Abstract: This camera includes two kinds of photographing modes, a normal photographing mode and a trimming photographing mode of telephotographing in pseudo. The focal length variator for changing the focal length of a zoom lens is formed by a first cam corresponding to the normal photographing, a second cam corresponding to trimming photographing, and a transition area cam connecting the first cam and the second cam. Thus, at the time of transition from the normal photographing mode to the trimming photographing mode, or the transition from the trimming photographing mode to the normal photographing mode, the focal length of the zoom lens is changed to the focal length corresponding to the photographing mode by zooming operation to facilitate change of the photographing mode and always set a view finder to a suitable angle of view corresponding to the focal length set in the zoom lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumiaki Ishito
  • Patent number: 6507704
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pseudo-zoom camera and an image processing system using the camera in which any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number, or any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number in combination with the picture area are recorded as pseudo-zoom information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20020118964
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pseudo-zoom camera and an image processing system using the camera in which any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number, or any of the pseudo-zoom magnification and the pseudo-zoom magnification number in combination with the picture area are recorded as pseudo-zoom information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Jun Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6424806
    Abstract: A camera adapted to APS is equipped with an optical zooming feature and a feature of entering a demand of electronic zooming by which information regarding a zooming ratio readable to make a print from a frame of a negative film at a print magnification corresponding to a demanded zooming ratio by a printer is recorded on the film loaded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ohmura, Seimei Ushiro, Tsutom Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6381412
    Abstract: A camera capable of switching two kinds of photographing modes, the normal photographing mode and the trimming-photographing mode capable of telephotographing in pseudo, and switching the photographing mode in an arbitrary position. A viewfinder cam for changing the focal length of a viewfinder optical system to confirm the range of an image plane to be printed through the viewfinder includes two cam faces corresponding to the photographing modes. When the cam face to be used is selected according to the photographing mode, a pin for changing the focal length of the viewfinder optical system interlocking with the zooming operation of the photographing lens is moved along the selected cam face, whereby the focal length of the viewfinder optical system is changed so that the angle of view of the viewfinder coincides with the angle of view of a photograph to be printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiaki Ishito, Akira Funahashi
  • Patent number: 6330399
    Abstract: A photographic camera changeable between a normal photographic mode in which an almost entire area of an exposure frame of a photographic film is exposed with an intention of making a print from the exposure frame with a normal printing magnification and a pseudo magnified photographic mode in which a specific partial area of an exposure frame of a photographic film is exposed with an intention of making a print from the exposure frame with a larger printing magnification than the normal printing magnification and able to record trimming-data of an exposure frame exposed in the pseudo magnified photographic mode on the photographic film and is intended to be used in printing process comprises a distance measuring device having a measurement range greater than a focusing range of the taking lens, a lens setting mechanism for setting the taking lens in fixed positions including positions for the closest focussing distance and for infinity in accordance with camera-to-subject distance measured by the distance me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Omura, Seimei Ushiro
  • Patent number: 6311018
    Abstract: A method of making respective prints of recorded images within successive film frames of a filmstrip or alternatively of selected portions of the images includes the steps of: determining whether a particular indication is present on the filmstrip which serves as a unique indication to look for a pseudo format indication within each film frame that a selected portion of a recorded image within the film frame is to be printed printing the recorded image within each film frame when the particular indication is determined not to be present on the filmstrip; determining whether the pseudo format indication is present within each film frame when the particular indication is determined to be present on the filmstrip; printing the selected portion of the recorded image within a film frame when the pseudo format indication is determined to be present within the film frame, or printing the recorded image within the film frame when the particular indication is determined to be present on the filmstrip, but the pseu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Joel S. Lawther
  • Patent number: 6289178
    Abstract: An electronic camera includes: an image-capturing unit that creates an image by capturing an image of a subject; an enlarged image generating unit that creates an enlarged image by enlarging a portion of the image created by the image-capturing unit; an optical viewfinder that enables verification of a subject range corresponding to a range of the image created by the image-capturing unit; and a warning output unit that issues a warning when the enlarged image generating unit is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kazami
  • Patent number: 6263167
    Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit incorporates a mechanism for taking an exposure, and is pre-loaded with unexposed photo film. A telephoto selectable type indicia is imprinted previously on a first edge of the photo film outside imaging frames in an optical manner. An indicia recorder imprints a magnification indicia on a second edge of the photo film outside the imaging frames in an optical manner each time that one exposure is taken. A combination of the telephoto selectable type indicia and the magnification indicia designates a printing condition for each of the imaging frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Kamata, Mitsuro Kamata