G03B37/00

Spring assemblies with variable flexibility for use with push-cables and pipe inspection systems

Push-cables and associated apparatus for pipe inspection systems are disclosed. In one embodiment a pipe inspection system includes a camera head, a push-cable including an outer covering enclosing a plurality of electrical conductors for transmitting signals and/or power between the camera head and an electronic device operatively coupled to the push-cable, and a spring assembly disposed about the push-cable near the distal end where the spring assembly comprises a spring with a tapered flex section having a varying cross-sectional area and/or a varying cross-sectional shape.

Image capturing system with wide field of view using rotation mirror
11546497 · 2023-01-03 · ·

Disclosed are an image capturing system and method. In the image capturing system and method, a light path is changed by controlling a reflection angle of a mirror surface using a rotating mirror so that a single camera obtains consecutive images at various angles or at a wide photographing width.

LENS MOUNT AND LENS APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME
20220400194 · 2022-12-15 ·

A lens mount includes a cover member and a holder. The cover member has a first opening corresponding to a first optical system of a lens apparatus and has a second opening corresponding to a second optical system of the lens apparatus. The holder holds a filter to cover the first opening and the second opening. The holder includes a first holder disposed on one side with respect to the first and second openings in a direction orthogonal to an arrangement direction of the first and second openings, and a second holder disposed on the other side with respect to the first and second openings in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. A groove portion is formed between the cover member and the holder, and the filter is insertable into the groove portion.

Pipe inspection systems with self-grounding portable camera controllers
11528401 · 2022-12-13 · ·

Portable pipe inspection video systems are disclosed. The system may include a camera head, a push-cable, a cable reel, and a camera controller having a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for magnetic field tracing applications.

Multi-lens camera

A multi-lens camera includes a main housing assembly, lenses, a lens adjuster and a transparent cover. The transparent cover is mounted on the main housing assembly; the lens adjuster is mounted in the space formed by the main housing assembly and the transparent cover; the transparent cover includes a flat portion and a curved portion surrounding the flat portion; the lenses are located in the space covered by the curved portion; the lens adjuster includes a fixing disc and at least two lens brackets; each of the lens brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket arranged on the first bracket; the first support is movably arranged on the fixing disc, and is capable of moving along the circumferential direction of the fixing disc; a lens is rotationally engaged with the second bracket, such that the lens rotates around axis thereof.

Multi-lens camera

A multi-lens camera includes a main housing assembly, lenses, a lens adjuster and a transparent cover. The transparent cover is mounted on the main housing assembly; the lens adjuster is mounted in the space formed by the main housing assembly and the transparent cover; the transparent cover includes a flat portion and a curved portion surrounding the flat portion; the lenses are located in the space covered by the curved portion; the lens adjuster includes a fixing disc and at least two lens brackets; each of the lens brackets includes a first bracket and a second bracket arranged on the first bracket; the first support is movably arranged on the fixing disc, and is capable of moving along the circumferential direction of the fixing disc; a lens is rotationally engaged with the second bracket, such that the lens rotates around axis thereof.

Imaging plan presentation apparatus and method for updating and re-generating an imaging plan
11528411 · 2022-12-13 · ·

Provided are an imaging plan presentation apparatus and method capable of presenting an imaging plan to a user in accordance with conditions of images necessary for checking and an imaging range in a captured image. After an imaging unit (14) completes imaging, an imaging plan update unit (15) determines whether an uncaptured area has been identified by an uncaptured-area identification unit (151). If Yes is obtained, the imaging plan update unit (15) updates the imaging plan on the basis of the uncaptured imaging range, and re-generates an imaging plan corresponding to the uncaptured imaging range. Then, an imaging plan presentation unit (13) presents an imaging range to be captured next to a user on the basis of the re-generated imaging plan.

Autonomous media capturing
11509817 · 2022-11-22 ·

A media capture device (MCD) that provides a multi-sensor, free flight camera platform with advanced learning technology to replicate the desires and skills of the purchaser/owner is provided. Advanced algorithms may uniquely enable many functions for autonomous and revolutionary photography. The device may learn about the user, the environment, and/or how to optimize a photographic experience so that compelling events may be captured and composed into efficient and emotional sharing. The device may capture better photos and videos as perceived by one's social circle of friends, and/or may greatly simplify the process of using a camera to the ultimate convenience of full autonomous operation.

Imaging apparatus for generating a composite image from a plurality of images
11595563 · 2023-02-28 · ·

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a first camera and a second camera, and performing photography using the first camera and the second camera, and generating a composite image from a plurality of images acquired by the photography, the imaging apparatus comprising at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: an acquiring unit configured to acquire two images by performing a first photography and a second photography, which is performed after a time lag from the first photography; and a generating unit configured to generate a composite image having a visual field range of 360 degrees by compositing a first image acquired by performing photography for a first range in the first photography and a second image acquired by performing photography for a second range in the second photography.

Imaging apparatus for generating a composite image from a plurality of images
11595563 · 2023-02-28 · ·

An imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a first camera and a second camera, and performing photography using the first camera and the second camera, and generating a composite image from a plurality of images acquired by the photography, the imaging apparatus comprising at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: an acquiring unit configured to acquire two images by performing a first photography and a second photography, which is performed after a time lag from the first photography; and a generating unit configured to generate a composite image having a visual field range of 360 degrees by compositing a first image acquired by performing photography for a first range in the first photography and a second image acquired by performing photography for a second range in the second photography.