Nikon to Maxell
The patent portfolio introduces significant advancements in imaging technology, including innovative electronic camera designs with enhanced focus detection and correction mechanisms, sophisticated image processing methods that improve image quality and dynamic range, and efficient piezoelectric actuators for precise mechanical movements. Key innovations include systems for detecting image blur, dust on sensors, and specific focus adjustments that utilize micro lenses and novel image processing techniques. These advancements have a broad range of potential applications in digital imaging, surveillance, medical imaging, and mobile devices, improving both user experience and image fidelity.
Breadth Distribution
Complexity Distribution
Enforceability Distribution
Infringement Distribution
Patents
| Patent Number | Summary | Breadth | Complexity | Enforceability | Infringement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09264587 | An image saving apparatus that dynamically determines and requests the availability of target image data from either an image transfer apparatus or an image transmission apparatus based on recorded management information, and saves the received data into a secondary storage device. |
C
|
D
|
C
|
- |
| 08749677 | An imaging sensor features a pixel array capable of performing both global and rolling shutter operations, incorporating a vertical signal line for pixel signal processing while implementing a clipping circuit to manage electric potential levels during signal acquisition. |
C
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08665347 | A method and imaging device for extracting distinct image regions based on defined thresholds for brightness and color phase differences between an image portion and its surrounding area. |
C
|
B
|
C
|
- |
| 08665346 | An image pickup apparatus employs dual sound-collection units to detect ambient sound and utilizes a signal processing unit that performs noise reduction through relative time shifting and subtraction of sound information, applying correction factors to minimize artifacts from the noise elimination process. |
C
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08665351 | An image processing device that enhances the lightness of dark area gradation in image data through a combination of low-pass filtering, correction calculations, and distinct gradation conversion processing methods utilizing exponential and S-shaped curves. |
C
|
D
|
B
|
- |
| 08654217 | A system for detecting dust on image sensors using a control system that evaluates hue and value channels of captured images to compute a conditional probability of dust presence based on pixel data. |
C
|
D
|
B
|
- |
| 08654213 | An imaging device that captures consecutive images, detects identity or non-identity among them based on predetermined characteristics, stores non-identical images, and displays them sequentially at a longer interval while simultaneously writing new data. |
B
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08570427 | An image-capturing device utilizes a micro-lens array and multiple light reception elements to detect image surface deviation, adjust focus, and create images based on selected light signals corresponding to detected deviations. |
C
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08571402 | An image tracking device that calculates defocus amounts for focus detection areas, adjusts focus based on tracking subject image positions across consecutive image captures, and employs adaptive defocus amount selection to ensure optimal focusing during image tracking. |
C
|
D
|
C
|
- |
| 08569095 | An image pickup device integrates an optical low pass filter with light-transmitting insulation and electrodes that alter the electric field to improve image quality and reduce artifacts. |
C
|
B
|
C
|
- |
| 08558940 | An image sensor with image-capturing pixels utilizing distinct color filters for two wavelength ranges and focus detection pixels that adjust signal levels to maintain focus detection signals at or below image signal levels, incorporating reducing units like light filters and varying charge storage times for enhanced imaging performance. |
C
|
D
|
C
|
- |
| 08554066 | A driving mechanism for an optical component that utilizes multiple independently movable driving members with inclined faces that engage an abutting portion to achieve precise movement control in both parallel and orthogonal directions. |
B
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08542941 | An image processing device enhances image capture by incorporating focus detection to initiate background and face detection processes based on the achieved focusing condition. |
A
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08526130 | An oscillating actuator drive unit that automatically adjusts the frequency of an oscillating signal based on ambient temperature to ensure the output voltage closely matches a target voltage, with integrated components for voltage detection, temperature sensing, and signal amplification control. |
B
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08526807 | A focus detecting apparatus utilizes a micro lens array and photo detectors to determine focus adjustment status by selecting groups of detecting elements based on the optical system's F-value and light flux brightness. |
B
|
B
|
B
|
- |
| 08520329 | A piezoelectric actuator comprising two actuators with intersecting piezoelectric elements and a relative motion member capable of moving in response to the displacement of one actuator while controlling the positioning of the other actuator through a pressurized and non-pressurized state. |
C
|
B
|
C
|
- |
| 08482871 | A lens barrel design featuring overlapping guide shafts for lens movement, enabling synchronized operation of multiple lenses, with a common drive mechanism and constant engagement lengths. |
C
|
B
|
B
|
- |
| 08477209 | An electronic camera features a storing unit for image quality adjustment parameters, a setting unit to select these parameters, a display control unit to visually indicate selected settings, and a changeover unit that allows switching between group-based and individual parameter adjustments. |
C
|
D
|
B
|
- |
| 08472743 | A method and device for estimating the direction of motion blur in a blurred image by artificially blurring the image along multiple test directions, comparing the resulting images to identify the direction with the largest blur difference, and using this information to determine the blur direction. |
C
|
B
|
C
|
- |
| 08456772 | The piezoelectric actuator features multiple piezoelectric members arranged in groups, with a system that enables selective movement of these members in two intersecting directions through differentiated driving signals, allowing for precise control and vibration dampening during operation. |
C
|
B
|
C
|
- |
| 08432627 | A vibration actuator that features an electromechanical conversion element, an elastic body producing vibration waves, and a conductive thermoplastic resin layer interconnecting them, enabling relative motion through vibration. |
C
|
B
|
B
|
- |
| 08421886 | A digital camera that optimally records captured image data into multiple recording media based on speed and data size estimations to enhance performance and efficiency. |
C
|
D
|
C
|
- |
| 08411114 | An image display device that dynamically selects and arranges images based on predefined templates according to the number of images and their respective orientations, allowing for alterations in arrangements as the number of images changes. |
A
|
D
|
B
|
- |
| 08294795 | An image capturing apparatus utilizes a dual exposure control system and evaluates brightness in a main subject area to adjust lightness and correction on dark gradations in captured images. |
A
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08294777 | A chromatic coordinate converting apparatus designed to transform chromaticity values from a color sensor into a standardized chromaticity coordinate system by utilizing stored reference values and computing weighting ratios for chromaticity synthesis. |
C
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08283837 | A piezoelectric actuator featuring multiple piezoelectric elements configured for simultaneous bi-directional movement and precise control of a relative moving member using tailored driving signals. |
C
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08264545 | An electronic camera that continuously selects a focus detection area during image capture, generates a tracking object checking image based on that area, and displays it alongside the captured image, with features for notifying users of selection accuracy and allowing user customization of display options. |
C
|
B
|
B
|
- |
| 08254675 | An image processing apparatus that performs gradation conversion on images using multiple modes and parameters determined based on the selected mode to adjust image quality and exposure. |
B
|
D
|
C
|
- |
| 08228404 | An imaging apparatus integrates non-imaging pixels among imaging pixels to enhance pixel signal determination through continuity detection and varied averaging processes based on different pixel densities and spectral characteristics. |
B
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08199411 | An imaging lens featuring a front lens group and a movable rear lens group, both with negative refractive power, incorporates multiple lens elements arranged to enhance optical performance during zooming. |
C
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08184968 | An imaging apparatus that utilizes a micro lens array and photoelectric conversion elements to detect image plane shifts and dynamically adjust the focus position based on these shifts for optimal image synthesis at specified image planes. |
C
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08169723 | A vibration actuator featuring an electromechanical conversion element and an elastic body with elliptical contours that generates and transmits vibration waves to a ring-shaped moving member for relative motion. |
C
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08130280 | An electronic camera that utilizes a control device to determine whether to perform image synthesis with varied sets of image signals, based on photometric calculations and specific conditions such as maximum and minimum luminance values, to generate a single image with a wide dynamic range. |
C
|
C
|
B
|
- |
| 08111983 | An image display device that enables simultaneous viewing of two images from different directions on a single screen, with selectable operating modes and advanced display control techniques for image adjustment based on viewing angles and device orientation. |
C
|
B
|
C
|
- |
| 08098984 | The inventive concept involves a focus detecting apparatus that utilizes a micro lens array and a photo-detector with a calculator to accurately determine image offsets in an optical system by analyzing outputs from pairs of detecting elements corresponding to different aperture values. |
C
|
D
|
C
|
- |
| 08094999 | An imaging apparatus that utilizes a micro lens array and photoelectric conversion elements to detect image plane shift amounts and determine a focus adjusting range for accurately synthesizing images at specific planes based on received light signals. |
C
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 08036523 | A focus adjustment device that utilizes both an image sensor and a focus detector to execute focus adjustments based on two distinct phases of defocus detection, where the focus detector has a wider acceptable in-focus range than the image sensor. |
B
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 07990626 | The inventive concept is a lens barrel that utilizes a dual drive mechanism for precise linear movement of an optical component along the optical axis, integrating a movable holding frame guided by a parallel guide axle and controlled through external operation and detection mechanisms. |
C
|
C
|
C
|
- |
| 07974021 | The inventive concept revolves around a lens tube that includes a lens retainer movable along the optical axis, guided by a radial guide, with a pushing member that exerts a radial force to separate components and facilitate lens positioning. |
C
|
B
|
B
|
- |
Patent Details
09264587
- Image saving apparatus, image transfer apparatus and image transmission apparatus
Published: 2016-02-16
An image saving apparatus that dynamically determines and requests the availability of target image data from either an image transfer apparatus or an image transmission apparatus based on recorded management information, and saves the received data into a secondary storage device.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08749677
- Imaging element and imaging device
Published: 2014-06-10
An imaging sensor features a pixel array capable of performing both global and rolling shutter operations, incorporating a vertical signal line for pixel signal processing while implementing a clipping circuit to manage electric potential levels during signal acquisition.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08665347
- Image processing device, image processing program, and imaging device computing brightness value and color phase value
Published: 2014-03-04
A method and imaging device for extracting distinct image regions based on defined thresholds for brightness and color phase differences between an image portion and its surrounding area.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08665346
- Image pickup apparatus with noise elimination
Published: 2014-03-04
An image pickup apparatus employs dual sound-collection units to detect ambient sound and utilizes a signal processing unit that performs noise reduction through relative time shifting and subtraction of sound information, applying correction factors to minimize artifacts from the noise elimination process.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08665351
- Image processing device, electronic camera, and storage medium storing image processing program
Published: 2014-03-04
An image processing device that enhances the lightness of dark area gradation in image data through a combination of low-pass filtering, correction calculations, and distinct gradation conversion processing methods utilizing exponential and S-shaped curves.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08654217
- Device and method for detecting dust on an image sensor
Published: 2014-02-18
A system for detecting dust on image sensors using a control system that evaluates hue and value channels of captured images to compute a conditional probability of dust presence based on pixel data.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08654213
- Imaging device
Published: 2014-02-18
An imaging device that captures consecutive images, detects identity or non-identity among them based on predetermined characteristics, stores non-identical images, and displays them sequentially at a longer interval while simultaneously writing new data.
B
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08570427
- Image-capturing device having focus adjustment function, image creation method including focus adjustment function, and program product for image-capturing device having focus adjustment function
Published: 2013-10-29
An image-capturing device utilizes a micro-lens array and multiple light reception elements to detect image surface deviation, adjust focus, and create images based on selected light signals corresponding to detected deviations.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08571402
- Image tracking device, imaging device, image tracking method, and imaging method
Published: 2013-10-29
An image tracking device that calculates defocus amounts for focus detection areas, adjusts focus based on tracking subject image positions across consecutive image captures, and employs adaptive defocus amount selection to ensure optimal focusing during image tracking.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08569095
- Optical device, optical equipment and method for manufacturing Optical Device
Published: 2013-10-29
An image pickup device integrates an optical low pass filter with light-transmitting insulation and electrodes that alter the electric field to improve image quality and reduce artifacts.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08558940
- Image sensor and image-capturing device
Published: 2013-10-15
An image sensor with image-capturing pixels utilizing distinct color filters for two wavelength ranges and focus detection pixels that adjust signal levels to maintain focus detection signals at or below image signal levels, incorporating reducing units like light filters and varying charge storage times for enhanced imaging performance.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08554066
- Driving mechanism and optical equipment
Published: 2013-10-08
A driving mechanism for an optical component that utilizes multiple independently movable driving members with inclined faces that engage an abutting portion to achieve precise movement control in both parallel and orthogonal directions.
B
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08542941
- Imaging device, image detecting method and focus adjusting method
Published: 2013-09-24
An image processing device enhances image capture by incorporating focus detection to initiate background and face detection processes based on the achieved focusing condition.
A
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08526130
- Oscillating actuator drive unit, lens barrel, optical apparatus, method for adjusting a voltage, and computer-readable recording medium
Published: 2013-09-03
An oscillating actuator drive unit that automatically adjusts the frequency of an oscillating signal based on ambient temperature to ensure the output voltage closely matches a target voltage, with integrated components for voltage detection, temperature sensing, and signal amplification control.
B
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08526807
- Focus detecting apparatus
Published: 2013-09-03
A focus detecting apparatus utilizes a micro lens array and photo detectors to determine focus adjustment status by selecting groups of detecting elements based on the optical system's F-value and light flux brightness.
B
Breadth
B
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08520329
- Piezoelectric actuator, lens barrel and optical device
Published: 2013-08-27
A piezoelectric actuator comprising two actuators with intersecting piezoelectric elements and a relative motion member capable of moving in response to the displacement of one actuator while controlling the positioning of the other actuator through a pressurized and non-pressurized state.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08482871
- Lens barrel and image capturing device
Published: 2013-07-09
A lens barrel design featuring overlapping guide shafts for lens movement, enabling synchronized operation of multiple lenses, with a common drive mechanism and constant engagement lengths.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08477209
- Electronic camera
Published: 2013-07-02
An electronic camera features a storing unit for image quality adjustment parameters, a setting unit to select these parameters, a display control unit to visually indicate selected settings, and a changeover unit that allows switching between group-based and individual parameter adjustments.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08472743
- Method for estimating of direction of motion blur in an image
Published: 2013-06-25
A method and device for estimating the direction of motion blur in a blurred image by artificially blurring the image along multiple test directions, comparing the resulting images to identify the direction with the largest blur difference, and using this information to determine the blur direction.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08456772
- Piezoelectric actuator, lens barrel, and camera
Published: 2013-06-04
The piezoelectric actuator features multiple piezoelectric members arranged in groups, with a system that enables selective movement of these members in two intersecting directions through differentiated driving signals, allowing for precise control and vibration dampening during operation.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08432627
- Vibration actuator, method for manufacturing vibration actuator, lens barrel and camera
Published: 2013-04-30
A vibration actuator that features an electromechanical conversion element, an elastic body producing vibration waves, and a conductive thermoplastic resin layer interconnecting them, enabling relative motion through vibration.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08421886
- Digital camera
Published: 2013-04-16
A digital camera that optimally records captured image data into multiple recording media based on speed and data size estimations to enhance performance and efficiency.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08411114
- Image display device, and program product for displaying image
Published: 2013-04-02
An image display device that dynamically selects and arranges images based on predefined templates according to the number of images and their respective orientations, allowing for alterations in arrangements as the number of images changes.
A
Breadth
D
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08294795
- Image capturing apparatus and medium storing image processing program
Published: 2012-10-23
An image capturing apparatus utilizes a dual exposure control system and evaluates brightness in a main subject area to adjust lightness and correction on dark gradations in captured images.
A
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08294777
- Chromatic coordinate converting apparatus, imaging apparatus, computer readable recording medium, and creating method of chromatic coordinate converting table
Published: 2012-10-23
A chromatic coordinate converting apparatus designed to transform chromaticity values from a color sensor into a standardized chromaticity coordinate system by utilizing stored reference values and computing weighting ratios for chromaticity synthesis.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08283837
- Piezoelectric actuator, piezoelectric actuator device, lens barrel, optical device and manufacturing method thereof
Published: 2012-10-09
A piezoelectric actuator featuring multiple piezoelectric elements configured for simultaneous bi-directional movement and precise control of a relative moving member using tailored driving signals.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08264545
- Electronic camera
Published: 2012-09-11
An electronic camera that continuously selects a focus detection area during image capture, generates a tracking object checking image based on that area, and displays it alongside the captured image, with features for notifying users of selection accuracy and allowing user customization of display options.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08254675
- Image processing apparatus, imaging apparatus and image processing program
Published: 2012-08-28
An image processing apparatus that performs gradation conversion on images using multiple modes and parameters determined based on the selected mode to adjust image quality and exposure.
B
Breadth
D
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08228404
- Imaging correction device and imaging correction method
Published: 2012-07-24
An imaging apparatus integrates non-imaging pixels among imaging pixels to enhance pixel signal determination through continuity detection and varied averaging processes based on different pixel densities and spectral characteristics.
B
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08199411
- Imaging lens, optical apparatus equipped therewith and method for manufacturing the imaging lens
Published: 2012-06-12
An imaging lens featuring a front lens group and a movable rear lens group, both with negative refractive power, incorporates multiple lens elements arranged to enhance optical performance during zooming.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08184968
- Imaging apparatus
Published: 2012-05-22
An imaging apparatus that utilizes a micro lens array and photoelectric conversion elements to detect image plane shifts and dynamically adjust the focus position based on these shifts for optimal image synthesis at specified image planes.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08169723
- Vibration actuator, lens barrel and camera
Published: 2012-05-01
A vibration actuator featuring an electromechanical conversion element and an elastic body with elliptical contours that generates and transmits vibration waves to a ring-shaped moving member for relative motion.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08130280
- Electronic camera
Published: 2012-03-06
An electronic camera that utilizes a control device to determine whether to perform image synthesis with varied sets of image signals, based on photometric calculations and specific conditions such as maximum and minimum luminance values, to generate a single image with a wide dynamic range.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08111983
- Camera
Published: 2012-02-07
An image display device that enables simultaneous viewing of two images from different directions on a single screen, with selectable operating modes and advanced display control techniques for image adjustment based on viewing angles and device orientation.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08098984
- Focus detecting apparatus and an imaging apparatus
Published: 2012-01-17
The inventive concept involves a focus detecting apparatus that utilizes a micro lens array and a photo-detector with a calculator to accurately determine image offsets in an optical system by analyzing outputs from pairs of detecting elements corresponding to different aperture values.
C
Breadth
D
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08094999
- Imaging apparatus and image synthesis method
Published: 2012-01-10
An imaging apparatus that utilizes a micro lens array and photoelectric conversion elements to detect image plane shift amounts and determine a focus adjusting range for accurately synthesizing images at specific planes based on received light signals.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
08036523
- Focus adjustment device, imaging device and focus adjustment method
Published: 2011-10-11
A focus adjustment device that utilizes both an image sensor and a focus detector to execute focus adjustments based on two distinct phases of defocus detection, where the focus detector has a wider acceptable in-focus range than the image sensor.
B
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
07990626
- Lens barrel and image capturing apparatus
Published: 2011-08-02
The inventive concept is a lens barrel that utilizes a dual drive mechanism for precise linear movement of an optical component along the optical axis, integrating a movable holding frame guided by a parallel guide axle and controlled through external operation and detection mechanisms.
C
Breadth
C
Complexity
C
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis
07974021
- Lens tube, optical device having the lens tube, and method for producing the lens tube
Published: 2011-07-05
The inventive concept revolves around a lens tube that includes a lens retainer movable along the optical axis, guided by a radial guide, with a pushing member that exerts a radial force to separate components and facilitate lens positioning.
C
Breadth
B
Complexity
B
Enforceability
Claims
Infringement Analysis