Abstract: A camera system with a camera body, a loudspeaker grille, a loudspeaker assembly, a waterproof membrane, and a support structure. The loudspeaker grille allows passage of sound waves from inside to outside the camera body. The loudspeaker assembly has a loudspeaker that converts a signal into the sound waves; and an audio circuit board that processes an audio signal into the signal. The waterproof membrane prevents moisture from passing into the camera body while allowing the sound waves to pass through. The support structure is located between the waterproof membrane and the loudspeaker assembly. A compressible spacer is coupled to the loudspeaker assembly. A loudspeaker adhesive connects the compressible spacer and the loudspeaker. A loudspeaker housing is configured to supporting the loudspeaker assembly, the loudspeaker grille, the waterproof membrane, and the support structure. A first loudspeaker cavity exists between the loudspeaker grille and the waterproof membrane.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to providing flight control for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on opposing fields of view with overlap. The UAV may include a housing, a motor, a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a first optical element having a first field of view greater than 180 degrees, a second optical element having a second field of view greater than 180 degrees, and one or more processors. The first optical element and the second optical element may be carried by the housing such that a centerline of the second field of view is substantially opposite from a centerline of the first field of view, and a peripheral portion of the first field of view and a peripheral portion of the second field of view overlap. Flight control for the UAV may be provided based on parallax disparity of an object within the overlapping fields of view.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for lens water dispersion. For example, an image capture device may include a lens mounted on a body of the image capture device; an image sensor mounted within the body, behind the lens and configured to detect images based on light incident on the image sensor through the lens; and a dispersion structure around a perimeter of the lens on an external surface of the body, wherein the dispersion structure includes gaps sized to cause capillary action to move water away from the lens, from a first edge of the dispersion structure to a second edge of the dispersion structure.

Abstract: Synchronization of a frame rate to a detected cadence includes receiving a sequence of image frames. Motion data recorded contemporaneously with a capture of the sequence of image frames are also received. At least some of the motion data are converted from time domain data to frequency domain data. A dominant frequency in the frequency domain data is determined. Frames from the sequence of image frames are sampled at a sampling frequency related to the dominant frequency. A new image sequence is created using the sampled frames.

Abstract: An apparatus including a microphone, a speaker, and a processor. The speaker is configured to produce a sound that indicates an image capture device including the microphone is recording. The microphone is configured to receive the sound. The processor is configured to initiate a sound removal process to remove the sound, produce the sound through the speaker to indicate that the image capture device is recording a video that includes audio, and, after the sound is produced, stop the sound removal process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for replaceable outer lenses. For example, an image capture device may include a lens barrel in a body of the image capture device, the lens barrel including multiple inner lenses; a replaceable lens structure that is mountable on the body of the image capture device, the replaceable lens structure including an outer lens and a retaining ring configured to fasten the outer lens in a position covering a first end the lens barrel in a first arrangement and configured to disconnect the outer lens from the body of the image capture device in a second arrangement; and an image sensor mounted within the body at a second end of the lens barrel, the image sensor configured to capture images based on light incident on the image sensor through the outer lens and the multiple inner lenses when the retaining ring is in the first arrangement.

Abstract: A device includes a processor that is configured to obtain first facets of a first wide field-of-view image. An object is identified in a facet of the first facets. A second wide field-of-view image is obtained. A location of the object is identified in the second wide field-of-view image. Using the location of the object, the second wide field-of-view image is partitioned into second facets such that no boundary of any of the second facets overlaps the object. The second facets are then encoded in a compressed bitstream.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for trimming a video may include a timeline representation of a duration of the video. A trim duration for the video may be selected based on movement of the timeline representation. The amount of time represented by a portion of the timeline representation may be independent of the duration of the video. The movement of the timeline representation may correspond to moment through the duration of the video at a constant scale regardless of the duration of the video.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for framing a video may include a framing element. Responsive to user interaction with the framing element, a framing of the video at a moment may be determined. The framing of the video may define viewing direction, viewing size, viewing rotation, and/or viewing projection for a viewing window. The framing of the video at the moment may be determined based on how the video is being presented when the user interacted with the framing element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the stitch zone calculation of a generated projection of a spherical image. In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable apparatus comprising a storage apparatus, the storage apparatus comprising instructions configured to, when executed by a processor apparatus, cause a computerized apparatus to identify a stitch line associated with an equatorial area of a plurality of spherical images; re-orient the plurality of spherical images in accordance with the stitch line; and project the re-oriented plurality of spherical images to a selected image projection type.

Abstract: Ultrasonic ranging state management for a UAV is described. A transducer transmits an ultrasonic signal and receives an ultrasonic response thereto using a gain value. A noise floor estimation mechanism determines a noise floor estimate. A state mechanism sets an ultrasonic ranging state used by the transducer to a first ultrasonic ranging state. The transducer transmits an ultrasonic signal and responsively receive an ultrasonic response to the ultrasonic signal using a gain value according to the noise floor estimate. The state mechanism processes the ultrasonic response to determine whether to determine a new noise floor estimate, adjust the gain value used by the transducer, or change the ultrasonic ranging state of the UAV to a second ultrasonic ranging state. The configurations of the first and second ultrasonic ranging states differ as to, for example, power and gain levels used by the transducer to receive ultrasonic responses.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle, comprising: one or more motors, one or more sensors, and a flight sub-system. The one or more sensors configured to detect data. The flight sub-system includes an attitude controller module; a rate controller module; and a compensator module. The compensator module is configured to: determine a maximum RPM of the one or more motors or a maximum torque of the one or more motors; receive a torque vector from the rate controller module; determine a rotational speed of the one or more motors to generate a desired flight orientation based upon the torque vector; and consider sensor data from the one or more sensors to adjust the rotational speed of the one or more motors.

Abstract: An image capture device detects a wind whistle using two or more microphones. The image capture device includes a processor that obtains microphone signals from the two or more microphones and measures coherence values between the microphone signals across a frequency band. The frequency band includes frequency bins, and the processor measures a coherence value for each frequency bin. Based on a detection of an elevated coherence value in a frequency bin, the processor determines the presence of a whistle. The processor attenuates the frequency bin based on a determination that the elevated coherence value is above a threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and monitoring memory card performance characteristics. A method for detecting memory card performance characteristics includes obtaining at least one memory card performance characteristic from a memory card when the memory card is inserted in an image capture device, determining whether the at least one memory card performance characteristic meets a defined image capture device requirement, and providing an alert when the at least one memory card performance characteristic fails to match the defined image capture device requirement.

Abstract: An image capture device including a bayonet, an integrated sensor and lens assembly (ISLA), and fasteners. The bayonet includes a mounting flange that connects the bayonet to a first surface the image capture device, a central portion, and connection recesses located within the central portion. The ISLA includes: a forward end that aligns with the connection recesses; a rearward end; internal lenses located within the ISLA and being aligned along an optical axis; and an integrated sensor connected to the rearward end and located along the optical axis. The fasteners extending through the central portion into the forward end of the lens assembly to connect the ISLA to the bayonet.

Abstract: A video may be captured by an image capture device in motion. A stabilized view of the video may be generated by providing a punchout of the video. The punchout of the video may compensate for rotation of the image capture device during capture of the video. The size of the punchout of the video may be changed based on different rotational positions of to provide a view that includes different extents of the captured visual content. The changes in the size of the punchout may simulate changes in zoom of the visual content.

Abstract: Visual content is captured by an image capture device during a capture duration. The image capture devices experiences motion during the capture duration. The intentionality of the motion of the image capture device is determined based on angular acceleration of the image capture device during the capture duration. A punchout of the visual content is determined based on the intentionality of the motion of the image capture device. The punchout of the visual content is used to generate stabilized visual content.

Abstract: A video edit may include two videos arranged in a sequence. Motion within the one or both of the videos may be assessed. A transition effect may be selected based on the motion assessed within the video(s), and the video edit may be modified to include the transition effect between the videos. The transition effect may emphasize the motion assessed within the video(s) and/or create continuity of motion during transition between the two videos within the video edit.

Abstract: An image capture device may include an optical element through which visual content is captured. The image capture device may detect presence of a drop of liquid on the optical element during capture of the visual content. The image capture device may effectuate removal of the drop of liquid from the optical element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for high dynamic range anti-ghosting and fusion. For example, methods may include receiving images from image sensors in a linear domain, each image having different exposures or gains, blending luminance values at each pixel from each of the images to generate a blended image, selecting an useful image based on degree of useful information for a pixel, calculating a distance value from the images for the pixel, locating from a look-up table (LUT) an anti-ghosting weight using the useful image and the distance value for the pixel, proportionally applying the located anti-ghosting weight to the pixel for each of the input images to generate an output image, all being performed in the linear domain, and storing, displaying, or transmitting the output image based on at least the anti-ghosting weight.

Abstract: Multiple single lens distortion regions and one or more boundary regions may be determined within an image. Individual single lens distortion regions may have pixel displacement defined by a single lens distortion and individual boundary regions may have pixel displacement defined by a blend of at least two lens distortions. Multiple lens distortions may be simulated within the image by shifting pixels of the image input positions to output positions based on locations of pixels within a single lens distortion region and the corresponding single lens distortion or within a boundary region and a blend of corresponding lens distortions.

Abstract: An image capture device may experience motion while capturing a video. A video clip may be generated from the video. The beginning of the video clip may be identified based on acceleration of the image capture device during capture of the video, while the ending of the video clip may be identified based on speed of the image capture device during capture of the video.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method of controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The steps of controlling include acquiring images with an image capture device of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The steps include analyzing the images to determine navigation information of the UAV with a vision-based navigation system. The steps include tracking a position of the UAV with the vision-based navigation system. The steps include controlling rotors of the UAV to prevent deviations in movement from a desired flight path or position of the UAV. The steps include limiting travel or flight of the UAV to a physical region determined by the desired flight path.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a digital image capturing device (DICD) is described that includes a first integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) defining a first optical axis and facing in a first direction; a second ISLA defining a second optical axis offset from the first optical axis and facing in a second direction generally opposite the first direction (i.e., such that the second ISLA is rotated approximately 180 from the first ISLA); and a bridge member that is positioned between the first and second ISLAs to fixedly secure together the first and second ISLAs. The bridge member is configured as a discrete structure (i.e., as being separate from both the first ISLA and the second ISLA), and defines a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel in relation to the first and second optical axes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for image signal processing. For example, methods may include receiving a first image from a first image sensor; receiving a second image from a second image sensor; determining an electronic rolling shutter correction mapping for the first image and the second image; determining a parallax correction mapping based on the first image and the second image for stitching the first image and the second image; determining a warp mapping based on the parallax correction mapping and the electronic rolling shutter correction mapping, wherein the warp mapping applies the electronic rolling shutter correction mapping after the parallax correction mapping; applying the warp mapping to image data based on the first image and the second image to obtain a composite image; and storing, displaying, or transmitting an output image that is based on the composite image.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for positioning a mounted camera. The device includes a holding element that secures the mounted camera to the device, a wireless linkage at which remote attitude commands representing attitude changes of a remote driver are received, a local controller that interprets the remote attitude commands and generates local attitude commands that move the camera to mimic an orientation of the remote driver, and an attitude sensing element that senses a local attitude of the device. The attitude sensing element includes a gyro, an accelerometer, or a magnetometer, and jitter present in the remote attitude commands is removed and not passed on to the local attitude commands.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enabling indexing and playback of media content before the end of a content capture. In one aspect, a method for enabling indexing of media data obtained as part of a content capture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the indexing enables playback of the media data during the capture and before cessation thereof. In one variant, the method includes generating an “SOS track” for one or more images. The SOS track does not contain the same information as a full index, but provides sufficient information to allow an index to be subsequently constructed. In one implementation, the provided information includes identifiable markers relating to video data, audio data, or white space, but it does not provide an enumerated or complete “table of contents” as in a traditional index.

Abstract: Music may be selected to provide accompaniment for a video edit of a video. Characteristics of the music may be determined and used to select the types of visual effects that are applied in the video edit. The characteristics of the music may be extracted from MIDI file/metadata track containing MIDI information for the music.

Abstract: A mounting system for an image capture device that includes three pivotably connected arms is disclosed. The first arm includes a first fastener that is lockable and unlockable to allow for connection and disconnection of the image capture device, and a second fastener that is lockable and unlockable to regulate the position of the image capture device relative to the first arm. The mounting system further includes a third fastener that is lockable and unlockable to regulate the relative positioning between the first arm and the second arm, and a fourth fastener that is lockable and unlockable to regulate the relative positioning between the second arm and the third arm. Whereas the first fastener is removable, each of the second, third, and fourth fasteners is captive to (nonremovable from) the mounting system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the pre-processing of image data so as to enhance quality of subsequent encoding and rendering. In one embodiment, a capture device is disclosed that includes a processing apparatus and a non-transitory computer readable apparatus comprising a storage medium have one or more instructions stored thereon. The one or more instructions, when executed by the processing apparatus, are configured to: receive captured image data (such as that sourced from two or more separate image sensors) and pre-process the data to enable stabilization of the corresponding images prior to encoding. In some implementations, the pre-processing includes combination (e.g., stitching) of the captured image data associated with the two or more sensors to facilitates the stabilization. Advantageously, undesirable artifacts such as object “jitter” can be reduced or eliminated. Methods and non-transitory computer readable apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image is processed using a combination of techniques, particularly, in which low frequency information is processed using multiple tone control and high frequency information is processed using local tone mapping. An image is divided into a plurality of blocks including a given block. Low frequency information and high frequency information of the given block are separated. The low frequency information is processed using multiple tone control. The high frequency information is processed using local tone mapping. A processed image is then produced based on the processed low frequency information and based on the processed high frequency information, the processed image corresponding to the image captured using the image sensor. The processed image is then output for storage or display. Processing the low frequency information can include using a gain curve and bilinear interpolation. Processing the high frequency information can include using an edge preservation filter.

Abstract: Lens mode auto-detection includes obtaining predicate lens mode data, obtaining probable lens mode data, obtaining a lens mode score in accordance with the predicate lens mode data and the probable lens mode data, determining whether the lens mode score is greater than a defined lens mode change threshold, and, in response to determining that the lens mode score is greater than the defined lens mode change threshold, outputting lens mode data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a configuration of an autonomous vehicle for autonomously following a moving subject based on a radius of a virtual sphere surrounding the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may be an unmanned ground vehicle or an unmanned aerial vehicle, which autonomously follows the subject (e.g., a device, a live entity, or any object) based on the virtual sphere. The radius of the virtual sphere may be dynamically configured according to a velocity of the autonomous vehicle or configurations of a camera coupled to the autonomous vehicle. Accordingly, the autonomous vehicle can follow the subject along a smooth trajectory, and capture images of abrupt movements of the subject in a cinematically pleasing manner.

Abstract: Target value detection for an unmanned aerial vehicle is described. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a first transducer that transmits a first ultrasonic signal and receives a first ultrasonic response and a second transducer that transmits a second ultrasonic signal and receives a second ultrasonic response. The second transducer has a wider beam pattern than the first transducer. Determinations are made as to whether either or both of the first or second ultrasonic responses includes a target value within range areas associated with the respective beam patterns of the first and second transducers. A confidence value is generated based on the determinations. The target value is reflected from an object and the confidence value indicates a likelihood of a position of the unmanned aerial vehicle with respect to the object.

Abstract: An image capture device includes a mechanical stabilization system is used in image signal processing. The mechanical image stabilization system has an operating bandwidth and includes a motor to control an orientation of an image sensor. A processing apparatus of the image capture device determines a temperature of the motor and adjusts a cutoff frequency of the operating bandwidth based on the temperature of the motor.

Abstract: A gimbal sleeve for connecting to a camera gimbal may float between a floor surface and a ceiling surface of an aerial vehicle chassis such that the gimbal sleeve has freedom of motion in yaw, pitch, and roll directions relative to the vehicle chassis. The gimbal sleeve may comprise a pair of connection points to the lower dampers on a floor surface of the vehicle chassis. The gimbal sleeve may furthermore comprise a ball joint coupled to a back surface of the vehicle chassis. The connection points include spring forces that enable the gimbal sleeve to return to an equilibrium position in response to external vibrations and reduce the magnitude of vibrations transferred from the aerial vehicle to the gimbal and camera systems.