Patents Issued in May 6, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040085425
    Abstract: A printing device comprising a plurality of drums each arranged to support a print media sheet, said device being arranged to transport said drums in a predetermined order around a closed path comprising a plurality of print positions, said device being arranged to print at each print position with a different inkjet print bar, said device being further arranged to rotate a drum located in a print position relative to said corresponding print bar to allow said print bar to incrementally print over the surface of a sheet supported on said drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Richard H. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040085426
    Abstract: A combination input and output tray assembly for supplying and receiving elongated sheets of media for use with a printing device includes a first tray generally aligned with an input port of the printing device, the first tray receiving and supporting at least one elongated sheet of media to be processed by the printing device. A second tray overlies and is connected to the first tray, the second tray being generally aligned with an output port of the printing device, so that an elongated sheet of media discharged from the output port is received on and supported by the second tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Oki Data Americas, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Cuyler
  • Publication number: 20040085427
    Abstract: A paper guide used in an ink-jet printer. The paper guide for the ink-jet printer includes a plurality of first guide ribs which protrude on the paper guide to face a front-half swath of a printhead and forms a predetermined interval therebetween, and a plurality of second guide ribs which protrude on the paper guide to face a rear half-swath of the printhead and forms an interval therebetween to be wider than the interval between the first guide ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., LTD
    Inventor: Seung-Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20040085428
    Abstract: An inkjet printer includes a housing that defines a receiving formation for a media tray assembly. A chassis is positioned in the housing. A media tray assembly is displaceably engageable with the chassis to permit the tray assembly to be received in, and withdrawn from, the receiving formation. The media tray assembly and the housing define a print medium feed path. The media tray assembly includes a media tray in which a stack of print medium sheets can be stored. A feed mechanism is positioned on the media tray to feed the sheets from the tray. A printhead assembly is positioned downstream of the media tray to carry out a printing operation on the sheets as the sheets are fed from the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20040085429
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting device includes a liquid ejecting head for moving in a first direction and ejecting droplets, a fixation medium supply device for transporting a fixation medium in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a platen for supporting the fixation medium horizontally in the move range of the liquid ejecting head, and a liquid absorbing member for absorbing the droplets and being positioned so as to be opposed to a move path of the liquid ejecting head. A plurality of first through holes are formed in the liquid absorbing member so as to gather the droplets absorbed in the liquid absorbing member, and are placed in at least either of both end areas of the liquid absorbing member in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Morikoshi
  • Publication number: 20040085430
    Abstract: A hand held inkjet pen includes a housing, an ink reservoir, an inkjet printhead and a spacer. The ink reservoir is located within the housing. The inkjet printhead is located toward a distal end of the housing, and includes a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink received from the reservoir. The spacer is located at the distal end of the housing for contacting a media sheet. Force applied to the spacer selects an on state for controlling ejection of ink from the plurality of nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Saksa, Grant K. Garner
  • Publication number: 20040085431
    Abstract: Provided is a small-sized electrophotographic apparatus for which maintenance such as disposal of a jam of sheets, replacement of consumables including toner, or replacement of components to be periodically replaced can be facilitated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Asuwa, Toru Miyasaka, Taichiro Yamashita, Masahiro Yagi, Shintaro Yamada
  • Publication number: 20040085432
    Abstract: A multi-color development thermal printer develops simultaneously magenta, cyan, and black using a line-type thermal head on a recording medium, which develops magenta at a low temperature, cyan at an intermediate temperature, and black at a high temperature. One line's worth of first two-color development bit data for developing magenta and black, and one line's worth of second two-color development bit data for developing cyan and black, are generated based on one line's worth of three-color development bit data. During a period required for a recording operation of one line by the line-type thermal head, the line-type thermal head performs a first recording operation in accordance with one line's worth of the first two-color development bit data, and then a second recording operation in accordance with one line's worth of the second two-color development bit data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Uratani, Katsuyoshi Suzuki, Minoru Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040085433
    Abstract: In a color thermal printer, a thermal head has an array of heating elements, arranged in a main scan direction, for thermal recording to respectively pixels on thermosensitive recording material. The recording material is moved relative to the thermal head in a sub scan direction crosswise to the main scan direction, to record an image to the recording material according to image data. The recording material includes two lateral edges, opposed to each other, for extending in the sub scan direction. In the thermal printer, the image is recorded in a region extending to the two lateral edges on the recording material according to the image data. Density of two edge portions of the image disposed along the two lateral edges are lowered by processing the image data, to prevent occurrence of scorch on the two lateral edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Otaka, Tetsuya Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20040085434
    Abstract: A thermal printer includes a thermal head which extends in a main scan direction. Feeder rollers move thermal recording paper relative to the thermal head in a sub scan direction, for image recording to the recording paper in a surface recording manner. In the thermal printer, at least one position detector includes a contact lever, rotatable about a rotational center. There is an edge contact surface for being pressed by a lateral edge of the recording paper. An encoding panel projects from the contact lever and away from the recording paper, and is shiftable in response to rotation of the contact lever. A detection pattern is formed on the encoding panel, and extends in a shifting direction thereof. An encoding sensor of two-phase outputting encoding is disposed in a shifting path of the detection pattern, for photoelectrically detecting a shifted position of the detection pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junji Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040085435
    Abstract: A microfluidic filter has a pleated filter structure having a plurality of pores through the structure. The pleated filter can be either an open loop or a closed loop pleated structure. The pore structure of the pleated filter is formed by laser ablation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Andrews, Bradley J. Gerner
  • Publication number: 20040085436
    Abstract: An optical image amplifier comprising a copper bromide laser (10) to provide a source of optical radiation, an optical amplifier (18) for amplifying the optical radiation recived from the laser (10), an optical image forming device (16) located intermediate the laser (10) and optical amplifier (18) for forming an image to spatially modulate the output of the laser (10), and optical focusing means (22) located at the output of the optical amplifier for translating the image or a portion thereof to a surface to be illuminated (30). The system increases the efficiency of irradiation of photo-sensitive films, used for example in the manufacture of integrated circuits and printed circuit boards using laser direct imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Norseld Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Eric Davis
  • Publication number: 20040085437
    Abstract: The image recording apparatus scans a heat mode recording material with a light beam modulated in accordance with image information, to thereby record an image on the heat mode recording material. The apparatus includes an unit for generating a modulated signal, an unit for generating an additional signal at a timing of at least one of rising and falling of the modulated signal and a unit for generating a drive signal by adding the additional signal to the modulated. The image forming method and apparatus scan a photosensitive material with the light beam to record an image, and a power of the light beam is set to a power of a level at which a recording line width or a recording dot size, which is determined depending upon a threshold value for the photosensitive material to blacken, is substantially fixed even if defocus occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuto Sumi, Akiko Ohno, Daisuke Nakaya, Yoshinori Katoh, Atsuko Shimizu, Hiroshi Matsuoka, Takayuki Uemura
  • Publication number: 20040085438
    Abstract: An electronic circuit is utilized to correct scan non-linearity of a raster output scanner. The circuit modulates a clock frequency to match a scan linearity error profile. Because it is a separate circuit, the exiting closed-loop clock generator does not need to be modified. The correction circuit synchronizes itself with the clock signal using a counter/subtractor phase detector, which ensures that the phase and frequency of the internal clock matches the phase and frequency of the master.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation.
    Inventors: Mehrdad Zomorrodi, Steven A. Buhler
  • Publication number: 20040085439
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an image printing apparatus which can print images without any halfway offset or obverse/reverse pixel offset at a low cost. An image printing apparatus includes a clock generating section which generates a dot clock as the basis of each pixel forming an image, an image printing section which prints a one-line image in a main scanning direction in accordance with image data with reference to the dot clock output from the clock generating section, and prints a one-page image by repeating in the sub-scanning direction one-line image printing performed in the main scanning direction, and a clock control section which changeably controls the frequency of the dot clock during scanning of one line in the main scanning direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Kouichi Takaki
  • Publication number: 20040085440
    Abstract: A dual-capture camera for capturing both digital and conventional images comprising: a housing having an inlet for receiving incident light; a mechanism for splitting the received incident light into two portions; an image sensor for sequentially capturing a plurality of digital images for forming a digital still image or digital video; and conventional film for receiving incident light from the beam splitter upon a predetermined criteria for capturing a conventional image having a time and date stamp; wherein, when the conventional image is date and time stamped, the digital image substantially corresponding in time to the captured conventional image is also date and time stamped with the same date and time stamp as the conventional image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Darius K. Fennell, Thomas M. Stephany
  • Publication number: 20040085441
    Abstract: Endoscopes comprise image pickup elements for picking up images and transmission circuits and the like for transmitting the picked up images with radio waves of different frequencies. In addition, bar codes to code the frequencies used for transmission are provided to the respective endoscopes, the bar code provided to the endoscope used in endoscope inspection is read on a receiver side, and a reception frequency of a station selection unit is set to the read frequency, so that a signal obtained by a desired endoscope can be easily received and imaged even in case a plurality of endoscopes are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junichi Onishi, Keisuke Miura, Kazuo Banju, Koji Yamauchi, Hiroyuki Ushifusa, Kazuhiro Gono, Taro Miyazawa, Tomoyasu Kawai, Katsumi Sasaki, Takeaki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040085442
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope including a CCD is detachably connected to a video processor. In the video processor, an output signal from the CCD is A/D converted, white balance is adjusted, an NTSC video signal from a post-process circuit is subjected to processing for generating a basic video signal to be outputted to a monitor, and an option substrate having a connector detachable to a connector for outputting a signal after AGC processing is attached thereto. Thus, user's desired function such as output to the monitor by emphasis processing can easily be realized by attaching the option substrate or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Susumu Kawata
  • Publication number: 20040085443
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for processing regions of interest for objects comprising biological material. A region of interest can be denoted for a physical object and information indicating the region of interest can be stored in a computer-readable medium for later retrieval. Subsequently, when the object is retrieved, the information indicating the region of interest can be used to generate information specifying a physical location within the region of interest. An operation can then be performed on the physical location within the region of interest. Reference pints within the object can assist in regeneration of the region of interest, and the reference points can be arranged in such a fashion that processing can take rotation of the object into account. The invention includes various features advantageous for constructing tissue microarrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Olli P Kallioniemi, Thomas J Pohida, John Karareka, Ghadi Hamdi Salem
  • Publication number: 20040085444
    Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes camera, control and display modules. The camera module includes a camera unit adapted to generate an image output, a first motor coupled to the camera unit for controlling movement of the camera unit in a first direction, and a second motor coupled to the camera unit for controlling movement of the camera unit in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The control module is coupled electrically to the camera module, and controls operation of the first and second motors and image capturing operation of the camera unit. The display module is coupled electrically to the camera unit for receiving the image output and for displaying images corresponding to the image output thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: PHOTIC ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jeffreyn Ho
  • Publication number: 20040085445
    Abstract: Disclosed is a video security system and a method for operating the system. The video security system includes a video camera including circuits for use encrypting data or inserting a security signal, thereby generating a secured video signal for transmission. The system further includes a receiving unit, which is configured to receive the transmitted secured video signal. The receiving unit includes circuits to decrypt any encrypted signals and/or to manipulate security signal to confirm that there is no hacking or interception during the transmission. The method for operation of the security system includes providing a usable video signal and processing the usable video signal to provide a secured video signal. The usable video signal is a video image signal for use in a display with substantially little or no signal processing. The secured video signal includes at least one of an encrypted signal and a security signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ho-sang Park
  • Publication number: 20040085446
    Abstract: Disclosed is a video security system and a method for operating the system. The video security system includes a video camera including circuits for use encrypting data or inserting a security signal, thereby generating a secured video signal for transmission. The system further includes a receiving unit, which is configured to receive the transmitted secured video signal. The receiving unit includes circuits to decrypt any encrypted signals and/or to manipulate security signal to confirm that there is no hacking or interception during the transmission. The method for operation of the security system includes providing a usable video signal and processing the usable video signal to provide a secured video signal. The usable video signal is a video image signal for use in a display with substantially little or no signal processing. The secured video signal includes at least one of an encrypted signal and a security signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ho-sang Park
  • Publication number: 20040085447
    Abstract: An on-vehicle image display apparatus comprises: plural cameras; display image creating means for compositing and cutting out a group of images taken by the respective cameras; and image display means; wherein the display image creating means cuts out images which compensate for blind spots of the respective cameras in imaging positions one another, from the plural images of the plural cameras, and composite the cut-out images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Noboru Katta, Toshihiko Kurosaki, Susumu Ibaraki
  • Publication number: 20040085448
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant detection system for acquiring digital images of a region containing a vehicle seat and applying processing of the images to detect the occupant status of the seat, wherein the images are photographed by infra-red light using a camera and infra-red light projection apparatus each located above and ahead of the seat location, whereby the images are unaffected by sunlight, vehicle headlights, or street lights, etc., enabling accurate status detection results to be acquired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Goto, Hironori Sato, Hisanaga Matsuoka, Yukihiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20040085449
    Abstract: An alarm system automatically monitors activity and directional motion in a predetermined area. When the system detects a particular movement in an area, an alarm is triggered that ultimately notifies a system operator or allows the system to initiate some other automated activity. The system detects movement by comparing changes in the center of mass of objects captured in sequential video image frames. In addition, filters may be added to decrease the number of false alarms. Specifically, the alarms may only be generated if the system detects movement in a particular direction and if the moving object detected by the video camera is of a particular size. The system comprises a video camera, video display, and processing unit. The processing unit comprises a bus interface that connects a central processor (CPU), computer memory (RAM and ROM), video processing unit, video output unit, and an input interface unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Advanced Technology Video, Inc.
    Inventors: Ed Millet, Charlene Kelley, Eric McRae
  • Publication number: 20040085450
    Abstract: A surveillance system for the entryway of a residence utilizes an existing peephole in a door to install a camera and utilizes the existing telephones in a residence to communicate from within the residence with an individual standing in the entryway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: John C. Stuart
  • Publication number: 20040085451
    Abstract: An image capture and viewing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an image capture system for providing an image of a subject. The image capture system includes a planar surface, a first camera, a second camera and a control module. The first camera is positioned to capture a first subject image of a subject positioned between the planar surface and the first camera. The second camera is spaced from the first camera. The second camera is positioned to capture a second subject image of the subject. The control module is configured to generate a synthesized image of the subject from a virtual view point using the relative positioning of the first camera, the second camera, and a planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Nelson Liang An Chang
  • Publication number: 20040085452
    Abstract: In a television receiver, when watching starting time for registered watching reserved information has come, a channel selected at present is a watching reserved channel, and an OSD image has been displayed on a display section, the television receiver stops the display of the OSD image and displays an image of a program which is being broadcasted in the watching reserved channel. This prevents a user from missing the watching reserved program owing to the fact that the user has watched an electronic program guide or a setting menu screen and not noticed that the watching starting time of the program has come.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Hirokazu Suzu
  • Publication number: 20040085453
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying an interchangeable lens in a vision system having a controllable light source, a camera, and the lens to be identified. Light provided by the light source is transferred to the camera by the lens to be identified. The amount of light transferred to the camera for a particular reference configuration of the vision system depends distinguishably on the characteristics of the lens to be identified. A camera output is measured for a desired light source setting and the desired light source setting and associated measured camera output are compared with stored lens identification calibration data. The stored lens identification calibration data is obtained by measuring the camera output for a plurality of lenses using a plurality of light source settings. In various exemplary embodiments, the light transferred from the light source to the camera is reflected and/or backscattered light from the lens to be identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Mitutoyo Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Gladnick, Ana M. Tessadro
  • Publication number: 20040085454
    Abstract: A versatile digital camera disclosed is capable of transforming the audio input to its picture immediately into a readable characterized illustration and transmitting same by way of existing radio communication system or global internet to a specified receiver or to display on a visual display terminal without loosing fidelity of the picture thereby saving extra manpower and time otherwise may be consumed for preparing supplementary illustration for a silent picture as that produced by the conventional technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Zhen Liao
  • Publication number: 20040085455
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is described to improve a digital camera user interface and increase ease of use and functionality of a digital camera by quickly, accurately and robustly permitting cursor control and designation in a digital camera display. A digital camera is used as a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball. The motion of the camera is detected, and the motion of the camera is used to position graphic elements on the camera's own display. The camera's motion can be detected with sensors, such as gyroscopes, or the camera itself can be used as a motion sensor. One application of this involves using the camera as a computer mouse, or like a gun-sight, to select images from a sheet of low-resolution (“thumbnail”) images. The motion of the camera is tracked, and the user aims at the desired image from a sheet of thumbnail images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: D. Amnon Silverstein
  • Publication number: 20040085456
    Abstract: A video communication system employing a plurality of cameras with viewfinders comprises a camera with a viewfinder mounted on a computer monitor for recording an image in front of the monitor, a plurality of cameras with viewfinders posted at each site for local image and voice information, a communication interface interconnecting a computer processor and the plurality of cameras through connecting codes or a wireless system. The camera also equips an image-sensing unit, an auxiliary memory unit, a control unit and a transforming unit. A process for video communication applied to the computer processor employing a plurality of cameras with viewfinders includes a main control program, a subroutine for image communication and a subroutine for photographing. The subroutine for photographing mode further comprises a subroutine for still-image mode (S320), sequential still-image mode (S340), animation mode (S360), voice recording mode (S380) and searching mode (S390).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Chung-Seon Kwag, Min-Hee Kwag
  • Publication number: 20040085457
    Abstract: A user interface and related method of use provides enhanced functionality for input controls on a digital camera. Activating the input controls enables a user to individually display a given digital image of a plurality of stored digital images and then jump non-sequentially to another digital image. The user interface also or alternatively enables a user to use the input controls to zoom in and out of the given digital image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Miles K. Thorland, Amy E. Battles
  • Publication number: 20040085458
    Abstract: A method and system for digital cameras provides improved automatic exposure control, improved automatic white balance, improved color interpolation, improved automatic gamma correction, and improved progressive edge enhancement. These improvements are preferably implemented in CMOS semiconductor technology for faster speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Yanof, Michael Skow, Hung Tran, Anoosh Adby
  • Publication number: 20040085459
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus of the invention comprises an image processing part and a control part. The image processing part performs an image processing on an image signal. The control part obtains an influential factor of the image signal to control level of the image processing in accordance with the influential factor, the influential factor affecting a result of the image processing. The control part preferably evaluates reliability of the influential factor to adjust a level range of the image processing in accordance with the evaluated reliability. Such operation makes it possible to achieve a more effective image processing by widening level range upon obtaining a very reliable influential factor. Also, upon obtaining a not reliable influential factor, the level range is narrowed so that the image processing can be prevented from excessively varying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideo Hoshuyama, Masahiro Suzuki, Ritsuko Fuyuki
  • Publication number: 20040085460
    Abstract: In a digital still camera, it is cumbersome for the camera user to set an image photographing method and saving method of the photographed image, which are suitable for each object. When a photographing mode suitable for a moving object such as a “sports mode” is set, normal photographing is done, and the photographed image is lossless-compressed and saved. When a photographing mode suitable for a still object such as a “portrait mode” is set, a high-resolution image is captured by pixel shift photographing. The photographed image is lossy-compressed and saved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Shiomi
  • Publication number: 20040085461
    Abstract: Providing a digital camera capable of transmitting information on the compression of dynamic range to a printer while it is being transparent to the user whether the image data has been recorded in a wide dynamic range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Sakamoto, Kazuhiko Takemura, Koji Ichikawa, Masahiko Sugimoto, Manabu Hyodo, Masaya Tamaru
  • Publication number: 20040085462
    Abstract: In image input devices such as digital still cameras, processing is speeded up and power consumption is reduced by arranging in a RPU (23) performing real time processing of a pixel data from a CCD (21), such that only special exceptional image processing not being prepared previously is subjected to a software program processing in a CPU (24) and, in post processing in which a general image processing is carried out, a pixel data temporarily stored in a main memory (29) is inputted again to the RPU (23) and then processed. This enables to sharply speed up processing, and minimize a prolonged processing in the CPU (24) to reduce power consumption, when compared to the case of executing by software problem processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: MEGA CHIPS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gen Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20040085463
    Abstract: A method and system for capturing and storing image data is disclosed. The imaging and information storage apparatus comprises an imaging device, an analog to digital converter, and a persistent or non-volatile memory store. The imaging device captures image data that is then forwarded to the analog to digital converter for conversion. The digital information is then stored within the persistent memory store in a manner consistent with the actual acquisition of the image data by the imaging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Manish Sharma, Frederick A. Perner
  • Publication number: 20040085464
    Abstract: When the camera is performing the pan or tilt operation on performing image blurring correction, the image blurring correction is stopped and a vibration-proof lens is returned to a reference position at a speed that is changed according to a focal length of the zoom lens and is reduced if the zoom lens is set on a wide-side in particular so as to prevent a sense of discomfort due to swingback on the pan or tilt operation. The vibration-proof lens may be kept at a fixed position for a fixed time and returned to the reference position after the fixed time elapses so as to alleviate disorder of an image. The control subject for correcting the image blurring may be returned to the reference position by a predetermined function of which variable is time so as to exert control after stopping the image blurring correction on the pan or tilt operation suitably as intended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Aiko Higurashi, Kenji Hishinuma
  • Publication number: 20040085465
    Abstract: A solid-state image sensor has a sensor array that includes an array of pixel cells. The solid-state image sensor sequentially selects one line from plural lines of the sensor array and sequentially reads out signal charge and reset levels of pixel photosensor cells belonging to the selected line via first and second optical-signal common output lines and first and second noise-signal common output lines. Differential signals are amplified and output via signal less noise (S-N) read-out circuits. The optical-signal and the noise-signal common output lines are arranged parallel to one another in the sequence of the first optical-signal common output line, the first noise-signal common output line, the second noise-signal common output line, and the second optical-signal common output line. The solid stage image sensor may be used in a camera and in a camera control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumihiro Inui, Tetsuya Itano, Masanori Ogura
  • Publication number: 20040085466
    Abstract: An anti-blooming charge accumulation pixel using an anti-blooming element coupled to the pixel prevents blooming by ensuring that a voltage of a charge accumulation device of the pixel is always returned to a clamping voltage following comparison events. The anti-blooming element is used to return the voltage across a photodiode to the supply voltage when both a low voltage comparison and a high voltage comparison have occurred. A control block is used to determine an input signal to the anti-blooming element based upon the result of a low voltage comparison and a high voltage comparison. The input signal can be used to drive the anti-blooming element to a desired logic level, thereby causing the voltage across the charge accumulation device to be the clamping voltage. The use of the anti-blooming element eliminates blooming to adjacent pixels, independent of an integration time of the pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Barry W. Herold
  • Publication number: 20040085467
    Abstract: An image pickup area including a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern, each pixel being an amplified MOS image sensor, is divided into a block A including odd-numbered columns of pixels and a block B including even-numbered columns of pixels. A horizontal signal line and an output amplifier are provided for each of the block A and the block B. Signal voltages on vertical signal lines are temporarily stored in a line memory. In the normal mode, the signal voltages of two pixels adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction are supplied from the line memory respectively to the output amplifiers. In the correction mode, a switch is closed to connect the horizontal signal lines with each other so that the signal voltage of the same pixel is supplied to the output amplifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Inokuma, Toshiya Fujii
  • Publication number: 20040085468
    Abstract: Pixels in an array of image sensor pixels contain photo-sensors. In response to illumination of a photo-sensor, an initial signal is generated. Multiple comparison signals are also generated based on the initial signal. One of the comparison signals remains internal to the pixel, and other comparison signals are transmitted to neighboring pixels. Within a pixel, the internal comparison signal is compared to a sum of comparison signals received from neighboring pixels. Based on the comparison, a data value may be latched and used for indicating a relative difference in pixel illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Derek L. Knee, Thomas C. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20040085469
    Abstract: A CMOS image sensor includes an array of pixels; a plurality of buses, and each bus is connected to a portion of the pixels, each pixel includes (a1) a photodiode for capturing incident light and converting the light to charge packets; (a2) a source follower amplifier that receives a signal from the photodiode and functions as voltage buffer to drive the photodiode signal across the bus; the image sensor also includes a readout circuit for receiving and storing the output voltage from the amplifier; a current source electrically connected at an opposite end of the bus from the readout circuit to provide a bias current for the source follower amplifier so that there is no current-resistance voltage drop error due to the bias current and bus resistance at the readout circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Bruce V. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040085470
    Abstract: A digital camera capable of simplifying detailed checking of a captured image. When a release switch instructs image capture, a CCD image-captures a subject. If an ON state detection section detects continuation of an ON state of the release switch after this image capture instruction, a display control section controls such that the captured image is displayed at an LCD monitor to the extent of the duration of the ON state of the release switch. Additionally, when a zoom button or cross-key button issues an instruction relating to the image display during the ON state, size, position or the like of a display object region of the captured image, which display object region is displayed at the LCD monitor, is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Mamoru Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20040085471
    Abstract: A camera method in which, when a photographing mode is set by the operation of a user, photographing control is performed according to the operation of the user and, when a menu mode is set by the operation of the user, setting control for setting operation conditions of the camera is performed according to the operation of the user, wherein, when a mode for persons with impaired vision is set by the operation of the user, an OSD menu selected by the user is magnified and displayed in the photographing control and setting control steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong-Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20040085472
    Abstract: The invention has for its object to use a zoom system that comprises a reduced number of lens elements, is compact and simplified, and has high image-formation capability, thereby achieving thorough size reductions in video cameras or digital cameras. A zoom lens for use on an electronic imaging system comprises a negative first lens group G1, an aperture stop S, a positive second lens group G2 and a positive third lens group G3. Upon zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end of the zoom lens, the second lens group G2 moves only toward the object side of the zoom lens and the third lens group G3 moves in a locus different from that of the second lens group G2. The second lens group G2 is made up of a positive first lens element having an aspheric surface on its object side, a negative second lens element, a positive third lens element and a negative fourth lens element. The first and second lens elements are cemented together, and the third lens group G3 moves independently for focusing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: OLYMPUS OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinichi Mihara
  • Publication number: 20040085473
    Abstract: A lens apparatus capable of efficiently arranging a stop blade, an optical filter and a shutter blade to reduce the size of the apparatus is disclosed. The lens apparatus comprising a lens, a lens holding member which holds the lens, a stop blade which changes an area of a light-passing aperture, an optical filter which inserts and removes with respect to a region opposed to the light-passing aperture and a shutter blade which opens and closes the light-passing aperture. Here, at least one member of the stop blade, the optical filter and the shutter blade is arranged at one end side of the lens holding member and the other member is arranged at the other end side of the lens holding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Seiji Iida
  • Publication number: 20040085474
    Abstract: A sensor module has a CCD sensor unit 4, arranged in a housing 2. A plate-like carrier unit 6, which bears the CCD sensor unit 4, is provided between a housing surface 8 and the CCD sensor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Trunz, Alexander Hinz