Object Support Patents (Class 396/5)
  • Patent number: 11415867
    Abstract: An apparatus having a housing, an arm, a motor, and a camera mount. The housing may be connected to a ceiling of a room. The arm may have (i) a pivot portion connected to the housing and (ii) a portion extending from the pivot portion in a first direction. The motor may be connected to the pivot portion of the arm to move the arm in response to a control signal. The camera mount may be connected to an end of the portion of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Arc Eye LLC
    Inventors: James Cicerone, Christian Cicerone
  • Patent number: 9639752
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electronic apparatus and method. The electronic includes a photography lens, an eyeball recognition sensor, and a controller. The photography lens acquires an image signal from a subject. The eyeball recognition sensor senses movement of a user's eyeball. The controller recognizes opening and closing of the user's eyelid based on eyeball monitoring information transmitted from the eyeball recognition sensor, and performs a device driving control operation for a reference time period for which the user's eyelid is in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Min Kim, Sang Min Lee
  • Patent number: 9521285
    Abstract: A 3D printer includes a machine body, a printing platform, a scanning and driving module, and a scanning and supporting module. The machine body has a bottom plate. The printing platform and the scanning and driving module are disposed on the bottom plate. The printing platform includes a slide track and a movable printing substrate. The scanning and driving module and the slide track are staggeredly disposed such that the scanning and driving module and the slide track do not interfere with the movement of the printing substrate. The scanning and supporting module is detachably combined with the scanning and driving module and is driven by the scanning and driving module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignees: XYZPRINTING, INC., KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC., CAL-COMP ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yang-Teh Lee, Jia-Yi Juang, Jen-Hsiang Liu, Chi-Chieh Wu, Yi-Min Chiu
  • Patent number: 9479667
    Abstract: In an aligning mechanism of a 3D printer scanning device, a scan driving module includes a base and a motor, and the motor has a driving gear. The scan loading module includes a loading table, a turntable, and an engaging gear connected to the turntable, and the loading table has a notch, and the engaging gear is exposed from the notch. The driving gear of the scan driving module and the engaging gear of the scan loading module have a rounded corner or a positioning portion, so that the driving gear is engaged precisely with the engaging gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: XYZPRINTING, INC., KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC., CAL-COMP ELECTRONICS & COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yang-Teh Lee, Jia-Yi Juang, Jen-Hsiang Liu, Chi-Chieh Wu, Yi-Min Chiu
  • Patent number: 9253472
    Abstract: A macro photographic apparatus for creating focus stacked images of a specimen may include a rigid longitudinal member having a longitudinal axis and including a camera mount thereon. A translation device may be fixed to the member for translating the specimen along the member toward and away from the camera mount. A rotation device may be mounted on the translation device. The rotation device may support the specimen and enable rotation of the specimen around first and second axes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the member. At any single position of the translation device along the longitudinal axis of the member, as the specimen is rotated around the first and second axes, the spatial location of the specimen remains substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 9179104
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving location information associated with a mobile communication device, determining a first location of the mobile communication device based on the location information, selecting a first camera from a group of cameras based on the determined first location, receiving at least one first image from the selected first camera that captures at least a portion of the first location, performing image recognition on at least one second image to identify a user associated with the mobile communication device, selecting another camera from the group of cameras based on a determined position of the identified user, and receiving at least another image from the selected other camera. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: James Fan, Thomas Barrett, Jennifer K. Lam
  • Patent number: 9106815
    Abstract: A system for acquiring images includes a photographing machine. The photographing machine includes a base, a carrier coupled to the base, a camera coupled to the carrier, a camera positioning system, and a background panel coupled to the carrier. The camera can take photographs of an object when the object is in a target zone. The camera positioning system moves the carrier to position the camera and to point the camera at the target zone. When the carrier is moved to position the camera, at least a portion of the background panel moves such that at least a portion of the background panel maintains a position opposite the camera relative to the target zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan G. McGuire, Jeremy David Sawatzky, Jules Cook Graybill
  • Publication number: 20150086187
    Abstract: A photographic film holder is provided, comprising a masking plate having an internal surface, an external surface, and a film viewing aperture. The masking plate includes a light baffle having sidewalls extending from the external surface and surrounding the film viewing aperture. A film slot is formed into the sidewall and is adapted to receive and retain a photographic film, such as a 35 mm slide or film negative. The film holder includes a retention member extending from the masking plate, which is adapted to engage a light emitting device, such as a tablet device or smart phone, and retain the masking plate in a fixed position relative to the tablet. Once the film holder is in position, light from the tablet illuminates the content of the film, and a duplicate image of the film may be captured using a digital camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Troy Tauzin
  • Patent number: 8909035
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform with a center area and a platform support structure rotatively supporting said platform from outside a safe area adjacent to a plane through said platform's rotational axis whereby an image capture device may be positioned longitudinally throughout a range of angles within the safe area about a subject placed on said platform's center area such that the platform support structure will not substantially interfere visually with the imaging of the subject by appearing in said image capture device's field of view in front of or behind the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Joshua Morgan Jancourtz
  • Publication number: 20140219645
    Abstract: A detachable document-holding device for holding a document at a substantially fixated distance from a lens disposed at a back surface of a portable imaging apparatus. The document-holding device includes a document tray, a sliding interface having a hollow passage, and a mounting-structure and a base. The mounting-structure includes a sliding panel pivotally attached to an attachment panel. The tray and the sliding interface are pivotally interconnected. The base is securely attached to the back surface of the portable imaging apparatus, wherein the mounting-structure is operatively mounted onto the base. The hollow passage fittingly accommodates the sliding panel, facilitating a user to set the distance between the document and the lens. When in operational state, the tray is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, wherein an image of the document, placed onto the tray, is reflected towards the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CSSN INC.
    Inventors: IUVAL HATZAV, ILAN BEN-SHAHAR, GIYORA SHARABY, DANIEL HATZAV
  • Patent number: 8781311
    Abstract: A detachable document-holding device for holding a document at a substantially fixated distance from a lens disposed at a back surface of a portable imaging apparatus. The document-holding device includes a document tray, a sliding interface having a hollow passage, and a mounting-structure and a base. The mounting-structure includes a sliding panel pivotally attached to an attachment panel. The tray and the sliding interface are pivotally interconnected. The base is securely attached to the back surface of the portable imaging apparatus, wherein the mounting-structure is operatively mounted onto the base. The hollow passage fittingly accommodates the sliding panel, facilitating a user to set the distance between the document and the lens. When in operational state, the tray is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, wherein an image of the document, placed onto the tray, is reflected towards the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Iuval Hatzav, Ilan Ben-Shahar, Giyora Sharaby, Daniel Hatzav
  • Patent number: 8676045
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a studio arrangement and a method of capturing images and/or video. One embodiment of the disclosure includes a front light source aimed at a background, an image capture position located between the background and the front light source, an elevated platform positioned between the image capture position and the background, and at least one rear light source positioned between the elevated platform and the background. A subject can be photographed and/or filmed on the elevated platform to achieve a desired effect of a substantially seamless background where a rear edge of the elevated platform is imperceptible to an image capture device positioned at the image capture position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy David Sawatzky, Christina L. Porter, Jeff Strauss, Gil Blank
  • Publication number: 20130279893
    Abstract: Devices and methods for reproducibly positioning a subject are described. A device may include a first parallax bar assembly having a first wire and a second wire spaced a first distance and parallel to the first wire, and a second parallax bar assembly having a third wire and a fourth wire spaced a second distance and parallel to the third wire. The first and second wires are substantially perpendicular to the third and fourth wires, and an imaginary straight line intersects the first, second, third, and fourth wires. Some devices may include a chair and a headrest for positioning a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Roth, Matthew DePauw, Andrew Hepner
  • Publication number: 20130272687
    Abstract: A frame for mounting a reflecting plate and a background sheet for picture and video shooting thereon includes: a body having a plurality of edge pipes coupled to each other to form a structure of a plane figure, each edge pipe being coupled at the end portions thereof to the edge pipe adjacent thereto; and a coupling string disposed inside the edge pipes in such a manner as to be connected at both ends thereof to maintain an integral structure even in a state where the edge pipes are separated from each other, the coupling string having given expandability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jae Kyun YOO
  • Patent number: 8313253
    Abstract: A ball-and-socket type head (1) for optical and video-photographic equipment comprises: a sphere portion (6) on which is fixed an attachment plate (7) for the optical or video-photographic equipment, a main body (2) in which is defined a seat (5) in which the sphere portion is received in engagement for adjustably orienting the attachment plate with respect to the main body, a locking means (20) acting between the sphere portion and the main body in order to lock the sphere portion in a desired position relative to the main body, and arranged within the volume defined by the sphere portion (6) and by the seat (5), and an actuating means (30) for actuating the locking means arranged on said sphere portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: GITZO S.A.
    Inventors: Abramo Carlesso, Paolo Speggiorin, Hem Sudhana, Stelvio Zarpellon
  • Patent number: 8301022
    Abstract: A system for capturing images of an object includes an image capture booth, one or more lights coupled to the image capture booth, a platter coupled to the image capture booth, and a hanger coupled to the image capture booth. The image capture booth includes panels that enclose a space for imaging objects. The lights illuminate at least a portion of the space. The platter and the hanger each support objects for imaging of the objects in the image capture booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan G. McGuire, Jon D. Mittelstaedt
  • Patent number: 8285130
    Abstract: A photography studio with a turntable driving mechanism is provided. The turntable is driven to start or brake by at least two timing pulleys contacting with the side of the turntable, and the timing pulleys were driven synchronously by another motorized timing pulley through a timing belt. Therefore, at least two indirect contact points are formed between the motorized timing pulley and the turntable to increase the contact friction to avoid sliding when the rotation of the turntable starts or brakes. In addition, a multilayer platform for shooting shadow-free images is proposed, which comprises a thicker transparent glass plate or plastic plate covered with a thinner curved translucent plastic plate and a group of lamps disposed under or behind the multilayer platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ortery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peng-Cheng Lai
  • Patent number: 8244117
    Abstract: A photo motion system utilizes a camera mounted photo motion machine in conjunction with a rotating turntable. The photo motion machine uses a vertically moveable carriage which supports a tilt table platform on which a digital camera is mounted. The carriage itself is mounted on columns which extend upward from a moveable, wheeled base member. Once the object to be photographed is properly positioned on the turntable, a computer software program is initiated which simultaneously coordinates the rotation of the turntable, the tilting movement of the camera, the vertical up and down movement of the carriage, the fore and aft movement of the base member, and the photographic image taking timing of the camera to take a series of images at predetermined positions during the movement of the camera on a specific arcuate route of travel around and over the object. The images are ultimately downloaded from the camera and arranged in sequential order to create an animated video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Jack D. Neith
  • Publication number: 20120177350
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform with a center area and a platform support structure rotatively supporting said platform from outside a safe area adjacent to a plane through said platform's rotational axis whereby an image capture device may be positioned longitudinally throughout a range of angles within the safe area about a subject placed on said platform's center area such that the platform support structure will not substantially interfere visually with the imaging of the subject by appearing in said image capture device's field of view in front of or behind the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Joshua Morgan Jancourtz
  • Patent number: 8014655
    Abstract: A camera module includes a lens barrel, a first lens and a second lens. The lens barrel includes a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The first lens is received in the lens barrel. The first lens includes a first circumferential side surface spaced from the inner wall. The second lens is engaged with the first lens and received in the lens barrel. The second lens includes a second circumferential side surface. The second circumferential side surface has a first portion contacting the inner wall and a second portion spaced from the inner wall, thus a gap defined between the second portion and the inner wall. Adhesive is applied in the gap between the second portion and the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Chang, Shih-Chieh Yen, Hung-Lung Ho
  • Publication number: 20110142431
    Abstract: A business card case is mountable on a notebook computer. The business card case has a receptacle for storing plural business cards. The business card case includes a protrusion part, a supporting part and a restriction structure. The protrusion part is inserted in a recess of a base of the notebook computer, so that the business card case is fixed on the notebook computer. The business card to be shot by an image pickup device of the notebook computer is supported on the supporting part. By adjusting the restriction structure of the business card case and rotating said upper cover of the notebook computer, a better shooting angle is defined between the image pickup device and the document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7949240
    Abstract: A portable camera device includes a first casing, a second casing and an extendable mechanism. The second casing contains a lens module and has a lower part connected to a first connecting position of the first casing such that the lens module is arranged above the first casing. The extendable mechanism has a rear end with a document holding structure for holding a document and a front end connected to a second connecting position of the first casing via a first pivotal mechanism. The extendable mechanism is selectively folded or unfolded with respect to the first casing when the extendable mechanism is rotated in various directions by adjusting the first pivotal mechanism. A relative spatial correlation between the lens module and the document is adjusted such that the lens module is focused on a selected area of the document for capturing an image of the document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Nan Yu, Szu-Hao Lyu
  • Patent number: 7929846
    Abstract: A visual presenter includes a camera support arm including a pivot support arm pivotally supported on a base and having an interior cavity and a slide support arm which is inserted into the interior cavity of the pivot support arm so as to be slidable and having a distal end on which the image pickup camera is mounted. When the pivot support arm is caused to pivot from a storage location where the camera support arm lies to a setup location where the camera support arm stands up, the slide support arm is pushed out of the pivot support arm by the sliding mechanism so that the image pickup camera is set up at a predetermined location. When the pivot support arm is caused to pivot from the setup location to the storage location, the slide support arm is brought into the pivot support arm by the sliding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Elmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sukenari, Hiroshi Yamakose, Shinji Ono
  • Patent number: 7899310
    Abstract: A document snapshot device is provided. The document snapshot device comprises a baseboard, a camera and a foldable supporting means. The baseboard comprises a central area to place a document and a connecting chamfer. The camera comprises a pivot. The foldable supporting means comprises a first supporting means connecting the connecting chamfers, a second supporting means connecting the pivot of the camera and a third supporting means connecting the first and the second supporting means. The first, second and third supporting means can stretch along a first plane to form a first angle between the first and the third supporting means and a second angle between the second and the third supporting means. The camera can rotate along a second plane with the pivot to form a third angle relative to a stretching direction from the second supporting means to the camera to aim at the document to take a snapshot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Yun-Liang Hsieh, Wen-Ji Tsai, Jung-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 7891888
    Abstract: The camera slider system supports a camera for longitudinal sliding or rolling movement along a pair of elongate support members which are parallel and spaced apart from one another. The camera mount supporting the camera thereon is supported by a pair of link members pivotally coupled between opposing ends of the camera mount and a carriage assembly which is movable along the rails. The orientation of the camera relative to the elongate supports is readily adjustable by adjusting the pivotal link members while the camera remains supported in a very stable configuration. Rollers or bearings ensure a smooth movement of the camera along the elongate support members so that there are no undesired jerking movements in the resulting captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis Wood
  • Patent number: 7869706
    Abstract: A camera head acquires a sample image by shooting a scaled up image of a sample obtained by a microscope body. A memory device records the sample image in a record medium. A CPU detects the completion of the sighting on an observed portion of a sample in a microscope body on the basis of a R. G. B data value of each pixel configuring a microscope image detected by the R. G. B data value. Furthermore, the CPU detects the completion of the focusing on the observed portion by the microscope boundary on the basis of the height of the contrast of the microscope image detected by the focusing completion detection unit. When both completion of the sighting and completion of focusing are detected, the CPU controls a memory device to record a sample image acquired by a camera head on a record medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Minamide, Yujin Arai
  • Patent number: 7855732
    Abstract: An image formation and production system provides improved capabilities for producing background separated product images for print and on-line display. The image formation system provides lighting of a product to facilitate acquiring images that can be automatically processed to generate high resolution item-only images free of quality defects and imaging artifacts. Image processing programs accurately detect an outline of an item in a set of digital images taken using the image formation system and automatically store processed images in an image library. The images in the library may be repurposed for print, sales display, transmission to a user, on-line customer support, and the like. A user display configured with an adaptable user interface facilitates user interaction with images in the library. An interactive user interface and image library facilitates automatically producing sets of background separated images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: PC Connection, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Williams, Matthew J. Wheeler, Steve R. Koontz
  • Patent number: 7852403
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a body, a first image capturing element, a cover and a arm. The body comprises a first surface and a second surface, with the first surface opposite to the second surface. The first image capturing element is disposed on the first surface. The cover is connected to the body, movable between a first cover position and a second cover position, wherein the cover covers the first image capturing element when the cover is in the first cover position, and the first image capturing element is actuated when the cover is in the second cover position. The arm is connected to the cover, pivoting between a first position and a second position, wherein when the arm is in the second position, a recording medium is received on a first end of the arm, and the first image capturing element captures an image data therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wistron Corp.
    Inventors: Chu-Chia Tsai, Yi-Wei Tao, Chia-Hsien Li, An-Chung Hsieh, Yi-Lang Chi, Tien-Fu Lee, Meng-Hsiang Chen, I-Ting Chiang
  • Patent number: 7835632
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for photographing marine organism specimens are disclosed, capable of easily and motionlessly fixing marine organism specimen even on a sailing ship by epochal improvement to the conventional equipment for photographing marine organism specimens. Diffused reflection does not occur during the photographing, and this facilitates lively and realistic photographing of the marine organism specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute
    Inventors: Sung Kim, Ji Na Oh, Woong Seo Kim
  • Publication number: 20100232773
    Abstract: Embodiments of an imaging station and method for repeatable alignment of images are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the imaging station includes a rotatable stage and a monostand. The rotatable stage may include a structure to support sets of handles for positioning of a subject's hands for at least some of the body poses. A camera is positioned on the monostand for capturing images of the subject and is configured to allow the camera to be repeatably positioned with respect to the rotatable stage for each body pose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Lawrence C. DePaula, Karleen G. Seybold, Frederick C. Mertz, Robert K. Pina, Ivans S. Chou, Clara Curiel
  • Patent number: 7711450
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a camera mounted at a robot cleaner in order to sense obstacles and perform position compensation. The apparatus for controlling a camera of a robot cleaner includes a first axis driver for driving a camera mounted at the robot cleaner in a first axis direction; a second axis driver 320 for driving the camera in a second axis direction other than the first axis direction; an image processor 330 for receiving and processing an image photographed by the camera; and a control section 340 for controlling the first axis driver and the second axis driver, and controlling a traveling of the robot cleaner based on the image photographed by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung-deuk Im, Il-kyun Jung
  • Patent number: 7708238
    Abstract: A visual presenter includes a base having a pivot shaft unit including a shaft support bracket, a support column mounted on the pivot shaft unit so as to be pivotable between a standing position and a forwardly-inclined position, a pivot shaft supported on the bracket, a wave washer inserted through the shaft to be tightened against the bracket by a nut in threading engagement with the shaft, and a return spring attached to the shaft so as to apply a biasing force to the shaft. The braking force and the biasing force counteract a pivotal movement of the support column, and the base includes a counterweight disposed in the base so that the base is prevented from being moved during an operation of pivoting the support column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Elmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Sukenari, Yoshihiko Araya
  • Publication number: 20100080543
    Abstract: A portable camera device includes a first casing, a second casing and an extendable mechanism. The second casing contains a lens module and has a lower part connected to a first connecting position of the first casing such that the lens module is arranged above the first casing. The extendable mechanism has a rear end with a document holding structure for holding a document and a front end connected to a second connecting position of the first casing via a first pivotal mechanism. The extendable mechanism is selectively folded or unfolded with respect to the first casing when the extendable mechanism is rotated in various directions by adjusting the first pivotal mechanism. A relative spatial correlation between the lens module and the document is adjusted such that the lens module is focused on a selected area of the document for capturing an image of the document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Nan Yu, Szu-Hao Lyu
  • Patent number: 7680401
    Abstract: A portable photography studio includes a carrier for transporting the components of the photography studio. The carrier is made up of a number of panels, several of which are detachable from the other panels. The main components of the photography studio include a pair of reflectors and three light diffusing screens, each of which has an edge attached to one of the panels of the carrier. When in use, the carrier panels may be detached and moved away from one another, allowing for the reflectors and screens to be pivoted about their attached edges and assembled in their proper positions for photographing objects. A background may also be attached to one of the panels and contained within the carrier. When the photographing is completed, the background, screens and reflectors may be pivoted back to their original positions and the carrier panels reassembled to form an enclosure holding all of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Adelstein
  • Publication number: 20100054721
    Abstract: A document snapshot device is provided. The document snapshot device comprises a baseboard, a camera and a foldable supporting means. The baseboard comprises a central area to place a document and a connecting chamfer. The camera comprises a pivot. The foldable supporting means comprises a first supporting means connecting the connecting chamfers, a second supporting means connecting the pivot of the camera and a third supporting means connecting the first and the second supporting means. The first, second and third supporting means can stretch along a first plane to form a first angle between the first and the third supporting means and a second angle between the second and the third supporting means. The camera can rotate along a second plane with the pivot to form a third angle relative to a stretching direction from the second supporting means to the camera to aim at the document to take a snapshot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Yun-Liang Hsieh, Wen-Ji Tsai, Jung-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 7659938
    Abstract: Nonlinear movement and tilt angle control structure of an image capture device inside a light box includes a nonlinear motion set, a rotation set, a cartridge and a compartment. The nonlinear motion set uses dual guiding rails or a single guiding rail to drive the image capture device from top and side directions. The rotation set rotates the image capture device. The cartridge carries the rotation set and is driven by the nonlinear motion set to perform the nonlinear motion. And, the compartment is configured inside the rotation set to ride and fasten the image capture device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Peng-Cheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20100027982
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for photographing marine organism specimens are disclosed, capable of easily and motionlessly fixing marine organism specimen even on a sailing ship by epochal improvement to the conventional equipment for photographing marine organism specimens. Diffused reflection does not occur during the photographing, and this facilitates lively and realistic photographing of the marine organism specimens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Sung Kim, Ji Na Oh, Woong Seo Kim
  • Patent number: 7609949
    Abstract: A durable, portable for the lighting or imaging professional includes at least a first collapsible frame adapted to support a light modifying flag or a light modifying net. The collapsible frame includes first and second rigid frame components 22, 24 carrying fixed hinge pins 38 that connect to first and second foldable frame components. The collapsible frame defines frame components with frame ends and the kit includes at least one light modifying flexible material segment with frame end receiving portions. The collapsible frame has a first erected size and the flexible material segment has a second size not greater than said first size so that the collapsible frame, when erected, permits a user to place the flexible material flag or net under tension upon the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: John S. Ealer
  • Publication number: 20090238548
    Abstract: A method for the challenging problem of eliciting the attention of dynamic subjects such as small children for the purposes of photography is disclosed herein. Specifically, we disclose an inexpensive, quickly deployable, and flexible device that can be used with a wide variety of recording devices available on the market. One embodiment of the invention discloses an attachment that can engage with the threaded tripod mount hole that is found as a feature on most current modern cameras, allowing an attention-attracting object, such as a child's toy, to be suspended from a camera, thereby allowing the photographer to elicit the gaze and attention of the subject and operate the camera with both hands, which provides considerable stability. Another embodiment of the invention discloses a re-attachment means for the attention-eliciting device, allowing the photographer to quickly swap the attention-attracting object and customize it to the situation and subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Scot Michael Smith, Jason Edward Richie
  • Patent number: 7588378
    Abstract: A camera-support head includes a stator and a rotor that is mounted so that it can be rotated about an inclined axis in relation to the stator. The head also includes a compensation device for compensating a load torque that occurs during the inclination, the device having an energy accumulator which exerts a restoring torque on the rotor during the inclination. In addition, the compensation device has an auxiliary device which influences the transmission of the rotational displacement from the rotor to the energy accumulator and thus also the restoring torque that is exerted on the rotor by the energy accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Camera Dynamics GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Kistner
  • Patent number: 7486878
    Abstract: A bevel inspection module for capturing images of a substrate is provided. The module includes a rotational motor, which is attached to a substrate chuck and is configured to rotate the substrate chuck thereby allowing the substrate to revolve. The module further includes a camera and an optic enclosure, which is attached to the camera and is configured to rotate, enabling light to be directed toward the substrate. The camera is mounted from a camera mount, which is configured to enable the camera to rotate on a 180 degree plane allowing the camera to capture images of at least one of a top view, a bottom view, and a side view of the substrate. The module yet also includes a backlight arrangement, which is configured to provide illumination to the substrate, thereby enabling the camera to capture the images, which shows contrast between the substrate and a background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Chen, Andrew D Bailey, III, Ben Mooring, Stephen J. Cain
  • Publication number: 20090010628
    Abstract: An improved camera apparatus and diversification of the use of a camera apparatus such that when the trigger for taking a picture is activated, a certain predefined sound clip of the camera apparatus is activated, which sound clip is played with the sound-reproducing equipment of the camera apparatus before taking a picture. The camera apparatus according to the embodiments of the invention comprises a trigger, which can be activated for taking a picture, and a processor and associated software for activating a certain predefined sound clip after trigger activation, and sound-reproducing equipment for playing the sound clip before taking a picture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Sanna M. Koskinen, Heli Jarventie, Nina Maki, Katja Konkka, Paivi Heikkila, Sanna Lindroos
  • Patent number: 7454128
    Abstract: An exterior vehicle camera is disclosed for monitoring an operating area of a vehicle comprising a camera housing with a camera module having a camera electronics, and camera optics carried within the housing. A recording opening is formed in the camera housing facing toward a recording direction. A transparent recording window covers the recording opening, and is disposed adjacent a recording end of the camera optics. The camera housing and the recording window are formed from plastic materials having sufficiently identical thermal characteristics so that formation of condensation is reduced within the housing at the recording window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Lang Mekra North America, LLC
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Jochen Bauer, Martin Ell
  • Patent number: 7440685
    Abstract: A three-dimensional photographic shelf that is highly controllable, adjustable and portable. A loading turntable of the shelf for loading a photographic subject has the functions of horizontal rotation for different angles and vertical angles switches while cooperating with a hand rod connected to a digital camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Jia Duo Weng
  • Publication number: 20080205866
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides an image taking apparatus comprising an imaging device which takes an image of a subject, an imaging instruction device for inputting an imaging instruction to take the image of the subject, a face detection device which detects a face image of the subject from a live view image taken by the imaging device in response to the imaging instruction from the imaging instruction device, an eye direction judgment device which detects an eye direction of the subject from the face image and judges whether the eye direction of the subject is directed to the imaging device, and an imaging control device which, when it is judged that the eye direction of the subject is directed to the imaging device, immediately causes the imaging device to take an image of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Shoichiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7409147
    Abstract: A video presenter of the invention includes a table with a top surface on which an object is to be positioned; a pivot member disposed at a side of the table; an arched or arc-shaped support arm rotatably coupled with the pivot member and extended therefrom; and, a camera head rotatably coupled with an end of the arched or arc-shaped support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-myoung Yi, Joo-bok Kim, Michel Arney, Alan Christopher Mudd, James Wilson
  • Patent number: 7406257
    Abstract: A video presenter of the invention includes: a table having a periphery with a substantially curved contour; a pivot member mounted at a side of the table; a support arm rotatably coupled with the pivot member and extended therefrom; and a camera rotatably coupled at an end of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-myoung Yi, Joo-bok Kim, Michel Arney, Alan Chrisopher Mudd, James Wilson
  • Patent number: 7394977
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a apparatus and method for generating 3-dimensional image, which comprises a image photographing part composed of a camera part, a turn table part, a photographing angle adjustment part, a X-axis adjustment part, and a Y-axis adjustment part; a image photographing control part that creates movement control signals, transmits to said image photographing part, and receives plural digital images photographed by said camera part; a 3-dimensional image generating part that creates 3 dimensional images by using said plural digital images; and a storage part that stores said plural digital images and said 3-dimensional images. The present invention thus provides 3-dimensional images to consumers to see a certain product with its actual view by rotating at a wanted angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Openvr Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Joo Park, Se-Yern Oh
  • Publication number: 20080145040
    Abstract: System for simultaneously imaging multiple biological specimens on a single, translatable stage of an imaging system. The stage supports multiple specimen carriers, such as slides, which carry biological specimens. When the stage is at a first location, a first image acquisition component takes an image of a first portion of a first specimen, and a second image acquisition component takes an image of a first portion of second specimen. The stage is moved from the first location to a second location, thereby moving the slides and specimens carried thereby in the same direction and by the same amount. At the second location, the first acquisition component takes an image of a second portion of the first specimen, and the second acquisition component acquires an image of a second portion of a second specimen. Lenses of acquisition components are independently adjustable for independent focusing by acquisition components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: CYTYC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Barry Hunt
  • Patent number: 7377660
    Abstract: A photographing assisting apparatus is used when a subject is photographed using a photographing apparatus. The photographing assisting apparatus has a planar light source that, while in a state covering a to-be-photographed area on the subject, shines light on the to-be-photographed area on the subject and that is translucent in the direction pointing from the to-be-photographed area on the subject to the photographing apparatus, and a support portion that supports the photographing apparatus such that the distance between the subject and the photographing apparatus is kept fixed. The photographing assisting apparatus permits the subject to be illuminated with more evenly distributed brightness and permits a given illumination condition of the subject to be obtained stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Izumi