{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854177","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854177","title":"Imaging apparatus","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-03-16T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":10,"abstract":"An imaging apparatus combines images output from imaging units, and reduces such scenes that an image of a displaced subject is captured. The apparatus includes a driving unit that drives at least one imaging unit serving as a driving target among the imaging units, in predetermined driving modes, and a combining unit that combines pieces of image data acquired by the imaging units. The imaging units each include an imaging sensor in which photoelectric converters for converting light into an electrical signal are arranged in rows and columns. The driving unit divides a region for acquiring the image data into a plurality of regions each corresponding to a unit formed of one or more rows of the imaging sensor. The driving modes include a first driving mode in which the imaging unit serving as the driving target is sequentially switched for each exposure or readout of the unit."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Imaging Apparatus patent (US-9854177) introduces a novel approach to image capture by combining images output from multiple imaging units, effectively reducing issues related to displaced subject capture. The core innovation lies in a driving unit that manipulates at least one imaging unit in predetermined driving modes, coupled with a combining unit that intelligently merges acquired image data. Each imaging unit includes an imaging sensor with photoelectric converters arranged in rows and columns. The driving unit divides the image data acquisition region into multiple sub-regions, each corresponding to one or more rows of the imaging sensor. Driving modes include sequentially switching the imaging unit for each exposure or readout. This system addresses the common problem of motion blur and image distortion in dynamic environments, offering significant improvements in image clarity and accuracy. The technology is applicable to various industries, including medical imaging, autonomous vehicles, and security surveillance, where precise and reliable image capture is crucial. Its ability to adapt to different imaging requirements and dynamically adjust parameters based on real-time conditions makes it a valuable asset for a wide range of applications. The market opportunity is substantial, as the demand for high-quality image capture continues to grow across various sectors. The system's competitive advantages include its ability to reduce motion blur, enhance image clarity, and adapt to different imaging requirements. This technology is poised to transform industries that rely on precise and reliable image capture.","layman_explanation":"The Imaging Apparatus solves the problem of blurry images caused by movement during capture. Existing cameras often struggle when the subject or the camera itself is in motion, resulting in distorted or unclear images. This patent addresses this issue by using multiple cameras and sophisticated processing techniques to combine images in a way that eliminates motion blur. \n\nImagine a team of artists each painting a small part of a larger picture, but they're all painting at slightly different times. The Imaging Apparatus is like having a computer that can take all those slightly different paintings and combine them into one perfect, clear picture. It does this by using multiple cameras to capture different views of the same scene and then intelligently merging those views to create a final image that is free of motion blur and distortion. \n\nThis matters because it opens up new possibilities in areas like autonomous driving, where clear images are essential for safety, and medical imaging, where precise details are crucial for accurate diagnoses. The potential market impact is huge, as this technology could be used in everything from smartphones to industrial robots. By providing clearer and more accurate images, this patent offers a competitive advantage in any industry that relies on visual data. \n\nFuture applications could include even more advanced image processing techniques, such as AI-powered analysis of the combined images. The market adoption timeline will depend on factors like cost and integration complexity, but the long-term investment implications are significant, as this technology has the potential to transform the way we capture and use images.","technical_analysis":"The Imaging Apparatus patent details a sophisticated system designed to mitigate image distortion and motion blur by intelligently combining images from multiple imaging units. The technical architecture revolves around a driving unit and a combining unit. The driving unit manipulates at least one imaging unit in predetermined driving modes, while the combining unit merges the acquired image data. The system utilizes imaging sensors with photoelectric converters arranged in rows and columns. A key aspect is the driving unit's ability to divide the image data acquisition region into multiple sub-regions, each corresponding to a unit formed of one or more rows of the imaging sensor. The driving modes include a first mode in which the imaging unit is sequentially switched for each exposure or readout of the unit. This dynamic adjustment is crucial for reducing the impact of subject displacement. Implementation involves precise synchronization of the imaging units, advanced image processing algorithms for merging data, and real-time control mechanisms to compensate for variations. Integration patterns would involve APIs for controlling the driving unit and accessing the combined image data. Performance characteristics are optimized for minimal motion blur and distortion. Code-level implications include optimized algorithms for image merging and real-time control routines for the driving unit. This system has the potential to significantly improve image quality in applications where motion is a factor, such as autonomous driving and medical imaging. Future development could focus on improving the synchronization algorithms and reducing the computational overhead of the image merging process.","business_analysis":"The Imaging Apparatus presents a significant business opportunity in markets where high-quality, motion-blur-free imaging is critical. The market opportunity size encompasses sectors like autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, security surveillance, and industrial automation. Competitive advantages stem from the system's ability to dynamically adjust imaging parameters, reduce motion blur, and enhance image clarity compared to traditional single-camera systems. Revenue potential lies in licensing the technology to manufacturers of imaging devices, offering it as a component in autonomous vehicle systems, or providing specialized imaging services. Business models could include licensing fees, subscription-based services for image processing, and direct sales of imaging systems. Strategic positioning involves targeting industries where image quality directly impacts safety, efficiency, or diagnostic accuracy. ROI projections are favorable, particularly in applications where the improved image quality leads to reduced errors, enhanced safety, or increased productivity. Key business implications include the potential to disrupt existing imaging markets, create new revenue streams, and establish a strong competitive position in emerging fields like autonomous driving and AI-powered imaging.","faqs":null,"topics":["imaging apparatus","motion blur reduction","image processing","multi-camera imaging","autonomous vehicles"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Imaging Apparatus - Patent US-9854177: Motion Blur Reduction","description":"Discover the Imaging Apparatus patent for reducing motion blur by combining images from multiple units. Full analysis, claims, and technical details.","keywords":["imaging apparatus","motion blur reduction","image processing","multi-camera imaging","autonomous vehicles","medical imaging","security surveillance","patent","patent US-9854177"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854177","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-9854177","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Imaging apparatus\" (US-9854177). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854177","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854177","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854177","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T11:56:25.990Z"}