Abstract: It is determined whether a repeating pattern is present in an image (100). When no repeating pattern is present, the image is divided into patch images, the resultant patch images are used to create a random repeating pattern, and the random repeating pattern is output (108). In addition, when the number of repetitions of the repeating pattern in the image is 2×2 or more (102), the repetition period is determined by transforming pixel values into frequency coefficients, and the repeating pattern is extracted based on the result of determining the repetition period, and is output (104). When the number of repetitions of the repeating pattern in the image is less than 2×2, the repetition period is determined by performing division using local maximum values of autocorrelation coefficients, and the repetition pattern is extracted based on the result of determining the repetition period (106).

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments provide methods of controlling frame memory, memory control circuits, and image processing apparatuses including the memory control circuits. Data representing values of pixels constituting each of a plurality of frames are received in an order of the frames, and data representing values of pixels constituting a previous frame are read from the frame memory and data representing values of pixels constituting a next frame are written to the frame memory. By reading first data representing values of a portion of the pixels constituting the previous frame from the frame memory before receiving of data representing values of pixels constituting the next frame starts, a delay time before starting to output data representing values of pixels of the previous frame can be shortened.

Abstract: An access area is set within an address space of a dynamic random access memory by arranging two or more complete columns of blocks, in which blocks of memory cells are arranged within an entirety of a specified range of row addresses, along a direction of column addresses. Each of the blocks includes memory cells positioned at a same row address and a specified number of consecutive column addresses. The total number of blocks arranged in the access area is just capable of storing the number of words of the data to be stored. The two or more complete columns of blocks are successively accessed by successively accessing the blocks arranged in each of the columns of blocks. Thereby, a refresh operation of the dynamic random access memory is made unnecessary.

Abstract: An operating apparatus comprising: a display unit that has a first mode being capable of selecting a plurality of functions and a second mode being capable of selecting a part of the functions selectable in the first mode, and displays the functions selectable in the first mode when the first mode is selected and displays the functions selectable in the second mode when the second mode is selected; and a control unit that controls, when the second mode is transferred to the first mode, the display unit to display a function introduction screen for introducing a function which is not displayed in the second mode before the functions selectable in the first mode are displayed.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an digital personal assistant with easy operationality when transitioning operation pages. A variety of operation pages can be displayed selectively on a liquid crystal display panel 12 having a touch panel 12a. A control switch 13 is supported to be able to be rotated in a predetermined angle range and pushed-in at the reference position of said rotation. An operation signal is sent out in response to the turn or push in operation of the control switch. A CPU 21 judges whether the touch panel is touched or the control switch is operated. When it is judged that the touch panel is touched, the CPU allows the first page transition to be done whereby the operation page displayed on the liquid crystal display panel is transitioned in accordance with the touch operation.

Abstract: A side controller supported so as to be capable of oscillating within a predetermined range and capable of pushing is disposed on the side face of a PDA, a current page displayed on a display part is controlled to scrolled in a first direction by oscillating operation of the side controller, a current page is transferred to a predetermined processing mode to display a screen page corresponding to the processing mode by prolonged pushing operation of the side controller for a time longer than a predetermined time, a current page is transferred to a screen page other than a predetermined screen page, for example, a current page is transferred to a processing mode unrelated to a operating button displayed on the current page, for prolonged pushing operation of the side controller long time, further, a list of reply mail sentences which is input beforehand is displayed as a screen page of a list of reply mail sentences by activation of a sending mode for sending a reply mail to a received mail when a mail screen

Abstract: Predetermined travel locuss are set in a three-dimensional virtual space. Menu panels for displaying menu items are arranged along the travel locuss assuming a display position set as a local origin so that the normal to each LCD panel will face a virtual camera. The transparency of a menu panel is raised in accordance with its distance to the virtual camera. In case a scroll operation is performed, menu panels are moved along the travel locuss connecting display positions P until a selected specific menu panel reaches the display position P0. A display screen on a portable information terminal is drawn as a screen image V shot with the virtual camera and menu panels are three-dimensionally displayed in rolls.

Abstract: In a graduation record control apparatus, as a power source, a voltage of a sawtooth waveform is generated and used, and a part of this sawtooth waveform voltage is used at different timings to apply different voltages to the electrodes. Thus, a satisfactory gradation recording is carried out by changing the dot sizes.

Abstract: By increasing/deceasing electric energy per unit time supplied to heat energy generation means arranged in a liquid chamber having a nozzle, the amount of the ink emitted from the nozzle can be changed to correct a difference in dot diameter which occurs nozzle by nozzle and a change in dot diameter with time and to permit gradational printing.

Abstract: This invention provides a metal tip for a ball-point pen, having an ink guide hole (2) formed at the center of the bottom surface of a ball holding portion (1) and radial grooves (3) arranged around the ink guide hole. The ink guide hole has a diameter 30 to 55% the diameter of a ball and a length 1.2 to 2 times the diameter of the ink guide hole. A cleaning tool, used for removing a flash which is formed during formation of the radial grooves (3) by cutting (broaching) and which projects into the ink guide hole (2), is set to have a diameter 70 to 97% the diameter of the ink guide hole, so that only a base portion of the projecting flash is left.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a heating chamber in which food to be cooked is contained, a magnetron for range-heating the food contained in the heating chamber, a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of an atmosphere containing hot air emanating from the food being range-heated in the heating chamber, and a controller for controlling an operation of the magnetron based on fluctuations of the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In a roll control system in a vehicle adapted to suppress the rolling of the vehicle body along with an increase of the rate of change of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle body estimated from vehicle speed and steering angle velocity, a side sliding of the vehicle relative to the road surface is detected, and if the steering angle is opposite to the turning direction of the vehicle when a side sliding is detected, the roll suppressing operation of the roll control system is attenuated to avoid an augmentation of the rolling by the roll control.