{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854216","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854216","title":"Image pickup apparatus that displays image based on signal output from image pickup device, method of controlling the same, and storage medium","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2014-12-09T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":10,"abstract":"An image pickup apparatus that makes it unnecessary to temporarily stop image pickup performed by an image pickup device to thereby improve operability of the image pickup apparatus, and achieves power saving. In an image pickup apparatus having an electronic viewfinder function, first image signals for live view are acquired by thinning read lines of an image pickup device, and second image signals for AF evaluation value calculation are acquired from the other read lines at a higher speed than the first image signals, for simultaneous output with the first image signals. Reading of the second image signals is started when the state of the object of image data changed or when one photographing mode is changed to another by a user's operation, and is terminated when a reading termination condition set in advance in association with the reading start condition is satisfied."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Image Pickup Apparatus That Displays Image Based on Signal Output from Image Pickup Device, Method of Controlling the Same, and Storage Medium patent introduces an innovative approach to image capture that eliminates the need to temporarily halt image pickup for tasks like autofocus (AF) or live view adjustments, thereby improving operability and saving power. The core innovation lies in the simultaneous acquisition of first image signals for live view using thinned read lines and second image signals for AF evaluation value calculation from other read lines at a higher speed. This concurrent processing ensures continuous image capture without compromising on essential functionalities.\n\nThe problem being solved is the disruption caused by traditional image pickup devices that require pausing image capture to perform tasks such as autofocus or live view adjustments. This interruption can lead to a disjointed user experience and potentially missed opportunities to capture important moments.\n\nThe key technical approach involves a dual-read line system, where one set of read lines is dedicated to live view and the other to AF evaluation. The system intelligently manages power consumption by initiating the reading of the second image signals only when necessary and terminating it when predefined conditions are met.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are significant. It enhances user satisfaction by providing a seamless image capture experience. It also improves the overall performance of image pickup devices, making them more competitive in the market. The technology can be applied to various devices, including digital cameras, smartphones, and surveillance systems.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as it addresses a common pain point for users of image pickup devices. By providing a more seamless and efficient image capture experience, this technology can drive adoption and generate significant revenue for manufacturers.","layman_explanation":"The Image Pickup Apparatus That Displays Image Based on Signal Output from Image Pickup Device, Method of Controlling the Same, and Storage Medium patent addresses a common frustration in digital cameras and smartphones: the interruption of the live image feed when the camera focuses. This interruption, though brief, can cause users to miss key moments and creates a less-than-ideal user experience.\n\nThe existing solutions often involve a trade-off between focusing speed and continuous image display. Traditional cameras typically pause the live view to perform autofocus, resulting in a temporary blackout. While some cameras attempt to minimize this interruption, it remains a noticeable issue.\n\nThis patent proposes a solution that allows the camera to focus and display the live image simultaneously. It achieves this by using two separate sets of sensors or read lines within the camera's image sensor. One set is dedicated to providing the live view, while the other is used to calculate the autofocus adjustments. By processing these two tasks in parallel, the camera can maintain a continuous live image without interruption.\n\nThink of it like having two eyes: one eye is always focused on showing you the scene, while the other eye is constantly adjusting to make sure everything is sharp. This parallel processing ensures that you never miss a moment.\n\nThis innovation matters because it significantly improves the user experience of digital cameras and smartphones. By eliminating the interruption during autofocus, it allows users to capture fleeting moments with greater ease and confidence. This technology also has the potential to improve the performance of other imaging applications, such as surveillance systems and medical imaging devices.\n\nThe market impact of this patent is substantial. It provides a competitive advantage for manufacturers who incorporate this technology into their products. The improved user experience and enhanced performance can drive adoption and generate significant revenue.\n\nFuture applications of this technology could include more advanced image processing techniques, such as real-time object recognition and scene understanding. The market adoption timeline is likely to be gradual, as manufacturers integrate this technology into their product roadmaps. However, the investment implications are promising, as this patent has the potential to generate significant returns for companies that invest in its development and commercialization.","technical_analysis":"The Image Pickup Apparatus That Displays Image Based on Signal Output from Image Pickup Device, Method of Controlling the Same, and Storage Medium patent presents a novel technical architecture for optimizing image capture and processing. The system's core innovation is its dual-read line configuration, which enables the simultaneous acquisition of image signals for live view and AF evaluation. This eliminates the need to interrupt image capture for autofocus adjustments, resulting in a smoother user experience.\n\nThe technical architecture consists of an image sensor, two sets of read lines (one for live view and one for AF evaluation), a control system, and output stages. The image sensor captures the scene, and the two sets of read lines read out the image data in parallel. The control system manages the acquisition and output of the image signals, ensuring that the live view is continuously displayed and that autofocus adjustments are made quickly and accurately.\n\nThe implementation details of the system involve sophisticated control algorithms that manage the acquisition and output of the two sets of image signals. These algorithms must be efficient and accurate to ensure that the system operates in real-time without introducing any noticeable delays. The system also includes power management circuitry to minimize power consumption.\n\nThe integration patterns for this technology involve incorporating it into existing image pickup devices, such as digital cameras and smartphones. The system can be implemented using standard CMOS image sensor technology and can be integrated with existing image processing pipelines.\n\nThe performance characteristics of the system are significantly improved compared to traditional image pickup devices. The simultaneous acquisition of image signals eliminates the need to interrupt image capture for autofocus adjustments, resulting in a smoother user experience and faster autofocus times. The system also consumes less power than traditional systems, extending battery life.\n\nThe code-level implications of this technology involve implementing the control algorithms and image processing pipelines in software or hardware. The control algorithms must be optimized for real-time performance, and the image processing pipelines must be designed to handle the simultaneous acquisition of image signals.","business_analysis":"The Image Pickup Apparatus That Displays Image Based on Signal Output from Image Pickup Device, Method of Controlling the Same, and Storage Medium patent holds significant business implications for the imaging industry. The core advantage of the invention lies in its ability to enhance user experience by enabling continuous image capture without interruption for autofocus or live view adjustments. This translates to a more seamless and responsive camera operation, a key selling point for consumers and professionals alike.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial. The global digital camera market and smartphone camera market are both multi-billion dollar industries. By incorporating this technology, manufacturers can differentiate their products and gain a competitive edge. The enhanced operability and power efficiency will be particularly attractive to consumers and professional photographers who demand high-performance imaging devices.\n\nThe competitive advantages offered by this patent are clear. Existing image pickup devices often suffer from lag and interruptions during autofocus, which can be frustrating for users. The Image Pickup Apparatus That Displays Image Based on Signal Output from Image Pickup Device, Method of Controlling the Same, and Storage Medium eliminates this issue, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.\n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. Manufacturers can license the patent to incorporate it into their products, generating licensing revenue. They can also develop and sell their own image pickup devices that incorporate the technology, capturing a share of the digital camera and smartphone camera markets.\n\nThe business models that can be built around this technology include licensing, product development, and service offerings. Manufacturers can license the patent to other companies, develop and sell their own products, or offer services such as image processing and analysis that leverage the technology.\n\nThe strategic positioning of this technology is strong. It addresses a key pain point for users of image pickup devices and offers a clear competitive advantage. By positioning themselves as innovators in image processing technology, companies can attract customers and investors.\n\nThe ROI projections for this technology are promising. The enhanced user experience and improved performance can drive adoption and generate significant revenue. The licensing revenue and product sales can provide a strong return on investment for companies that invest in this technology.","faqs":null,"topics":["image pickup apparatus","simultaneous image capture","autofocus","live view","image processing"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Simultaneous Image Capture - Image Pickup Apparatus That Displays Image Based on Signal Output from Image Pickup Device, Method of Controlling the Same, and Storage Medium","description":"Discover how the Image Pickup Apparatus That Displays Image Based on Signal Output from Image Pickup Device, Method of Controlling the Same, and Storage Medium patent improves image capture with simultaneous live view and autofocus. Full analysis and claims.","keywords":["image pickup apparatus","simultaneous image capture","autofocus","live view","image processing","patent","patent US-9854216"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854216","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-9854216","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Image pickup apparatus that displays image based on signal output from image pickup device, method of controlling the same, and storage medium\" (US-9854216). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854216","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854216","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854216","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T09:42:14.638Z"}