Abstract: An image pickup device has an image sensor generating an image signal, a pulse pattern generator generating a driving signal for the image sensor and an amplifier for amplifying the image signal with a given gain, which can be adjusted by the user. The power of the driving signal is controlled depending on the gain. For instance, the pulse height of the driving signal is set depending on the gain.

Abstract: Cathode structure for cathode ray tube comprising an eyelet in two separate parts positioned such that one of the parts covers, in the longitudinal direction and at least partially, the second part. The two parts are linked to each other at the shouldered ends. This structure reduces the heat losses of the cathode and reduces its consumption while it is operating.

Abstract: Interlaced video upconverted to progressive video has improved diagonal enhancement. A plurality of averages and differences are determined from different pixels near a given output pixel, including: a vertical average, first and second left diagonal averages, first and second right diagonal averages, a vertical difference, first and second left diagonal differences, and first and second right diagonal differences. A selection is made among the averages based on an absolute value of a minimal difference among the differences. The selection is constrained to select the vertical average if the differences among the averages are ambiguous, that is, when a value for the given output pixel is not within a range of values defined by pixels vertically adjacent to the given output pixel or when a minimal difference among the respective differences is not unique.

Abstract: In an apparatus for reading from and/or writing to an optical recording medium, it is desirable, in particular in the case of track jumps, to detect the direction of the track jump, i.e. the direction of movement of an objective lens of the apparatus relative to the optical recording medium in order to be able to carry out corresponding track regulation. For this purpose, and also for determining the number of tracks crossed by the scanning beams, it is proposed to determine the number of zero crossings and also the phase difference between at least two error signals derived from the reflected scanning beams.

Abstract: The track jumping of a scanner on optical storage media in which information items are stored on groove and land tracks or which have not yet been written to is intended to be made possible in a reliable manner. For this purpose, firstly a fictitious track type is defined for a regulating circuit, which regulates the position of the scanner. The regulating circuit is then closed on the basis of the track type defined and a track scanning signal. The reaction of the scanner to the closing is detected in order to obtain from this an item of information about the track type. This method is also advantageous, in principle, for closing the track following regulation in information carriers having relatively high storage densities.

Abstract: An RF multiple switching apparatus, such as one included in or coupled to a broadcast satellite signal receiver, having a plurality of multiple RF signal input ports for receiving respective ones of a plurality of RF signals, such as broadcast satellite television signals, utilizes a relative signal strength indicator, such as an automatic gain control signal, to determine the difference between the actual input signal that is present at one of the plurality of signal input ports and a false signal that appears to be present at another signal input port of the plurality of signal input ports due to the RF signal bleeding between the multiple signal input ports. During a setup configuration determination or routine, the switching apparatus steps through each RF signal input, extracts pertinent transmission network (such as a satellite transmission network) information, determines a relative signal strength indicator for the RF signal, and compares the obtained information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of displaying video images on a display device and especially on a plasma display panel. The frame for displaying a video image is divided into two subframes, both comprising approximately the same number of subscans. The subscans of the first subframe are arranged in a first order in which their weights increase and those of the second subframe in the reverse order. The second subframe is consecutive to the first subframe. Each cell of the PDP changes state at most once during the first subframe. The same applies during the second subframe.

Abstract: The invention reduces the time required for automatically searching for channels on a device receiving channels of various widths. The invention proposes a channel detection process which carries out successive passes with frequency spacings corresponding to channels of a specific width. During each pass, only the channels corresponding to the specific width are searched for. The invention also pertains to a multichannel reception device comprising the means required for the operation of the process.

Abstract: A plasma panel including two plates having a sealed space between them is disclosed. The sealed space is filled with discharge gas and is divided into discharge cells that are bounded between these plates by barrier ribs forming an array. The barrier rib portion that separates any two adjacent cells of the same column includes a cavity that is made in the thickness of that rib, and a notch that brings these two cells into communication with each other through the cavity. Such an arrangement makes it easier to apply the phosphors on the walls of the cells, while at the same time eliminating any risk of optical crosstalk.

Abstract: A user selects a predefined aspect ratio format of an image displayed on a display screen. When a change in an aspect ratio format of an incoming signal occurs, that would, otherwise, produce a distorted image, a format controller automatically overrides the user's predefined aspect ratio for establishing a different image aspect ratio. Thereby, the distortion of the image is prevented.

Abstract: A temperature compensated vertical rate trapezoidal waveform is produced using piecewise linearization technique. The waveform is applied to a focus electrode of a cathode ray tube to provide a dynamic focus voltage.

Abstract: A dual power source output amplifier comprises at least one pair of first and second input voltage sources of like polarity, operating at low and high voltage magnitude levels respectively relative to one another, and selectively operably coupled to an output stage for driving a load, for example a convergence yoke coil, in low and high voltage modes respectively. The first voltage input source is coupled to the output stage in the low voltage mode. A circuit for directly sensing the output voltage couples a biasing voltage level to the output signal for generating a high voltage demand control signal which varies directly with the output voltage. A switchable voltage regulator couples regulated high voltage from the second voltage input source to the output stage in the high voltage mode, responsive to the high voltage demand control signal. The output stage operates substantially linearly in both voltage modes.