{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854153","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854153","title":"Imaging apparatus, and a method of controlling imaging apparatus using an imaging surface correction map for performing corrections","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-06-15T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":13,"abstract":"An imaging apparatus receive light fluxes passing through and incident on different pupil regions of an imaging optical system and generates at least image data of one pair of subject images. Imaging surface correction information regarding a manufacturing error or optical characteristics of design of an imaging lens is transmitted from a lens control unit of the imaging lens to a system control unit of a camera body, and then the system control unit receives the imaging surface correction information. The system control unit performs a process of generating a defocus map based on a parallax between at least one pair of images and performs imaging surface correction through correction of the calculated defocus amount. In the imaging surface correction process, influences of the optical characteristics of the imaging lens and an inclination of an imaging surface of an image sensor are corrected, and thus a more accurate distance map is generated."},"analysis":{"summary":"The 'Imaging Apparatus, and a Method of Controlling Imaging Apparatus Using an Imaging Surface Correction Map for Performing Corrections' patent introduces a system that corrects image distortions caused by manufacturing errors and optical design flaws in imaging lenses. The core innovation is the transmission of imaging surface correction information from the lens control unit to the camera body's system control unit. This information enables the system to generate a defocus map based on parallax between image pairs, correcting the calculated defocus amount and mitigating the influence of optical characteristics and image sensor inclination. This results in a more accurate distance map and improved image quality.\n\nThis technology addresses the problem of image distortion, which can significantly degrade the quality of images in various applications, including medical imaging, industrial inspection, and consumer electronics. Existing imaging systems often rely on high-precision manufacturing processes to minimize lens imperfections. However, even with advanced techniques, it is nearly impossible to eliminate all errors. The system overcomes this limitation by correcting errors in real-time.\n\nThe technical approach involves transmitting imaging surface correction information, generating a defocus map, and correcting the calculated defocus amount. The system employs sophisticated image processing techniques to accurately calculate the defocus amount and correct for distortions. These algorithms are designed to minimize the impact of noise and other artifacts, ensuring that the final image is of high quality.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are significant. It can improve the accuracy and reliability of medical diagnoses, enhance the precision of industrial inspections, and enhance the performance of consumer-grade cameras. The market opportunity is vast, as the demand for high-quality imaging continues to grow across various sectors. This technology offers a competitive advantage by providing a more accurate, efficient, and cost-effective way to capture and process images.","layman_explanation":"The 'Imaging Apparatus, and a Method of Controlling Imaging Apparatus Using an Imaging Surface Correction Map for Performing Corrections' patent addresses the issue of image distortion caused by imperfections in camera lenses. These imperfections, which can arise during manufacturing or due to design limitations, can lead to blurry or distorted images, affecting the quality of the final product.\n\nThe core idea behind this patent is to correct these distortions by transmitting information about the lens's imperfections to the camera's processing unit. This information is then used to create a 'correction map,' which essentially tells the camera how to adjust the image to compensate for the lens's flaws. This process happens in real-time, meaning the image is corrected as it's being captured.\n\nThis technology matters because it can significantly improve the quality of images produced by cameras. It allows for the use of lenses that may not be perfectly manufactured, reducing production costs and making high-quality imaging more accessible. Additionally, it can enhance the performance of existing camera systems by correcting for inherent lens imperfections.\n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be integrated into a wide range of imaging devices, from smartphones to medical imaging equipment. As the demand for high-quality images continues to grow, this innovation has the potential to become a standard feature in many camera systems. Investment in this area could lead to significant advancements in imaging technology and create new opportunities for companies in the camera and related industries. It's a step towards clearer, more accurate images for everyone.","technical_analysis":"The 'Imaging Apparatus, and a Method of Controlling Imaging Apparatus Using an Imaging Surface Correction Map for Performing Corrections' patent details a system designed to correct image distortions resulting from manufacturing errors or design flaws in imaging lenses. The technical architecture centers around the transmission of imaging surface correction information from the lens control unit to the camera body's system control unit. This information encompasses data regarding manufacturing errors and optical design characteristics of the lens.\n\nThe system control unit then processes this information to generate a defocus map. The defocus map is derived from the parallax between at least one pair of subject images captured by the imaging apparatus. The parallax information provides a basis for calculating the necessary corrections to compensate for lens imperfections and sensor misalignments.\n\nImplementation involves sophisticated algorithms for processing image data and generating the defocus map. The accuracy of these algorithms is crucial for effective correction. The system corrects the calculated defocus amount based on the imaging surface correction information. This step is critical for mitigating the influence of the optical characteristics of the imaging lens and the inclination of the imaging surface of the image sensor.\n\nIntegration patterns involve seamless communication between the lens control unit and the camera body's system control unit. This requires standardized protocols for data transmission and compatibility between different hardware components. Performance characteristics are optimized for real-time correction, ensuring minimal latency between image capture and correction. The system is designed to handle a variety of lens types and imaging conditions.\n\nCode-level implications involve the development of efficient algorithms for image processing and defocus map generation. The software must be optimized for performance and accuracy, taking into account the computational resources available in the camera body. The code must also be robust and reliable, ensuring that corrections are applied consistently and accurately. The system's ability to accurately correct for these errors makes it a valuable asset in any imaging system where accuracy and precision are paramount.","business_analysis":"The 'Imaging Apparatus, and a Method of Controlling Imaging Apparatus Using an Imaging Surface Correction Map for Performing Corrections' patent presents significant business opportunities within the imaging technology sector. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality imaging across various industries, including medical imaging, industrial inspection, and consumer electronics.\n\nCompetitive advantages stem from the system's ability to correct image distortions caused by manufacturing errors and optical design flaws in imaging lenses. This capability offers a distinct advantage over existing imaging systems that rely on high-precision manufacturing processes to minimize lens imperfections. The system's real-time correction capabilities further enhance its competitiveness.\n\nRevenue potential is substantial, driven by the potential for licensing the technology to camera manufacturers, medical imaging companies, and industrial inspection equipment providers. The system can also be integrated into proprietary imaging products, creating new revenue streams. Business models include licensing agreements, product sales, and service contracts.\n\nStrategic positioning involves targeting key players in the imaging technology sector, such as camera manufacturers, medical imaging companies, and industrial inspection equipment providers. The system can be positioned as a value-added solution that enhances image quality, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves the efficiency of imaging processes.\n\nROI projections are favorable, driven by the potential for increased revenue, reduced manufacturing costs, and improved customer satisfaction. The system's ability to correct errors in real-time makes it a valuable asset in any imaging system where accuracy and precision are paramount. The system’s ability to correct for lens imperfections and sensor misalignments, the technology can reduce manufacturing costs. Lenses that do not meet stringent quality control standards can still be used, as the system can compensate for their imperfections.","faqs":null,"topics":[],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Imaging Apparatus, and a Method of Controlling Imaging Apparatus Using an Imaging Surface Correction Map for Performing Corrections - Patent Analysis","description":"Explore the Imaging Apparatus, and a Method of Controlling Imaging Apparatus Using an Imaging Surface Correction Map","keywords":[]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854153","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854153","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Imaging apparatus, and a method of controlling imaging apparatus using an imaging surface correction map for performing corrections\" (US-9854153). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854153","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854153","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854153","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T23:24:24.679Z"}