Abstract: The object protection device (M) has an imaging sensor (1) for generating images of an object to be protected and its environment and evaluation electronics (2) for evaluating these images. The evaluation electronics (2) are provided in situ or on the sensor (1) and together with it form an autonomous device (M). Evaluation of the images takes place locally, and in normal cases there is no transfer of the images to a central unit (6). The imaging sensor (1) is formed by a CMOS camera and the evaluation electronics (2) are integrated therein or connected thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle video system includes a small camera in the passenger area that uses illumination in the non-visible spectrum to illuminate the passenger area. The vehicle video system records video information on a digital video recorder that uses digital media such as a hard disk drive, recordable CD (CD-R), rewritable CD (CR-RW), or writable Digital Video Disc (DVD). The vehicle video system includes a local wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth-compatible interface, that automatically connects to a compatible device in the parking area of the vehicle that is coupled to a database. In this manner, the digital video information collected by the vehicle video system is automatically transferred to the database when the vehicle is parked, removing the need for any human intervention for the logging and cataloging of video tapes.

Abstract: A video monitoring system using daisy chain is disclosed. A video monitoring system uses daisy chain, which can display more than four divided screens on one display screen with a simple configuration of the video monitoring system by bypassing video signals captured by a plurality of video cameras through many stages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring service process using a communication network, in which monitoring data from a monitoring zone is transmitted to a monitoring center using a communication network and is stored therein. After stored monitoring data is transmitted to a place specified when an event occurs. The monitoring data can be analyzed. This process includes registering the monitoring sites with the monitoring service center; transmitting monitoring data to the monitoring service center; receiving the monitoring data from the monitoring sites, classifying the monitoring data according to the monitoring sites and storing the classified monitoring data; and notifying an event's occurrence to a manager of a corresponding monitoring site and transmitting the monitoring data to a place specified when an event occurs. Since the monitoring data is stored in a secure place rather than in the actual monitoring spot, breakage or destruction of the monitoring data can be prevented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building up a database of known faces in a digital imaging device is disclosed. The database of known faces allows the names of the people captured in the image to be added to the meta-data of the image file. The digital imaging device will ask the user to identify unknown people captured in an image.

Abstract: A class of measurement devices can be made available using a family of projection patterns and image processing and computer vision algorithms. The proposed system involves a camera system, one or more structured light source, or a special pattern that is already drawn on the object under measurement. The camera system uses computer vision and image processing techniques to measure the real length of the projected pattern. The method can be extended to measure the volumes of boxes, or angles on planar surfaces.

Abstract: DSC 60 collects operation information representing an operation state of DSC, (for example, a total number of times that photographing is carried out, numbers of uses of each of various kinds of photographing modes, and a number of uses of a flash) and the collected information is recorded in a recording medium. The operation information is read out from the recording medium when a customer requests a DPE-request accepting shop for photographic processing, transferred to a data center through a communication network, and stored in a photograph-related information DB. A camera manufacturer regularly receives from a data center operation information corresponding to DSC which is manufactured by the camera manufacturer. The received operation information is tabulated for each model of DSC for analysis and used for improvement of DSC and development of a next generation model of DSC.

Abstract: A print roll for use in a camera imaging system said print roll having a backing surface having a plurality of formatted postcard information printed at pre-determined intervals.

Abstract: A camera and method for the creation of texturing effects in output images. The camera includes a sensor for sensing an image and a texture mapper for adding texturing effects to the sensed image to produce a textured image. The camera also includes a display for displaying the textured image.

Abstract: An Internet-enabled photographing system includes a photographing module that, when activated, records an image. A code generator generates and associates an identifying code with the image. An output module notifies the user of the photographing system the identifying code. A server allows external access to the image with the identifying code via the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the recording of moving images by means of a portable communication device, such as a videophone. The communication device includes a main device (101), comprising a video camera (105). Furthermore, an accessory device (102), such as a headset, is also associated with the main device (101) and co-located with a relevant object (103). The video camera (105) records an original image of the relevant object (103). At least one tracking point (107a) is located on the accessory device (102) and at least one automatic tracking sensor (108a-108c) responsive to the at least one tracking point is located on the main device (101). The main device (101) further comprises a tracking data generator, which receives signals from the automatic tracking sensor(s) (108a-108c) and generates in response thereto tracking data representing a target direction (104) between the main device (101) and the accessory device (102).

Abstract: A direct sequence spread spectrum approach to wireless video transmissions is utilized. This approach provides a lowered spectral power density and also can provide scrambling of the video signal. By providing lower spectral power density the transmitter portion of the invention can operate at higher radio frequency output power levels while remaining in compliance with government regulation for unlicensed use. For example, in the United States, the Federal Communications Commission Part 15 rules allow for higher total conducted output power as long as the spectral power density is limited to +8 dBm for any 3 KHz bandwidth within the allocated band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable terminal provided with a camera to take a picture of a subject comprised of a lens, and an image pickup device. The invention is aimed to provide a portable terminal in which a mirror image or information about photographing status is displayed on a first display which can be seen from the object side when an object is photographed using the portable terminal, and the image is displayed on a second display which can be seen from the to-be-taken subject so that a person to be photographed can easily check his/her image or photographing status. To this end, the first display is provided on the surface on which the lens is provided and the second display is provided on a side different from the side on which the lens is provided. Provision is made of a display unit that displays the image, photographed by directing the lens to the subject, on the first and the second displays.

Abstract: In a method of obtaining an extended dynamic range image of a scene from a plurality of limited dynamic range images captured by an image sensor in a digital camera, a plurality of digital images comprising image pixels of the scene are captured by exposing the image sensor to light transmitted from the scene, wherein light transmittance upon the image sensor is adjustable. Each image is evaluated after it is captured for an illumination level exceeding the limited dynamic range of the image for at least some of the image pixels. Based on the evaluation of each image exceeding the limited dynamic range, the light transmittance upon the image sensor is adjusted in order to obtain a subsequent digital image having a different scene brightness range. The plurality of digital images are stored, and subsequently the stored digital images are processed to generate a composite image having an extended dynamic range greater than any of the digital images by themselves.

Abstract: An electronic still camera includes an imaging unit for performing a photon-to-electron conversion on an incident optical image so as to generate picture data, a weather information determination unit for determining weather information when taking a picture, and a control unit for storing the picture data generated by the imaging unit in a storage unit, for storing the weather information determined by the weather information determination unit in the storage unit, and for reading the picture data and the weather information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A super-resolution enhanced image generating system is described for generating a super-resolution-enhanced image from an image of a scene, identified as image g0, comprising a base image and at least one other image gi, the system comprising an initial super-resolution enhanced image generator, an image projector module and a super-resolution enhanced image estimate update generator module. The initial super-resolution enhanced image generator module is configured to use the image g0 to generate a super-resolution enhanced image estimate. The image projector module is configured to selectively use a warping, a blurring and/or a decimation operator associated with the image gi to generate a projected super-resolution enhanced image estimate. The super-resolution enhanced image estimate update generator module is configured to use the input image gi and the super-resolution enhanced image estimate to generate an updated super-resolution enhanced image estimate.

Abstract: A dc level control method for holding a dc level of a clamp portion in an electric signal to be a prescribed value is disclosed, wherein the method comprises the steps of: comparing a dc level of a sampling interval in said electric signal with a predetermined reference value to obtain a difference between said dc level and said reference value using an A/D converting section for dc level comparison which has a lower bit resolution than an A/D converting section for digital signal processing of said electric signal; and feeding back a clamp signal to said electric signal so that said obtained difference between said dc level and said reference value substantially becomes zero. This method is suitable for applying to a signal processing system for a solid state imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging device has a zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to continuously optically zoom by varying distances between the lens unit; and an image sensor converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system to an electric signal. The zoom lens system has from an object side, a first lens unit being overall negative and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; and a second lens unit disposed with a variable air distance from the first lens unit, and having an optical power, and wherein at least one lens element made of resin is included in the entire lens system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an auto-exposure power-saving device, which comprises an image brightness calculation unit for calculating the brightness value of an image. A maximal tolerable brightness value and a minimal tolerable brightness value both set by a CPU of a digital still camera (DSC) are inputted to a first comparator and a second comparator. The first comparator is used to compare the image brightness value with the maximal tolerable brightness value and then output a first comparison signal. The second comparator is used to compare the image brightness value with the minimal tolerable brightness value and then output a second comparison signal. The CPU is then activated or not according to the first or second comparison signals. The present invention has the power-saving advantage and a longer lifetime of use.

Abstract: A method for controlling exposure of an image-capturing apparatus via a shutter by operating a switch associated with the shutter is disclosed. Firstly, a first triggering signal is asserted in response to an enabling operation on the switch to open the shutter. Then, a second triggering signal is asserted in response to the enabling operation on the switch to close the opened shutter. Preferably, the method further comprises a step of automatically closing the shutter when a predetermined time period is up since the first triggering signal has been asserted and before the second triggering signal is asserted.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a mode setting member which allows a shooting mode to be selected from a plurality of shooting modes, a first trigger member for shooting still images, and a second trigger member for shooting motion images. The mode setting member makes at least a first shooting mode and second shooting mode available. In the first shooting mode, a still image is shot by causing a first light emitter to emit light continuously when a first operation signal from the first trigger member is detected and causing the first light emitter to stop emitting light and causing a second light emitter to emit light when a second operation signal from the first trigger member is detected. In the second shooting mode, when an operation signal from the second trigger member is detected, moving images are started to be shot while a first light emitter keeps emitting light continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting whether an image signal is in a film mode, includes a first field buffer, a second field buffer and a third field buffer that sequentially buffer respective fields of the image signal by order of input, using the respective fields stored in the first, the second and the third field buffers.

Abstract: A ratio between an aspect ratio of a digital image signal and an aspect ratio of a display device is converted and a presence image part 2 of digital image data decoded by a digital image signal demodulating part is compressed laterally and is shifted to the center of an image area 1 made of the aspect ratio of the digital image signal and then an absence image part 3 is used as side panels 4 and digital image data made of the aspect ratio of the digital image signal is formed and outputted. Thus, even when the display device converts an image by a lateral uniform expansion method, a display image without lateral expansion can be outputted on a display screen.

Abstract: A caption extraction device is provided that is able to provide caption information itself embedded in video contents, and use this caption information to support the activities of physically challenged persons and so forth. A caption extraction device that extracts caption information from video signals is provided with a caption extraction unit which extracts superimposed captions from video signals actually broadcast or played back, a character recognition unit which recognizes character strings contained in the superimposed captions which have been extracted on a real-time basis, and outputs character information containing character codes corresponding to the recognized character strings, and a display unit which displays the character strings contained in the superimposed captions based on the character information.

Abstract: System and method for obscuring a portion of a displayed image. A method includes displaying a menu which allows a viewer to specify screen blocking criteria. The screen blocking criteria are received, and a portion of a viewable screen image that typically includes crawling text is obscured or blocked from view based on the screen blocking criteria. The method may be implemented in a television, set top box or similar device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for signal processing in a digital video system. The apparatus for signal processing of a digital video system has: an input unit to receive a signal quantized for M bits; and an output unit to output a value of A for (2M-N−B)times and a value of A+1 for B times during vertical scan of 2M-N times when a decimal value of high N bits is A and a decimal value of low bits of (M-N) excluding N bits is B and M>N. Accordingly, as an image signal quantized with a greater number of bits is displayed on a screen with a lesser number of bits, the quality of a picture can be improved.

Abstract: An information handling system is disclosed which employs non-linear brightness steps to make it appear to the user that brightness steps from minimum to maximum brightness and maximum to minimum brightness are substantially the same with respect to brightness change from step to step. Prior systems employed brightness steps which incremented brightness levels substantially linearly from brightness level to brightness level. Unfortunately such linear systems leave the user with the impression that there is very little change in brightness from step to step as maximum brightness is approached. In one disclosed embodiment, the information handling system employs brightness steps which change the brightness level by an approximately fixed percentage of brightness as the brightness level is changed from step to step.

Abstract: A graphics controller for flicker filtering interlaced image data is provided. The graphics controller includes a buffer and a memory region. A flicker filter for reducing a flicker of a display presented through an interlaced scan is also provided. The flicker filter is configured to receive interlaced image data prior to any received image data being stored in the memory region. The flicker filter outputs filtered data defining a pixel. The filtered data is stored in the memory region such that two pixels can be output in one memory access to the memory region. Flicker filter enabling circuitry in communication with the buffer is provided. The flicker filter enabling circuitry is configured to supply an even segment and a corresponding odd segment of the interlaced image data to the flicker filter. An apparatus and methods for processing and storing image data having an interlaced format are also provided.

Abstract: A false contour correcting apparatus is capable of removing a false contour in an image based on a digital image signal while avoiding such a side effect caused by false contour correction where noises negatively effecting the display occur on a screen. Therefore, in the false contour correcting apparatus according, a double bit change detection circuit detects as a double bit change a signal value change which is twice a minimum quantization unit in a digital image signal, and outputs a double bit change detection signal representing the position of the double bit change. A signal correction circuit corrects the double bit change in the digital image signal into two one-bit changes on the basis of the double bit change detection signal. Consequently, a false contour corresponding to a portion where the double bit change exists is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for adaptive compensation of chrominance, aiming at the optimization of colors of electronic images. The invention includes the experimental data obtained when the best viewing effects are achieved, the division of color-gamut cells according to visual characteristics, the preset compensation characteristics that have different amplifications for different color-gamut cells, the real-time recognition of color-gamut cells that the signals belong to, and appropriate compensation that is done according to the color-gamut cells. The characteristic of the compensation is that each pixel gets its own amplification dynamically, which makes the dominant wavelength, chroma and relative brightness of all the image colors meet the requirement of best self-adaptive color reproduction automatically. As a result, colorful images with high qualities can be acquired.

Abstract: A scene change detector includes first and second frame buffers individually storing two image frame data to detect a scene change, a first and a second color space conversion units converting the image frame data stored in the first and second frame buffers into predetermined first and second color signals and outputting the first and second color signals to first and second histogram detection units, respectively, first and second histogram detection units calculating histograms from the color signals converted at first and second color space conversion units, a cross correlation coefficient calculation unit calculating a correlation value between a first histogram calculated at the first histogram detection unit and a second histogram calculated at the second histogram detection unit, and a decision unit outputting a scene change signal by comparing a value calculated at the cross correlation coefficient calculation unit with a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver with a noise suppressing function which can effectively suppress noise components included in a reception signal without being accompanied with an auditory uneasiness for the user. A level of noises included in the reception signal is detected, one or more of a plurality of noise suppressing circuits of different functions are properly combined in accordance with a situation of the detection, and a noise suppressing process is executed. The combination is changed step by step in accordance with the noise level. In another example, the control is made on the basis of an attenuation value of a reception field intensity.

Abstract: A communications receiver receives a signal which has not been filtered by a matched pulse shaping filter. In the receiver, a circuit element processes the received signal and as a part of that process introduces additional linear distortion into the processed received signal. A matched filter, coupled to the circuit element, generates a fully matched filtered signal compensated for the distortion intrinsic to the received signal pulse shape and the distortion introduced by the circuit element.

Abstract: A television receiver uses a remote control device, as is well known. The television receiver receives and processes more than one channel of information simultaneously. The receiver is enabled for transmitting one channel of this information using wave energy. The remote and receiver communicate using this wave energy so that the remote can select which channel is to be displayed on the receiver, but also so that the remote is able to direct the receiver to transmit a second channel of information to the remote where it is displayed. Therefore, the remote is able to scan and review alternate channel choices while viewing a previously selected channel on the receiver. When an alternate channel is desired, the remote may then direct the receiver to change channels.

Abstract: A display system may include an identifier configured to identify an image display condition associated with the display of an image produced by the display system, an apparatus configured to produce a plurality of differently colored images, and a display device. The images have color characteristics based on image information and the identified display condition. Differently colored images may be directed along associated portions of an optical path. The display device may be coupled to the apparatus and may be configured to display a color image formed of the differently colored images.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling CRT focusing in a television, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for separately controlling focusing of R, G, and B cathode ray tubes in a television using a triple tube type optical system based on a digital method. The apparatus includes a memory, a controller, and an R/G/B focusing correction signal generator. The memory stores focusing correction data of R, G, and B cathode ray tubes for a position of a screen. The controller reads and outputs the focusing correction data of the R, G, and B cathode ray tubes from the memory for the position of the screen, based on horizontal and vertical synchronization signals. The R/G/B focusing correction signal generator calculates the focusing correction data of the R, G, and B cathode ray tubes read from the memory and generates R, G, and B analog focusing correction signals that will be applied to R, G, and B coils.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image misconvergence correction apparatus having a correction value generation unit for calculating a convergence correction value to correct misconvergence occurring when a video signal is scanned on a display device; an amplification unit for performing D-class amplification with respect to the convergence correction value; a convergence yoke mounted in the display device to control a path of electron beams corresponding to the video signal based on the convergence correction value amplified in the amplification unit; and a feedback sensing unit for differentially amplifying a voltage value for electric current passing through the convergence yoke, and feeding back the differentially amplified voltage value to the correction value generation unit.

Abstract: A color video projection display system having an improved contrast ratio is disclosed. At least one reflective or transmissive panel, e.g., a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) panel, is arranged within the system to receive incident light of one or more designated colors via an input optical path. The reflective or transmissive panel modulates the incident light in accordance with corresponding applied signals, and the resulting modulated light is further processed via an output optical path to generate a viewable display. At least one low-retardance film is arranged within one of (i) the input optical path of the system between an input optical path polarizer and the panel, and (ii) the output optical path of the system between the panel and an output optical path polarizer, so as to increase a contrast ratio of the viewable display. The invention can be implemented in single-panel or multi-panel configurations.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes an insulating substrate, gate and data lines formed on the substrate to define pixel areas, or collectively a display area. Gate signal interconnection wires are formed at a corner portion of the substrate outside the display area to transmit gate electrical signals, and provided with gate signal interconnection lines and first and second gate signal interconnection pads connected to both ends of the gate signal interconnection lines. A gate insulating layer, and a protective layer are further formed on the substrate, and provided with first and second contact holes exposing the first and second gate signal interconnection pads. Gate and data signal transmission films are attached to the substrate, and provided with first and second gate signal leads and first and second gate signal wires. The first and second gate signal leads are connected to the first and second gate signal interconnection pads through the first and second contact holes.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display has a first substrate formed with a picture character pixel electrode for displaying a picture character represented by a fixed pattern, a second substrate formed with a common electrode opposite to the picture character pixel electrode, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate. The picture character pixel electrode is formed on an interlayer insulating film, and is connected to a picture character signal electrode formed below the interlayer insulating film through a plurality of contact holes formed through the interlayer insulating film.

Abstract: An active matrix substrate for an LCD device. The transparent substrate has gate lines, source lines, gate pads and source pads, a light-curable low-k (low dielectric constant) protection layer, and pixel electrodes located on the light-curable low-k protection layer. The horizontal gate lines, the vertical source lines, and thin film transistors (TFTs) disposed in the area where the gates lines and the source lines cross, are all located on the transparent substrate. The gate pads are located at the ends of the gate lines, and the source pads are located at the ends of the source lines. The light-curable low-k protection layer has contact openings exposing only the surfaces of drain electrodes of TFTs, and protects the source pads and the gate pads. Each pixel electrode formed on the light-curable low-k protection layer defines each pixel region, and the pixel electrodes overlap portions of the source lines and the gate lines.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes an active matrix substrate; a counter substrate; and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate. The active matrix substrate includes a plate; a thin film transistor provided on the plate; and a side light shielding layer for covering at least a portion of a side surface of the thin film transistor.

Abstract: A light source and a liquid crystal display are separated by a transparent, color graphic to simulate a color liquid crystal display. The light source preferably produces a substantially white light, as is available by cascading materials, and includes discrete or diffuse sources. The liquid crystal display is preferably positive (black on white) rather than negative to reveal more of the graphic. With an EL light source, the graphic can be printed on the transparent substrate of the EL lamp. In liquid crystal displays having a transflective layer, the transflective layer can be located between the light source and the graphic layer.

Abstract: A liquid display device of D-STN mode capable of suppressing a line-shaped ununiformity of brightness in displaying a dark appearance is presented.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for preparing photo-patterned mono- or polychromatic, polarizing films. The polarizer can be pixelated into a number of small regions wherein some of the regions have one orientation of the principal neutral or color absorbing axis; and some other of the said regions have another orientation of the principal neutral or color absorbing axis. The axis orientation is determined by the polarization vector of actinic radiation and the multi-axes orientation is possible by a separated masked exposure. This polarizer can be placed on the interior substrate surface of the LCD cell.

Abstract: A LCD device prevents the color irregularities (e.g., the red-color irregularity) from occurring without complicating the fabrication processes of a color filter. Switching elements are formed on a first substrate. A color layer is formed on a second substrate. The color layer has a red sublayer, a green sublayer, and a blue sublayer. A liquid-crystal layer is located between the first and second substrates The second substrate includes no electrodes formed in such a way as to be located on a side nearer to the liquid-crystal layer with respect to the color layer. A green-coloring composition forming the green sublayer contains a pigment having a copper phthalocyanine skeleton. A ratio in weight of the pigment with respect to the green-coloring composition is equal to or less than approximately 27%.

Abstract: When a backlight 15 is turned on in a dark environment, white light emerging from the surface of a light guide plate 15b passes through a polarizer 12 and a retardation film 14, enters the interior of the liquid crystal cell, passes through openings of reflective electrodes 7, and is introduced into a liquid crystal layer 3. The light introduced into the liquid crystal layer 3 passes through a color filter 5, emerges from the liquid crystal cell, and passes through the retardation film 13 and the polarizer 11 towards the exterior. In a lighted environment, the light incident on the polarizer 11 passes through the liquid crystal layer 3, is reflected by the reflective electrode 7, and passes through the polarizer 11 again and is emitted towards the exterior.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes first and second substrates facing and spaced apart from each other; a first polarizing film on an outer surface of the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; a backlight unit under the second substrate; and a cholesteric liquid crystal polarizing film between the second substrate and the backlight unit, the cholesteric liquid crystal polarizing film having a first portion adjacent to the backlight unit, a second portion adjacent to an outer surface of the second substrate and a third portion between the first and second portions, the first and second portions respectively having first and second pitches, the third portion having a third pitch having a value between the first and second pitches.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes: first and second substrates facing and spaced apart from each other; a retardation layer on an outer surface of the first substrate; a linear polarizing layer on the retardation layer; a cholesteric liquid crystal color filter (CCF) layer on an inner surface of the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the CCF layer; a first cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) polarizing layer on an outer surface of the second substrate, the first CLC polarizing layer having a first helical pitch of a first circular polarization direction; a second cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) polarizing layer on the first CLC layer, the second CLC polarizing layer having a second helical pitch of a second circular polarization direction opposite to the first circular polarization direction; and a backlight unit outside the second CLC layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent polymer support, a photo-alignment layer, an anisotropic layer comprising a nematic liquid crystal, and located between the support and the photo-alignment layer, an impermeable barrier layer. The invention also provides a process for making such compensators.