Abstract: An image viewed by a person is recorded in response to the pointing direction of the eyes of the person by using an optical sensor arrangement that simultaneously derives image segments corresponding with images seen by the person looking forward of his head and to both sides of his head. Alternatively, the sensor arrangement includes plural optical sensors for these images. One image of the plural sensors is selected for recording based on rotation of the head.

Abstract: A camera-equipped mobile communication terminal allows its own camera functions to be selectively inhibited according to camera-function inhibition flags included in a camera-function limiting signal broadcast by a radio station or based on GPS-measured location and camera-function inhibition flags for each operation-limited area. Appropriate function limitations on the camera-equipped mobile communication terminal and necessary function permissions can be made depending on situations or occasions.

Abstract: A method used for the compensation of vignetting in digital cameras has been achieved. The compensation for vignetting is done in two steps. The first step is done during production of the camera unit and involves taking and analyzing an image of a test screen, preferably a gray test screen. This results in a set of e.g. 5×5 coefficients describing a polynomial surface. The second step is done for each image that is taken by the camera and involves calculating and applying a gain-table based on polynomial coefficients to all pixels of the image to compensate vignetting.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for building a view of an object captured with an image-capturing device. According to various embodiments of the present invention, a method and system are provided for building a view of an object based on the tilt angle of the image-capturing device when an image of the object is captured. Through the use of the method and system in accordance with the present invention, a tilt angle determination mechanism can be utilized to build views of objects based on the tilt angle of the image-capturing device. The method and system includes capturing an image of the object with an image capturing device, recording a tilt angle of the image capturing device and building a view of the object based on the tilt angle of the image capturing device.

Abstract: Providing a signal processing method for image synthesis with reduced computation load, a signal processor circuit for image synthesis with reduced computation load which allows manufacturing at a low production cost, and imaging apparatus which uses the signal processing method and the signal processor circuit

Abstract: An image sensor of the present invention prevents the phenomenon that surrounding background of a bright object reflecting or emitting strong light like the sun is presented at dark and improves image quality of the image sensor by controlling the brightness of the bright object. The image sensor using correlated double sampling technology which outputs data of an object by using difference between a reset voltage signal and a data voltage signal of a unit pixel includes a plurality of unit pixels arranged in a matrix, each outputting the reset voltage signal and the data voltage signal; a plurality of clamping means, each coupled to each unit pixels for clamping up the reset signal to a predetermined voltage level; and a voltage controlling block for adjusting voltage level supplied to a gate of each of clamping means.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an adaptive menu of a digital camera, at least two menu items are sequentially displayed according to a set display order. An initially active menu item from among the displayed menu items is activated. A user selects a desired menu item. At least one of either the display order of the menu items or the initially active menu item is set according to the number of uses of each of the menu items.

Abstract: An active three-dimensional imaging system for optical apparatus includes a relay lens subsystem with an off-axis rotating aperture placed between an imaging or objective lens and an image recording device such as a CCD camera. According to another aspect, the imaging system can include an off-axis rotating aperture located between field and aperture diaphragms of an illumination subsystem. The rotating aperture allows adjustable non-equilateral spacing between images of out-of-focus object points to achieve higher spatial resolution, increased sensitivity and higher sub-pixel displacement accuracy than other systems.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus which can perform a focusing operation quickly is described. The image taking apparatus comprises a light splitting unit which splits a light flux from the image-taking lens into a plurality of light fluxes, a view finder optical system for observing an object image formed by the light flux from the image-taking lens, an image pickup element which photoelectrically converts the object image to an electric signal and a focus detection unit for detecting the focusing state of the image-taking lens according to a phase difference detection system. Here, the light splitting unit changes between a first state in which the light flux is directed to the view finder optical system and the focus detection unit and a second state in which the light flux is directed to the image pickup element and the focus detection unit.

Abstract: A digital camera includes a shutter button, and an image sensor configured to enter a sub-sampling mode of operation for at least one auto function when the shutter button is pressed. The image sensor automatically enters a normal mode of operation after completion of the at least one auto function, and generates a digital image in the normal mode.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suitably perform a zooming control operation in the case that a zoom ring is provided at a lens-side portion and zoom switches are provided at a camera-body-side portion of a lens-interchangeable video camera. To achieve this object, in the case that no zoom lens stop request is provided from the camera-body-side portion, it is judged from information sent from the camera-body-side portion which of a tele direction and a wide direction the moving direction of the zoom lens group is. Moreover, when the zoom angle is not placed at a tele end or at a wide end, lenses are driven by calculating data for driving the lenses. Thereafter, tele information is set or cleared according to whether the zoom lens group is placed at the tele end, Subsequently, zoom-ring operating information is detected. The detected zoom-ring operating information is sent to the camera-body-side portion.

Abstract: A method for a display unit displaying video signals sent by a video source, the method comprising the steps of communicating display unit information stored in a memory of the display unit to the video source, wherein the display information includes identifying information of the display unit; receiving a signal from the video source, wherein the signal is generated based on at least a portion of the display unit information; and wherein the display unit is capable of bi-directionally communicating with the video source.

Abstract: This invention corrects chrominance misalignment that occurs during chrominance down-sampling and up-sampling. The invention extracts a binary index from the corresponding luminance signal. The binary index enables generation of a filter window. On down-sampling the filter window is applied to a block of source chrominance pixels which are filtered or not based upon the binary index. On up-sampling the binary index of the filter window for the target chrominance pixels determines which are filtered or not.

Abstract: A broadcasting and communication receiver apparatus for displaying program-associated information, in which, in addition to a predetermined display zone, another display zone is provided so that display data of specific information selected by a viewer is wholly displayed and, when the display data is displayed as omitted, a symbol indicative of the information omission is attached to the display data to display the display data within the limited display zone. The apparatus comprises a receiver for receiving the program-associated information including a title, start and end times of a broadcast program together with a video signal and an audio signal, a decoder for decoding the program-associated information, a display unit for displaying the decoded program-associated information thereon, a command receiver for receiving an input signal from a remote controller or from a key or keys provided to the receiver, and a display controller for controlling a display screen on the basis of the input signal.

Abstract: A video display appliance capable of adjusting a sub-picture independent from a main picture using an on-screen display menu in PIP mode and a method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for reducing chrominance artifacts in a luminance signal obtained from a composite NTSC television signal is disclosed. Chrominance artifacts are reduced by detecting chrominance artifacts in the luminance signal of a current line and a previous line, weighting the luminance signal of the current line and the luminance signal of the previous line based on the detected chrominance artifacts, and combining the weighted luminance signal of the current line and the weighted luminance signal of the previous line for use as the luminance signal for the current line. Reducing chrominance artifacts reduces the occurrence of “hanging-dots” displayed on a television monitor, which are due to incompletely canceled chrominance artifacts in the luminance signal.

Abstract: A multiple signal input device of a decoder ASIC in a DTV system, having a plurality of internal decoders decoding a plurality of signals inputted from a plurality of input ports, is disclosed, which includes the plurality of input ports having the same function; and a plurality of internal multiplexers respectively provided for being corresponding to the plurality of internal decoders between the input ports and the internal decoders, and selectively outputting a predetermined signal among signals inputted by the plurality of input ports according to a control signal, wherein, each input terminal of the internal multiplexers is electrically connected with the plurality of input ports, and each output terminal of the internal multiplexers is electrically connected with one corresponding internal decoder.

Abstract: A set-top-box (STB) for receiving cable TV (CATV) transmission and connecting to the Internet. The STB comprises a first tuner arranged to receive a signal transmitted on a channel via a physical medium e.g. a cable network; and at least a first decoder (e.g. a MPEG decoder and a MAC decoder) arranged to convert a signal supplied to the decoder into a first output signal. The STB is characterized by a second tuner providing a signal to a second decoder (e.g. a MPEG decoder) arranged to convert a signal received from the second tuner to a second output signal that can co-exist with the first output signal. Thereby either two digital TV channels can be received simultaneously or a TV channel can be received while IP data from the Internet is received.

Abstract: While viewing a program, a viewer can check the other program at arbitrary timing. While a program on a channel received by a first tuner 1 is being output, when a commercial starts or a start signal is input from an operation portion 6, an output of the program is changed to that of a program received by a second tuner. The viewer can select either outputting the program on the channel designated by the second tuner 2 or sequentially changing channels received by the second tuner 2 and sequentially outputting different programs according to a viewer's desire. When the commercial is over or an end signal is input from the operation portion 6, the output is changed to that of the program received by the first tuner 1 and the original program is output.

Abstract: A convergence system suitable for accepting inputs from several television or personal computing sources is disclosed. The sources can be output on a display. The convergence system is controlled by a multi-function controller suitable for providing a set of function commands. A processor is coupled to the inputs, display and operably coupled to the controller wherein the processor responds to the function commands provided by the controller. The processor also creates for output on the display a set of channel banners. At least one of the channel banners provides information on available processor functions and provides video feed-back when the processor is responding to the function commands.

Abstract: A rear projection television includes a casing with a space therein and a plurality of modular units. A plurality of maintenance holes are formed through the casing to communicate with the space. The modular units are positioned in the space to correspond to the maintenance holes. When one component inside the casing needs repairing, only a lid covering the corresponding maintenance hole is dismounted for the user to quickly take the component out, without moving the casing. Thereby, the repair process is simplified with saved repair labor and space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video panel apparatus that can be housed in a video rack placed in a studio such as a broadcasting studio or a production studio. The video panel apparatus 1 comprises a frame base 2, a panel frame 3 pivotably provided on the frame base 2 and mainly provided with a display part and a control part 33, and angle adjusting means 4 for adjusting the tilt angle of the panel frame 3 with respect to the frame base 2. The angle adjusting means 4 includes a pivoting part 40 having a plurality of notched grooves 42, and an engaging part 41 selectively engageable with any of the notched grooves 42 of the pivoting part 40, whereby the tilt angle can be adjusted stepwise.

Abstract: An electronic screen display includes a screen, a memory storing digital content for display on the screen, a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the screen, and a sensor communicatively coupled to the processor. The processor obtains digital content from the memory and generates signals causing a primary display to appear on the screen. The sensor is activated by sensing a light signal emitted from an external device being used to read information from the primary display, and causes the processor to obtain further digital content from the memory and generate signals causing a secondary display to appear on the screen. A corresponding display method includes displaying primary digital content on a screen, sensing a light signal emitted from an external device being used to read information from the screen, and in response to the sensing the light signal, causing secondary digital content to appear on the screen.

Abstract: A touchscreen liquid crystal display that includes a liquid crystal display including a viewing surface, a liquid crystal area containing liquid crystal located behind the viewing surface, a plurality of spaced apart elongate first electrodes located on a viewing surface side of the liquid crystal area and a plurality of spaced apart elongate second electrodes located on an opposite side of the liquid crystal area, the first and second electrodes overlapping to form an array of liquid crystal pixel elements, at least some of the first electrodes being displaceable towards the second electrodes in response to external pressure applied to the viewing surface. A control circuit is connected to the first and second electrodes for controlling the operation of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A TFT array substrate has a substrate with a pixel region and a switching region. A gate line has both a gate electrode that extends into the switching region and a gate pad is formed on the substrate. A gate pad electrode is formed on the gate pad. A data line includes both a source electrode that extends from the data line into the switching region and a data pad. A data pad electrode is formed on the data pad. A drain electrode that is spaced apart from the source electrode is over the gate electrode. A gate insulation layer covers the gate electrode and the substrate. Semiconductor layers, including a pure amorphous silicon layer and a doped amorphous silicon layer, and a protection layer extends over the source electrode, over the silicon layers, and over part of the drain electrode. A pixel electrode is formed on the pixel region. The pixel electrode contacts a side portion of the drain electrode. The TFT array substrate is fabricated using a back exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of optical devices, in particular liquid crystal imagers, as well as the mirrors associated with these optical devices.

Abstract: For preventing a luminance drop of a liquid crystal display panel incorporating a liquid crystal display panel, a driver circuit for driving the liquid crystal panel, and a luminaire having a fluorescent lamp as one of elements thereof, the present invention provides a heat retaining element for an electrode portion of the fluorescent lamp, and suppresses heat radiation at the electrode portion of the fluorescent lamp so as to secure a sufficient amount of mercuric vapor in the whole of the fluorescent lamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate (200) including a transparent plate (220) with a plurality of hemispherical embossments (240) formed thereon. The transparent plate includes a light emitting surface (224) and a bottom surface (226) opposite to the emitting surface. The embossments face in a direction away the transparent plate.

Abstract: A surface light source (30) has a light source (23), and a light guide plate (20) for introducing light beams from the light source out. The light guide plate includes an incident surface (211) for introducing light beams in; an emitting surface (214) for uniformly transmitting light beams out; and a bottom surface (212) opposite to the emitting surface for reflecting the light beams in directions toward the emitting surface. Furthermore, a color filter (22) is provided and disposed on the emitting surface of the light guide plate, which has a color layer (222) for a full color display.

Abstract: A new light modulating material using unidirectionally oriented micro-domains of liquid crystal separated by polymer chains is provided. Liquid crystal/polymer films are produced by a one step production process involving a photopolymerizable monomer mixed with a liquid crystal then exposed to UV light. In one embodiment, force deformations are applied to the films resulting in diffraction efficiencies of more than 95%. In another embodiment, applying a planar force to a thick film that produced a 2 &mgr;m shift of phase retardation in several hundred microseconds when an appropriate field is applied. Use of this invention provides fast response time and a low required driving voltage. The new cell can be used as spatial light modulators for manufacturing information displays, electro-optical devices, telecommunications system, optical data processing, adaptive optics applications, color projection displays and switchable micro-lens optics.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a vertical alignment type liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and includes a plurality of picture element regions each defined by a first electrode provided on one side of the first substrate that is closer to the liquid crystal layer and a second electrode provided on the second substrate so as to oppose the first electrode via the liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first orientation-regulating structure in each of the plurality of picture element regions, the first orientation-regulating structure exerting an orientation-regulating force so as to form a plurality of liquid crystal domains in the liquid crystal layer, each of the liquid crystal domains taking a radially-inclined orientation in the presence of an applied voltage.

Abstract: To provide a transflective liquid crystal display device that achieves high-contrast, bright display with a wide viewing angle, a liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer between a pair of substrates, and also includes dot regions, each having a transmissive display area and a reflective display area. The liquid crystal layer includes negative dielectric anisotropy liquid crystals with homeotropic alignment in an initial state. The reflective display area includes an insulation film to form irregularities on a reflective film. The insulation film is also disposed in the transmissive display area and forms irregularities on one of liquid-crystal contact surfaces of the substrates between which the liquid crystal layer is disposed.

Abstract: An optical stack includes a first liquid crystal layer and a j-retarder disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The j-retarder includes a simultaneous biaxally stretched polymeric film being substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The j-retarder has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance being 50 nm or greater.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a liquid crystal display capable of high-contrast displays, in which a phase difference control layer is positioned directly on a liquid crystal layer side of a substrate forming a part of an LCD, thereby canceling interfacial reflection due to an adhesive material. At least one of a positive uniaxial phase layer a comprising polymerizable liquid crystal molecules and having an optical axis within a layer plane and a negative uniaxial phase layer c comprising polymerizable liquid crystal molecules and having an optical axis in a normal direction to that layer plane is patterned on the inner surface at least one of of transparent substrates 1 and 1′ with a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between them.

Abstract: Provided is a projection type liquid crystal display apparatus, which can improve black-level display and thus can display a higher-contrast image as compared to the related art. An optical compensator is located on the light exit side with respect to the liquid crystal display device so as to compensate for the optical phase difference caused by liquid crystal molecules in a light-entry-side region of the liquid crystal layer. As the optical compensator is located on the light exit side with respect to the liquid crystal display device, birefringence, caused by the liquid crystal molecules present in the light-entry-side region, is compensated for without being influenced by a microlenses provided in the liquid crystal plane. Consequently, the apparatus can improve the black-level display and thus can display a higher-contrast image as compared to the related art.

Abstract: A pair of dummy orientation film patterns are provided for an orientation film used for aligning LC molecules in an LCD device. For a rubbing treatment of the orientation film, a rubbing cloth is cleaned by one of the dummy orientation film patterns before rubbing the orientation film, and also cleaned by the other of the dummy orientation film patterns after rubbing the orientation film thereby preparing next rubbing treatment for the next LCD device. The dummy orientation film pattern has a thickness larger than the thickness of the orientation film.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display element 10 is composed of a pair of boards 11 and 15 that sandwiches liquid crystals 13 having negative dielectric anisotropy, wherein one of the pair of boards 11 and 15 is a transparent board 11, the liquid crystal display element 10 is further composed of inorganic alignment layers 12 and 14 provided on each side of the pair of boards 11 and 15, which faces toward the liquid crystals 13, so as to orientate a pre-tilt angle of the liquid crystals 13 to 3 to 10 degrees.

Abstract: An array substrate for IPS-LCD includes: a gate line arranged in a first direction on a substrate; a data line arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the gate line, the data line defining a pixel region with the gate line; a plurality of common electrodes located in the pixel region and arranged in the second direction; a common line arranged in the first direction and connected to the pluarity of common electrodes; a plurality of pixel electrodes located in the pixel region and arranged in the second direction, the plurality of pixel and common electrodes having at least one bent portion and being arranged in an alternating manner with a predetermined interval between adjacent pixel and common electrodes; and a plurality of light-shielding patterns made of the same material as the data line, each light-shielding pattern disposed between one end of the pixel electrode and the intersection of the common line and common electrode.

Abstract: A liquid crystal apparatus is provided with a substrate holding an electro-optical material, and a plurality of wires that have routing wire portions formed in a region of the substrate other than a region opposing the electro-optical material. The routing wire portion of each of the wires has a first portion and a second portion that is narrower than the first portion. In an inspection process of the liquid crystal apparatus having such a configuration, a plurality of inspection terminals for supplying predetermined drive signals to the wires are brought into contact with the second portions of the wires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal display used in a display section of an electronic apparatus and a substrate for a liquid crystal display used in the same and provides a liquid crystal display and a substrate for a liquid crystal display used in the same which are manufactured with improved yield and which can achieve high display quality. A configuration includes a sealing material forming region which is provided in a peripheral portion of a glass substrate and in which a sealing material is formed and a cell gap control layer which is formed inside the sealing material forming region and which controls a cell gap.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises ferroelectric particles suspended in a liquid crystal material. A method for fabricating a light-modulating device is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a pair of substrates with a cell gap therebetween, wherein electrodes are disposed on the facing surfaces of the substrates, and permanently disposing a suspension of ferroelectric particles in a liquid crystal material into said cell gap. A method of generating an image comprises providing a pair of substrates with a cell gap therebetween, providing transparent electrodes on each of said substrates adjacent to the cell gap, permanently disposing a suspension of ferroelectric particles in a liquid crystal material within the cell gap, and applying an electric field across the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint structure of an eyeglass frame and temples. A joint base on the inside end of the temple is joined to a horizontal dividing face, and a joint on the horizontal dividing face then is engaged with an upper and lower joint holder on either end of the frame, then a screw fixture is used to complete the movement assembling, and thus preventing both temple ends from touching a lens when the temples are folded inward.

Abstract: A mini pair of eyeglasses for reducing computer related stress are disclosed. The eyeglasses include a frame adapted to rest on the end of the user's nose and a miniature lens that is designed to reduce computer related visual stress during computer monitor use.

Abstract: Glasses for use in sports activities and the like have a frame, at least one lens formed to the frame, and a strap formed to the frame which is configured to inhibit the glasses from falling off of a wearer. A leash is formed to the strap and a collar formed to the leash. The strap, leash, collar or other component of the present invention may optionally be sufficiently buoyant so as to float the glasses in water.

Abstract: A wearable audio interface includes a support for positioning the plurality of speakers juxtaposed to and spaced from the ears of a wearer. The audio device can include wireless networking electronics so as to allow the device to interact with other wireless network devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ophthalmic lens capable of correcting or minimizing presbyopia, or of functioning used as an anti-myopic lens. The ophthalmic lens can be a contact lens, a phakic intraocular lens or an aphakic intraocular lens. The ophthalmic lens comprises an optical zone, the optical zone having a first surface and an opposite second surface and including a coma-like wavefront aberration oriented vertically from the top to the bottom of the ophthalmic lens. In addition, the present invention provides a method for minimizing/correcting presbyopia or for preventing children's eyes from becoming severely myopic.

Abstract: A method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens with one base focus and at least one additional focus, capable of reducing aberrations of the eye for at least one of the foci after its implantation, comprising the steps of: (i) characterizing at least one corneal surface as a mathematical model; (ii) calculating the resulting aberrations of said corneal surface(s) by employing said mathematical model; (iii) modelling the multifocal ophthalmic lens such that a wavefront arriving from an optical system comprising said lens and said at least one corneal surface obtains reduced aberrations for at least one of the foci. There is also disclosed a method of selecting a multifocal intraocular lens, a method of designing a multifocal ophthalmic lens based on corneal data from a group of patients, and a multifocal ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring optical aberrations of an eye are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides transmitting light from the eye along an optical path to an aberration sensor. An adaptive optic is disposed along the optical path between a target optical system and the aberration sensor. Aberrations of the adaptive optic can be adjusted in response to a signal generated by the aberration sensor so as to provide a desired sensed aberration. The shape of the adjusted adaptive optic can be determined with the aberration sensor by transmitting an adaptive optic configuration measurement beam along the optical path.

Abstract: A retinal camera 101 is used to examine an eye 10, the camera including a light source 1 having first and second sources 21, 22 emitting first and second wavelength bands. The first and second light sources are arranged to alternately produce light onto the retina such that the absorptivity of light of the first wavelength band by oxygenated blood is greater than the absorptivity of light of the second wavelength band, and the absorptivity of light of the first wavelength band by the oxygenated blood is less than the absorptivity of light of the second wavelength band. Light is selectively focused from the first and second sources by an optical arrangement 30, 50, 60, 80 and 90 and imaging devices 90, 120, 130 produce respective images of a portion of the retina illuminated with the respective wavelength bands. The images obtained by the imaging device are processed by the imaging device and processor 140 to determine a retinal metabolic image based on haemoglobin oxygenation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a combined surgical microscope system having a surgical microscope and a retinal diagnostic device of modified configuration having transscleral pulsed illumination.