Abstract: In an inkjet printing apparatus an inkjet printhead ejects ink into a print-zone. A drive shaft, located upstream of the printhead, has a longitudinal axis, a first radius over a central length, and a second radius less than the first radius at a first recess and a second recess. Each recess is peripheral to the central length. A plurality of pinch devices stabilize the media against the drive shaft. A first guide and a second guide, spaced from the longitudinal axis, are aligned with and extend into the first recess and second recess.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to compositions and coated substrates wherein a hydrophobic backside coating layer can be implemented for use that mitigates ink transfer, surface damage, smudging, and sticking between stacked sheets in output trays of ink-jet ink printers. The backside coating can comprise hydrophobic beads suspended in a polymeric blend having a hydrophilic polymeric binder component and a hydrophobic polymeric binder component. Alternatively, the coating can comprise a hydrophobic binder blended with a natural wax. Either coating can be applied directly to the backside of a media substrate or on top of an existing hydrophilic layer that is typically applied for curl and sheet feed performance.

Abstract: A refractive body includes a lens, holder, and aperture particularly suited for use in raster scanners. The refractive body advantageously can be made from resinous materials, such as plastics, but can be formed from any refractive material as may be appropriate. The aperture is formed from portions of the refractive body surrounding the lens and can act to divert excess light from the optical path of the scanner by refraction or reflection.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus 1 having a plurality of beam irradiation sources individually drivable, an imaging method, an optical fiber array apparatus, an imaging head apparatus, and a printing apparatus. The imaging apparatus 1 comprises n (n=2 or more integer) light source blocks 15a to 15d including k (k=2 or more integer) beam irradiation sources, and one or more and below n beam irradiation source driving devices connectable for each block.

Abstract: A yellow luminous-element array, which is an optical fixing unit, comprises a large number of yellow LEDs emitting ultraviolet rays. The LEDs in each of lines extending in a feeding direction are connected in series. Integral illuminance of each line is adjusted by changing electrical energy to be supplied to the respective lines. The integral illuminance of each line extending in the feeding direction is measured to obtain illuminance distribution relative to a scanning direction when the yellow luminous-element array is examined at the time of manufacture thereof. The integral illuminance of each line is corrected so as to even the illuminance distribution.

Abstract: An image recording apparatus has light emitting elements arranged in a main scanning direction and an imaging optical system which images light from the light emitting elements on a recording medium. An image is recorded on the recording medium by imaging light from the light emitting elements through the imaging optical system while moving the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction. The imaging optical system is formed of a first optical system consisting of biaxial optical elements, each having a refractive index profile in the main scanning direction and a refractive index in the sub-scanning direction, arranged in the main scanning direction, and a second optical system consisting of an optical element disposed on the light incident side of the first optical system and having a refractive power to light components propagated in the sub-scanning direction but no refractive power to light components propagated in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing images including an illumination optics (75) that provides uniform area light is disclosed. A polarizing beamsplitter (80) receives the uniform area light and redirects a first polarization state of the light to a first reflective LCD modulator (90) which modulates the first polarized light on a site by site basis and reflects the first modulator light through the polarizing beamsplitter (80). A parallel plate tilted at a first angle spatially displaces the first modulated light along a first line normal to the polarizing beamsplitter (80). A print lens assembly (110) images the first modulated light to a first position on a media plane to print a first image. The parallel plate is moved to a second position (250) and a new image is printed.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus having a plasma light source and a shutter provided between the plasma light source and an initial-stage optical device of an illumination system. The shutter is closed, and light emission by the plasma light source is started prior to the start of exposure processing by a stabilization period. When the stabilization period has elapsed, the exposure processing including a shutter opening operation is started. The stabilization period is equal to or longer than time necessary for stabilization of light emission intensity of the plasma light source. The stabilization period is previously measured and stored into a memory of controller 102. This maintains a long life of multilayer film mirror, and prevents the fluctuations in EUV light emission intensity due to the temperature change of the light source and accompanying change of the size of fine pattern and degradation of resolution and the like, thus enables stable transfer of fine pattern.

Abstract: A system for labeling a storage media is disclosed. The system includes means for arranging images, wherein the images correspond to images encoded on the storage media. The system also includes a means for printing the images coupled to the means for arranging the images. Printing may be performed by one of a printer and a laser.

Abstract: A method of videoconferencing is disclosed. The method of videoconferencing includes initiating, with a first handheld computer, a conferencing call with a second handheld computer. The method also includes communicating, by the first handheld computer to the second handheld computer, a combination of at least two of video data, audio data, text data, and application data. Further, the method includes accessing selectively and substantially simultaneously, by the second handheld computer a combination of at least two of video data, audio data, text data, and application data.

Abstract: Management information for plural video calls is presented through a user interface that displays a list of calls prioritized based on one or more parameters, such as alarms, so that the most important calls are prominently displayed as they need attention. An alarm tracker tracks alarms associated with video device parameters, such as jitter, latency and linearity, and an alarm priority module determines the priority of video calls for display by comparing the alarms associated with the video calls. In one embodiment, the user interface has a locking option to lock a call's display position, for instance when a particularly important call with a lesser number of alarms nonetheless has a need for closer monitoring.

Abstract: An automated video call graph layout engine accepts video call configuration information and presents a video call graph of the video call to resemble a video network topology. For instance, video call configuration information is accepted in a tree structure that lists video devices of the video call. Video device graph nodes are constructed for each video device, each node having a radius and links to other video devices. Super graph nodes are created by identifying leaf and branch graph nodes and constructing a super graph node for each branch graph node by interconnecting the leaf graph nodes with the branch nodes. A video call graph layout is completed by identifying leaf and branch super nodes and associating leaf super nodes to branch super nodes until all video devices are interconnected.

Abstract: The present invention provides an omnidirectional visual system for creating perspective projection image data for display by processing image data transmitted by an omnidirectional camera using a hyperboloidal mirror, the system comprising a coordinate rotation processing section for rotating three-dimensional coordinates, which indicate each point of the perspective projection image data, by an angle of inclination of an optical axis of the hyperboloidal mirror along a direction opposite to a direction of the inclination of the optical axis of the hyperboloidal mirror with respect to a vertical axis, thereby obtaining new three-dimensional coordinates.

Abstract: A surgical light system (10) includes a lighthead (44) coupled to a suspension arm (41′) adapted for mounting to a surface (14) of a surgical room. A bulb (130) is disposed in the lighthead. A processor (120) in the lighthead is operatively coupled with the bulb for controlling an intensity of light of the bulb and is adapted to generate a lighthead status signal representative of a first status of the lighthead. A control apparatus (32, 34) is in operative communication with the processor (120) in the lighthead. The control apparatus receives the lighthead status signal and selects a set of control algorithms from among a group of algorithms based on the lighthead status signal for controlling the lighthead.

Abstract: A video-scope according to the present invention has an image sensor and is selectively connectable to plural types of video-processors. The video-scope has a memory, a signal processor, a video-processor detector, and a data setter. The memory stores a series of register setting data, which is associated with signal processes for image signals, read from the image sensor, and which corresponds to the plural types video-processors. The signal processor is provided in the video-scope and processes the image signals. The video-processor detector detects the type information of the connected video-processor. Then, the data setter reads the register setting data corresponding to the detected type information from the memory, and writes the register setting data in a register provided in the signal processor. The signal processor processes the image signals in accordance with the register setting data in the register.

Abstract: A cable assembly for a dental video camera system includes a dental video camera with a camera cable and a camera connector, a monitor with a monitor cable and a monitor connector and a power supply with power supply cable and a power supply connector. The cable assembly also includes an input housing, a camera cable with a complement-camera connector and a first connector. The camera cable is electrically coupled to the first connector. The complement camera connector that electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to said camera cable. The cable assembly also an output housing with a complement-monitor connector, a complement-power supply connector and a complement-first connector. The complement-monitor connector and the complement-power supply connector are disposed in the output housing and the complement camera connector electrically couples the dental video camera through the camera connector to the camera cable.

Abstract: A resilient, flexible video push cable is coiled in a stack of coils inside an annular portion of a non-rotating cable storage drum. A video camera head is electro-mechanically connected to a distal end of the push cable. A display is connected to a system interconnect cable which is in turn connected to a proximal end of the push cable. While the drum is held stationary, the push cable can be unwound from its main annular portion and the camera head pushed down a length of pipe. This unwinding of the push cable is facilitated by routing it through a centrally located frusto-conical guide portion of the drum. The video camera head can be pulled out of the pipe, and the push cable can be manually re-inserted through the guide portion to facilitate re-forming of the stack of coils within the main annular portion of the drum.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for irradiating light to an original image, a photoelectric transducing device for detecting reflected or transmitted quantities of the irradiated light, and for transducing the light into an electric signal, and a control mechanism for adjusting an emission region of the light source to a size of the original image. The light source includes a surface-emitting electroluminescent device that emits light of wavelengths corresponding to at least the three primary colors.

Abstract: A moving object monitoring surveillance apparatus that controls a camera using a motorized panhead and a motorized zoom lens to identify correctly a moving object, particularly, a person is disclosed. The apparatus includes a video device acquiring information of the image of a moving object as a video signal, a panhead for panning and tilting the video device, a frame grabber for extracting, frame by frame, a still image from the video signal output from the video device and binarizing the still image into frame data, a plurality of frame memories for alternately storing the binarized frame data, a CPU for controlling the operation of the panhead and for processing the frame data, and an image database for storing the processed data. The video device sequentially monitors at least one single surveillance area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking an object using one or more video cameras together with a plurality of microphones and/or geophones, whereby accurate tracking of the object can be obtained even when the object changes directions as a result of an impact. A tennis ball may be tracked during a tennis match. Prior to and after an impact, the ball is tracked with the use of video cameras, illustratively in accordance with the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,007. Then, the position of the ball at racket or ground impact is accurately determined by measuring the acoustical waves generated by the ball hitting the racket and/or either the acoustic waves or the elastic (Rayleigh) waves generated by the ball hitting the ground, respectively. Tracking then advantageously continues with use of the video cameras.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the imaging of surfaces of box like objects conveyed along a path. The objects are conveyed past at least one camera which is positioned at an angle to the object's surface. The at least one camera comprises a sensor array and zoom objective, the latter controlled by a control mechanism. The present system further comprises a control unit and at least one sensor. The sensor detects the location and velocity of an object. The data is conveyed to the control unit which further communicates with the control mechanism. The control unit causes the control mechanism to adjust the zoom on the objected so as to stay in constant focus with a passing surface of an object passing through the field of view of the at least one camera. After an object has passed through the field of view, the object is made to return to a home position.

Abstract: An arrangement for maintaining even tube burn-in. The arrangement identifies active and inactive display regions on a display unit when video content is displayed on the display unit. When inactive display regions are identified the arrangement monitors the duration that the active display regions remain active. After the active display regions become inactive and a predetermined time period has passed the arrangement displays a corrective image on the identified inactive regions. The predetermined time period may be set by a user or based on the user's viewing habits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scaling the power consumption of a video processor is provided. The apparatus includes a video processor having a plurality of video-processing modules for receiving a stream of image signals at an input and producing a processed image stream at an output, wherein the video processor is initially set to process each received pixel of the image stream according to a preset power-consumption level; an evaluator, coupled to the video processor, for determining an objective-quality metric of the pixel characteristics that are indicative of video quality in the image stream; and, a power-management module, coupled to the evaluator, for obtaining a new power-consumption level for the video processor from a predetermined table according to the objective-quality metric determined by the evaluator, wherein the predetermined table contains a number of different arrangements of the video-processing modules to generate a plurality of power-consumption level.

Abstract: A non-intrusive test method for video sequences is described that correlates a number of quality indicators derived from a sequence with a matrix of constants to predict a quality score for the sequence

Abstract: A network configuration file is generated at a host computer and downloaded to a digital camera. This file contains instruction information for communicating with a selected destination via a communications interface. The digital camera includes a “send” button or LCD icon which allows the user to easily transmit one or more images via a wired or wireless communications interface to a desired destination, which among other possibilities may be an Internet Service Provider or a digital photofinishing center. When the user selects this option, the communications port settings, user account specifics, and destination connection commands are read from the network configuration file on the removable memory card. Examples of these settings include serial port baud rate, parity, and stop bits, as well as account name and password.

Abstract: A digital imaging device such as a digital camera or a video camera may include the capability to store audio files. These audio files may be generated under user control when the user wishes to take a picture or capture video. The audio files may be played back as attention grabbers to attract the attention of the imaging subjects. After attracting the attention of the subjects by playing back a recorded audio sound, an image may be automatically captured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital camera capable of reducing its power consumption. A digital camera includes a microprocessor (central processing unit), peripheral processing circuits for executing a data process on image data so as to share with the microprocessor, and a clock supplying circuit for supplying clocks to the microprocessor. In the digital camera, when the microprocessor requests the peripheral processing circuits to perform at least a part of the data process, thereby satisfying a condition such that a process to be shared and executed by the microprocessor does not exist, the clock supplying circuit stops supplying clocks to the microprocessor.

Abstract: There is provided an image-shake correcting device that is comprised of a detecting unit that detects shakes of the image-shake correcting device, a filter circuit that cuts off low frequency components of a detecting signal output from the detecting unit, a control circuit that controls the filter characteristic of the filter circuit such that the cutoff frequency of the filter circuit increases as the focal distance of the optical image forming unit becomes longer, and a signal processing circuit that executes signal processing for performing an image-shake correcting operation on an image signal output from the optical image forming unit, according to the detection signal having the low frequency components cut off by the filter circuit, to thereby improve the image stabilization characteristic, which is apt to be degraded on the telephoto side of the optical image forming system of the optical image forming unit.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus having an image sensor for capturing an image \and for transferring such image to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter which produces a digital image signal representative of the captured image is disclosed. The electronic imaging apparatus comprises an analog section including circuitry for producing an oscillator driven clock signal, a timing generator for controlling the operation of the image sensor and the A/D converter, and circuitry responsive to the oscillator driven clock signal for producing a master clock signal. The electronic imaging apparatus further includes a digital processing section including a control processor responsive to the master clock signal for producing a plurality of image sensor control signals; and the timing generator being responsive to the image sensor control signals and the oscillator driven clock signal for producing timing signals to control the operation of the image sensor and the A/D converter.

Abstract: An image 2 from a digital camera is modified by employing the output from an auto exposure setting stage 1 in an image processing step 3 to provide an enhanced processed image 4 as a function of said output.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a camera with an image recording mode switching function capable of assuredly preventing the generation of a hunting upon switching the image recording mode.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the N components of an N component colour signal (such as the 3 components of an RGB colour signal) with respect to colour temperature of illuminating light when imaging a coloured subject, comprising the step of computing the difference between each of the components of the colour signal for different temperatures of illuminating light, using an algorithm based on the spectral sensitivity of the imaging means and Planck's equation defining black body illumination to obtain N components whose values are independent of the colour temperature of the illuminating light. Normalisation of the adjusted values renders the values independent of intensity of illumination and can also reduce the processing time for further processing of the signals. A technique for compensating for gamma correction which is commonly built in cameras, is disclosed.

Abstract: In a CMOS image sensor, it is important to control the exposure time or gain. For varying changes in ambient light, the exposure time of the array must be changed. The present invention describes a method for controlling the exposure time or gain to ensure a smooth and fast change in the brightness of the obtained image. If the exposure time is the be decremented or incremented, then the gain control is increased or decreased, respectively to smooth out the changes in image brightness. This substantially reduces image flicker.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus for accurately determining a position of a main subject on an image. The image capturing apparatus for capturing a subject includes an image pick-up unit for capturing a preliminary image and a final image; a main subject recognition unit for recognizing a main subject from the subject on the preliminary image; and a main subject position determination unit for determining a position of the main subject on the final image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sharpness improvement apparatus of an image signal which improves a sharpness of an analogue image signal so as to display a clear image. A display device which displays an inputted image signal on a screen can display a clear image with a digital sharpness improvement apparatus which realizes a sharpness of the image signal into a digital method by improving a degradation phenomenon of a signal generated at an analogue image processing into a simple digital circuit.

Abstract: A structure and method for producing color filters with a protective silation layer is described. In one embodiment, each filter is coated with a silation layer to prevent bleeding of material between closely spaced filters during the fabrication process. In a second embodiment, the silation layer is used to protect an array of filters from physical damage during detaping operations. In a third embodiment, the silation layer is used before fabrication later filters in a color filter array to prevent damage to previous filter layers.

Abstract: A handheld computing and digital image capturing device is physically and electrically integrated. Such a device shares hardware and computing power to provide a versatile item that can be carried with a user to provide the expected computer functions and an image capturing capability. Such a device has the capability of integrating images from the image capturing function into documents created in the handheld computer. Additionally, such an image capturing device can be coupled to an external computer without an intervening cable.

Abstract: A digital imaging device having a retractable lens may be turned off or on with the lens in the extended position, thereby saving battery power and facilitating rapid response to picture taking opportunities. The power saving and rapid response mode may be activated via a menu option, a predetermined gesture involving the power button, an alternative control element, or other suitable means.

Abstract: A light-converging optical system has an objective lens arranged at a position to be opposite to an optical information recording medium and including at least one plastic lens, and an aberration correcting element provided on an optical path between the light source and the objective lens and structured by two groups of a positive lens and a negative lens both being a plastic lens.

Abstract: Camera systems are often built up from a base station, a detachable cable, and a camera.

Abstract: A digital camera capable of optimizing the circuit board disposition in a relationship with other parts when an optical system having refracting means for refracting the subject light is adopted, comprising: a body having a shape being flat in a subject direction when photographing; a refracting optical system having refracting means for refracting incident light from a subject in a direction vertical to the subject direction of the body; a power source portion supplying power to the image forming apparatus; and a circuit board disposed so as not to overlap with the refracting optical system and the power source portion in a direction of a thickness in the subject direction of the body.

Abstract: An audio/video system (100) is capable of introducing variable amounts of delay into a signal path so as to properly synchronize two signals, such a video signal and a corresponding audio signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, the audio/video system (100) includes first circuitry (50) for applying a first delay to a first digital signal. Second circuitry (80) applies a variable second delay to a second digital signal to time align the second digital signal relative to the first digital signal. The second circuitry (80) includes an addressable memory (84) for selectively storing the second digital signal and for outputting the second digital signal on a first-in, first-out basis to apply the variable second delay to the second digital signal.

Abstract: An auto-configurable video deserializer with embedded audio support includes a video core, a clock generator and an audio core. The video core receives a serial video signal of an unknown video standard, converts the serial video signal into a parallel video signal, and decodes the parallel video signal to identify the unknown video standard and generate one or more auto-configuration signals. The clock generator generates an audio clock signal. The audio core is coupled to the video core and the clock generator, and receives the parallel video signal and one or more auto-configuration signals from the video core and receives the audio clock signal from the clock generator. The audio core uses the auto-configuration signal(s) to automatically locate and extract audio data from within ancillary space of the parallel video signal and synchronizes the extracted audio data with the audio clock signal to generate an audio output signal.

Abstract: Television receivers receieve a television signal and downconvert the television signal to generate a complex baseband signal. The complex baseband signal is differeniated and then integrated to reduce a direct current (DC) offset in the complex baseband signal. The television receiever may include a periodic known information field. The known information field is correlated with the integrated signal to determine a residual offset therein that is associated with a constant used in integrating the differentiated complex baseband signal. The residual offset is substracted from this constant when integrating the differeniated complex baseband signal.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus for temporarily stopping reproduction of an accumulation image automatically when a display mode for displaying a broadcast image (image obtained from a broadcast wave) and the accumulation image (image obtained from a storage medium) is switched to a display mode for displaying only the broadcast image, and automatically resuming the reproduction of the accumulation image when the display mode for displaying only the broadcast image is switched to the display mode for displaying the broadcast image and the accumulation image.

Abstract: A data broadcasting receiver apparatus includes a receiver for receiving image data of the image of an object and size information relating to the object, transmitted through data broadcasting, an input unit for inputting screen information relating to a display screen of a display, a scaling unit for determining a scale factor of the object image based on the screen information input by the input unit and the size information received by the receiver so that the object image is displayed on the display at a predetermined size, and a display control unit for controlling the display to display the object image expanded or contracted at the scale factor determined by the scaling unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a video-signal, for instance a TV-signal for transmitting via the broadcasting system which is adapted to represent a scene for transmitting via the broadcasting system and which is adapted to reproduce in the scene a part-image which fills a part of the image and which is independent of the scene, wherein the part-image represents an advertising message. This structure provides the option of presenting such a form of advertising instead of an identification symbol of a broadcaster or in addition to such a symbol. The part-image will of course provide only a limited area. It is therefore only possible here to present an identification symbol or logo, brand or the like. In view of the fact that many advertisers only seek brand awareness. this does not have to form a problem per se. According to a first preferred embodiment the part-image is placed in a corner of the image.

Abstract: A method and system for triggering, composing, and displaying presentations of a live event, such as a sporting event. Prior to the event, data characterizing a set of triggering events and data characterizing a set of layout rotations is stored. Each layout rotation includes one or more layouts, and each of the layout rotations is associated with one of the triggering events. During the live event, instances of the triggering events are detected, at which time the associated layout rotation is automatically initiated.

Abstract: A flicker correction apparatus for correcting a flicker component of an image signal obtained by imaging an object using an imaging device is provided. The apparatus comprises an image average calculation section for calculating an average of the image signal, a flicker frequency calculation section for calculating a flicker frequency, a flicker data extraction section for extracting flicker data using the average of the image signal and the flicker frequency, a flicker determination section for determining the presence or absence of a flicker phenomenon using the flicker data, a flicker correction amount calculation section for calculating a flicker correction amount using the flicker data, and a flicker correction section for removing the flicker component of the image data using the flicker correction amount.

Abstract: A digital video interface device interfaces a digital video signal transmitted from a first, source, digital video processing device to a plurality of second digital video processing devices. The digital video interface device receives a digital video signal having a transition minimized differential signaling (TMDS) format, translates the received digital video signal to a second signaling format, buffers the translated digital video signal to produce a plurality of substantially identical buffered translated digital video signals, and translates each of the plurality of substantially identical buffered translated digital video signals back to the TMDS format.