Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting and indicating faults in image acquisition systems is proposed, a self-diagnosis function being provided which detects and classifies image faults. The image acquisition system outputs fault signals which indicate the presence of the image fault and the type of image fault.

Abstract: Defective pixels in a CMOS array give rise to spot noise that diminishes the integrity of the resulting image. Because CMOS arrays and digital logic can be fabricated on the same integrated circuit using the same processing technology and relatively inexpensive and fast circuit can be employed to digitally filter the pixel data stream and to identify pixels having values that do not fall in the range defined by the immediately neighboring pixels and the deviate from the neighboring pixels by more than a threshold amount. Such conditions would indicate that the deviation is caused by a defective pixel rather than by desired image data. The threshold amount can be preprogrammed or can be provided by a user or can be dynamically set using feedback indicating image quality. The filter would also provide a solution for other sensors such as CCD, although a single chip solution would likely not be possible.

Abstract: In an image processing apparatus, a sensitivity compensation unit converts a color-and-sensitivity mosaic image into a color mosaic image. A pixel-of-interest determination unit extracts local area information from the color mosaic image. An edge-direction detector detects an edge of the local area. A G-component computing unit performs weighted interpolation in the edge direction of the green (G) component associated with a pixel of interest. A statistic computing unit computes statistic information of the local area. A first or second R-and-B-component computing unit computes the red (R) and blue (B) components of the pixel of interest on the basis of the statistic information. An inverse gamma conversion unit performs inverse gamma conversion of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) components of the pixel of interest. The present invention is applicable to, for example, a digital still camera.

Abstract: A sensor for color and depth information capture is disclosed. A filter passes selected wavelengths according to a predetermined pattern to the sensor. The sensor measures light intensities passed by the filter. In one embodiment, the wavelengths passed by the filter correspond to red, green, blue and infrared light. The intensity values can be used for interpolation operations to provide intensity values for areas not captured by the sensor. For example, in an area corresponding to a pixel for which an intensity of red light is captured, interpolation operations using neighboring intensity values can be used to provide an estimation of blue, green and infrared intensities. Red, green and blue intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide visible color image information. Infrared intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide depth and/or surface texture information.

Abstract: A sensor for color and depth information capture is disclosed. A filter passes selected wavelengths according to a predetermined pattern to the sensor. The sensor measures light intensities passed by the filter. In one embodiment, the wavelengths passed by the filter correspond to red, green, blue and infrared light. The intensity values can be used for interpolation operations to provide intensity values for areas not captured by the sensor. For example, in an area corresponding to a pixel for which an intensity of red light is captured, interpolation operations using neighboring intensity values can be used to provide an estimation of blue, green and infrared intensities. Red, green and blue intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide visible color image information. Infrared intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide depth and/or surface texture information.

Abstract: An image-sensing apparatus for compensating video signal of a plurality of channels, adds an electric charge of a pilot signal on a signal vertically transferred in an image-sensing device 11. A pixel area of the image-sensing device 11 is divided into a plurality of pixel areas to obtain an output signal of a plurality of channels. The pilot signal is add to an output signal of each pixel area corresponding to each channel for twice a field period, and for different electric potential. The control circuit 15 obtains a difference between the two pilot signals in one filed period, and controls the gain compensation 17 to make the pilot signal level in each channel equal. Additionally, the pilot signal is not used for compensation but the previous signal is used when a smear element is detected from the output signal of each channel.

Abstract: A CCD including primary photosensitive pixels that have a narrower dynamic range and secondary photosensitive pixels that have a wider dynamic range is used to obtain first image information from the primary photosensitive pixels and second image information from the secondary photosensitive pixels at one exposure, then the first image information and the second image information are stored as two separate files having names associated with each other. A user can select through a predetermined user interface whether or not the second image information should be stored and a dynamic range for the second image information. The dynamic range information for the second image information is stored in the file of the first image information and/or the header of the file of the second image information.

Abstract: A multi-cell cluster which includes a plurality of light-detecting unit cells and a single charge-integration and readout circuitry. Typically, each of the cells produces charge representative of the detected light. The circuit may be shared by the plurality of unit cells, and used to read-out the charge in real-time. The cluster may also include a switch associated with each unit cell, such that each switch connects its associated unit cell to the circuit. The switch may also be controlled in a time-multiplexing manner. Each unit cell may include a photodetector, a photodiode, or a photogate. The circuit may include a shared storage device, a shared reset circuit, or a readout circuit. Typically, the shared storage device may be for accumulating the charge in the focal plane. The here-above described apparatus facilitates either static or dynamic, either local or global image resolution/sensitivity tradeoffs.

Abstract: A unit cell (20) is disclosed that has an input node for coupling to an output of a detector (D1) of electromagnetic radiation, such as IR or visible radiation. The unit cell includes a first capacitor (CintA) switchably coupled to the input node for receiving a charge signal from the detector, and for integrating the charge signal during a first integration period, as well as a second capacitor (CintB)switchably coupled to the input node for integrating the charge signal during a second integration period. The unit cell further includes an output multiplexer (32, 34) for selectively coupling the first capacitor and the second capacitor to an output signal line (38) during respective charge signal readout periods. In the preferred embodiment a duration of the first integration period is one of greater than or less than the second integration period, and the first integration period is one of non-overlapping or overlapping with the second integration period, and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for reducing the effect of column memory. The method includes the steps of activating (212) one of a plurality of row electrodes, selectively applying (214) a video input signal to a plurality of column electrodes, and setting (216) at least one of the plurality of column electrodes to a substantially constant voltage prior to activating a subsequent row electrode. Ine one arrangement, the substantially constant voltage can correlate to a flat field. The method can also include repeating the steps of activating one of the plurality of row electrodes step, selectively applying the video input signal step, and setting at least one of the plurality of column electrodes to the substantially constant voltage step in which the steps can be performed in a liquid crystal on silicon imager.

Abstract: An image sensor comprising a matrix of solid-state light sensor elements each representing a unit pixel, which is capable of reading out sensor signals from respective pixels in a time series by sequentially selecting pixels on a line-by-line basis and sequentially selecting pixels in a selected line, wherein each pixel line is divided into a plurality of blocks with each block composed of the same specified number of pixels and a first scanning means sequentially reads pixel sensor signals on the block-by-block basis starting from the first block and a second scanning means reads pixel sensor signals of the readout block. The image sensor thus constructed can achieve high speed scanning of respective pixels with a minimal increase in power consumption.

Abstract: A CCD of XY addressing type includes a light-receiving unit composed of an XY matrix of pixel units in each of which photoelectric transfer and charge accumulation are performed, and scans the light-receiving unit in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction to read accumulated charges. The CCD includes a parallel-in shift register that starts scanning from a first pixel unit that is included in the light-receiving unit, when voltage pulses applied thereto in parallel from a pulse generating circuit that generates voltage pulses are in a first combination, and starts scanning from a second pixel unit that is different from the first pixel unit and is included in the light-receiving unit, when the applied voltage pulses are in a second combination that is different from the first combination.

Abstract: High performance digital cameras today are increasingly directed towards parallelism in the snap and store of digital photos. As the trend towards faster snap rates continues so too is the ability to store these photos concurrently. Although, these simultaneous occurrences of snap and store are visited previously, a permanent, economical and more viable technology to view/display and store these photos has not been previously investigated.

Abstract: A small-sized photographing apparatus in which a single display device performs both of a viewfinder and monitor display. The apparatus includes a body having a viewfinder window; the display device, the display surface of which can be observed from outside of the body; a pair of reflection mirrors inside the body; and a member for moving one of the reflection mirrors between a reflection position at which a beam of light from the display surface of the display device is reflected so that the beam is guided towards the viewfinder window, and a non-reflection position which is different from the reflection position.

Abstract: Displaying a subject image on a browser in accordance with the aspect ratio of the subject image, with reduced scan line interference at a time exposure, as well as transmitting a high-quality image with easy compression processing.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus which stores an image signal from an image sensing element and reads out and processes the stored image signal to magnify and display an image on a display device includes a designation unit that designates the magnification ratio of the image to be displayed, a storage unit that stores the magnification ratio designated by the designation unit, and a magnifying processing unit that executes magnifying processing for the stored image signal on the basis of the magnification ratio stored in the storage unit and outputs the image signal to the display device. The magnification ratio stored in the storage unit is updated when a different magnification ratio is designated by the designation unit, and the magnification ratio stored in the storage unit is used for a plurality of images that are sequentially displayed.

Abstract: A camera according to this invention comprises a photographing optical system which forms an optical image of an object, a photoelectric conversion element which converts the optical image into an electric signal, an optical element arranged between the photographing optical system and the photoelectric conversion element, and vibration means which vibrates the optical element first at one of at least two frequencies and then at the other frequency, the frequencies being close to resonance frequencies.

Abstract: A pair of left and right prisms are disposed on part of the region in front of the image pickup unit. A wide-angle lens is disposed on another part of region in front of the image pickup unit. Tapered supporting members of a prism holder for supporting the prisms located between the prisms and the wide-angle lens are formed so as to be reduced in thickness gradually toward the image pickup unit.

Abstract: A camera module for a mobile device is reduced in size and production cost. A lens being essentially same in size as an image sensor chip is bonded to a surface of the image sensor chip. An IR filter is bonded to the lens and an iris material is provided onto the IR filter. Bump electrodes formed on a back surface of the image sensor chip are connected to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic image pickup system whose depth dimension is extremely reduced, taking advantage of an optical system type that can overcome conditions imposed on the movement of a zooming movable lens group while high specifications and performance are kept. The electronic image pickup system comprises an optical path-bending zoom optical system comprising, in order from its object side, a 1-1st lens group G1-1 comprising a negative lens group and a reflecting optical element P for bending an optical path, a 1-2nd lens group G1-2 comprising one positive lens and a second lens group G2 having positive refracting power. For zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the second lens group G2 moves only toward the object side. The electronic image pickup system also comprises an electronic image pickup device I located on the image side of the zoom optical system.

Abstract: A focus detection device includes line sensors which each photoelectrically convert and integrate light from an object so as to output the received light as an image signal; monitor sensors provided adjacent to the line sensors; a control device which controls an integration operation of a predetermined line sensor and a predetermined monitor sensor; and a detection device which detects that a monitor signal of each of the monitor sensors reaches a predetermined termination value for terminating integration of the corresponding line sensor after the control device allows the predetermined line sensor and monitor sensor to start the integration. The control device outputs a first termination signal from a first control terminal when the detection device detects the monitor signal first reaching the termination value, and thereafter outputs integration termination information of the respective monitor sensors detected sequentially from the first control terminal.

Abstract: A digital camera 1 comprises a first focusing system of obtaining a focusing position by sampling a contrast of object image formed on a light receiving surface with moving a focus lens along an optical axis, a second focusing system of obtaining the focusing position by measuring a distance to an object based on a triangular surveying system, and an image processing IC (9) to correct an edge component of image signal of a photographed image. When the second focusing system is used independently, the image processing IC (9) enhances the edge component by using a larger aperture gain than when the first focusing system is used independently or when the first focusing system and the second focusing system are used together.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes a photocell array for accumulating signal charge for each pixel in accordance with progress of exposure, and a read circuit for reading out information on the accumulated signal charge from the photocell array. With an insulating structure between its input and output, an amplifier in the read circuit generates an output signal without resetting the accumulated charge in the photocell. Information on the accumulated charge is read out at different exposure times while signal charge is accumulated during exposure, and a plurality of image signals can sequentially be obtained without destroying the information.

Abstract: A method of controlling a digital camera includes performing photographing of an object, determining whether the amount of exposure is appropriate and shakiness is present, and notifying a user of such information if the amount of exposure is not appropriate or shakiness is present. The determination step includes reading a focus value of the object, reading a lower limit value of a compressed file size set to correspond to the read focus value of the object at a compression rate and a resolution set by the user, and determining that the amount of exposure is not appropriate and shakiness is present if the size of a present compressed file of image data obtained from the photographing is smaller than the lower limit value of the compressed file size.

Abstract: In a digital still camera body, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel displays images at both the front and rear of the camera, is provided. In addition, a front back-light attaching space, and a rear back-light attaching space are also formed to attach a back-light unit. To display a subject image as a non-inverted image seen from the rear side, the back-light unit is attached in the front back-light attaching space. On the other hand, to display a subject image as a right to left inverted image seen from the front side, the back-light unit is attached in the rear back-light attaching space.

Abstract: Disclosed is an All Sky Imager which uses a camera capable of capturing color images of cloud cover that is housed in an environmentally protected enclosure to protect it from weather elements. To obtain a good hemispherical view of the sky, the fish-eye lens is attached to the camera to provide a 360-degree, horizon-to-horizon view. The All Sky Imager is mounted on a solar tracker so that the image of the sun is blocked by one of the solar tracker's obscuration balls. This in effect places a shadow over the lens of the camera allowing the color capture of sky images, particularly cloud cover, without the danger of damaging the camera. As the earth rotates, the obscuration ball of the solar tracker keeps the camera obscured from the sun. This provides continuous images of sky cloud cover from sunrise to sunset. The invention also includes an embodiment using an infrared camera that allows for nighttime cloud imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for housing and/or cooling image sensors, for example, for use in video camera assemblies or any other application employing image sensors. The image sensors may be cooled within a sealed environment (e.g., vacuum sealed or dry gas sealed environment) to minimize the amount of power required by reducing heat transfer due to convection, and to substantially eliminate problems of fogging or condensation of the image sensor. In one embodiment, the systems and methods may be employed for cooling CMOS image sensors to improve low light performance of the CMOS sensors.

Abstract: A camera, as soon as the user finishes using it, quickly assumes a not-in-use appearance that the camera is designed to assume when it is out of operation. The camera incorporates, inside its body, a taking optical system including a turning optical system for turning the optical path of the light from a shooting target substantially at a right angle and a zoom optical system for varying shooting magnification. The body has an opening through which the front face of the taking optical system is exposed, and has a barrier for closing the opening. The camera, when a command to stop operation is given, performs the process of closing the barrier with highest priority, and then performs the process of extinguishing display with second highest priority. The camera, now having assumed an appearance that it is supposed to assume when out of operation, then performs other, internal, processes for stopping operation.

Abstract: A tuner (200) includes a direct digital frequency synthesizer (206) and a mixer (220). The direct digital frequency synthesizer (206) has an output terminal for providing a digital local oscillator signal having a frequency chosen to mix a desired channel to baseband. The mixer (220) has a first input terminal for receiving a tuned radio frequency signal, a second input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the direct digital frequency synthesizer (206), and an output terminal for providing an in-phase baseband signal.

Abstract: A projection-type display apparatus for projecting an image onto a screen includes a light source, a signal processing unit for processing an input image signal to output a first image signal representing first primary-color information R1, G1, and B1 representing values of red, green, and blue components of an image to be projected, a signal conversion unit for converting the first image signal into a second image signal representing a coefficient M which depends on luminance of the image to be projected defined by the first primary-color information R1, G1, and B1, and into a third image signal representing second primary-color information R2=R1/M, G2=G1/M, and B2=B1/M.

Abstract: A television tuner includes a metal frame having four side plates. The area inside the frame is divided by a shield plate into a first division adjacent to a first side plate and a second division adjacent to a second side plate opposite to the first side plate. A first connector receiving a television signal is disposed on a third side plate forming the first division. The first division contains a first wideband amplifier adjacent to the first connector and a distributor between the first wideband amplifier and a fourth side plate to be adjacent to the first wideband amplifier. A second connector that outputs one of two signal components split in the distributor is disposed on the first side plate. A tuning section is disposed in the second division. Other wideband amplifiers may provide isolation between the distributor, the second connector, and the tuning section.

Abstract: A television tuner unit includes a tuner that frequency-converts a received television signal into an intermediate-frequency (IF) signal, a video IF circuit that demodulates the IF signal, and a conductive frame having four side plates that houses the tuner and the video IF circuit. The internal space of the frame is divided into first and second regions that face each other, the first region being more proximate to the first side plate than the second region. The video IF circuit and the tuner are provided in the first and second regions, respectively. A connector through which the television signal is input is formed on the third side plate at a position corresponding to the second region. Terminals connected with the tuner and the video IF circuit are formed on the first side plate.

Abstract: An MVA liquid crystal display device capable of obtaining optimal display state by eliminating display irregularities so that liquid crystal molecules maintain an ideal inclination direction. Transmission light passing through a liquid crystal layer is efficiently utilized by defining an angle of correction on a strip-like projection (12) and a corresponding slit (6) formed on a first or second substrate, changing the outline of signal line (3) and the shape of an edge part of a pixel electrode (4), and optimizing the direction of extension of the transmission axis of a polarizer and the slit.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device having a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, a plurality of video signal lines and scanning signal lines formed on the first substrate, and defining pixel regions, a thin film transistor formed in the pixel regions, and driven by a scanning signal from the scanning signal line for supplying video signal from one of the video signal lines to a pixel electrode and a display area containing a plurality of the pixel regions. A first protection element line formed at a peripheral portion of the display area, and being connected to a odd-numbered ones of the video signal lines by first high-resistance elements, and a second protection element line formed at a peripheral portion of the display area, and being connected to even-numbered ones of the video signal lines by second high-resistance elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid crystal display device and a method for fabricating the liquid crystal display device. A displayed image can or cannot be seen depending on an observation angle or observation point by using a reflection electrode (330), which has a reflection structure for changing a reflection factor depending on an observation angle, so that the image can be displayed through at least two different viewing angles in a LCD.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a pixel electrode, a common electrode facing the pixel electrode, and a thin film transistor including a gate electrode connected to a gate line, a source electrode connected to a data line, and a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode. First and second domain defining members defining domains are provided at the liquid crystal display and the drain electrode is disposed near a corner of one of the domains. The drain electrode has an edge extending perpendicular to major edges of the domains and located closest to a center of the one of the domains.

Abstract: A method of repairing data line defects and flat panel display incorporating the same. The shielding metal lines are disposed beside the data lines and the backup wires are across the adjacent data lines/shielding metal lines to repair disconnection defects in data lines. If several defects occur in the same data line, each defect can be repaired by laser fusing using the adjacent, suitable shielding metal line and the corresponding backup wires to detour around the defect to create an electrical loop. The flat panel display further comprises the shielding metal lines disposed beside the gate lines and the backup wires across the adjacent gate lines/shielding metal lines to repair disconnection defects in gate lines.

Abstract: A frame structure and a grounding structure of a liquid crystal module are disclosed. The frame structure is adapted for fixedly securing a flexible printed circuit board and a control printed circuit board on the frame, wherein the flexible printed circuit board is electrically connected to a liquid crystal display panel and the control printed circuit board is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board. The grounding structure is adapted for fixedly securing a grounding copper foil on a metal bezel.

Abstract: An electro-optical apparatus encased in the mounting case includes an electro-optical device in which the light emitted from a light source is incident on an image display region, and a mounting case including a plate disposed to face one surface of the electro-optical device and a cover to cover the electro-optical device, a portion of the cover abutting against the plate, wherein the mounting case accommodates the electro-optical device by holding at least a portion of a peripheral region located at the circumference of the image display region of the electro-optical device with at least one of the plate and the cover. In addition, the cover has a surface area increasing portion to increase the surface area thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-optical device encased in a mounting case including an electro-optical device having a substrate in which projection light from a light source is incident on an image display region, and a mounting case including a plate disposed to face one surface of the electro-optical device and a cover to cover the electro-optical device, a portion of the cover abutting against the plate, and the mounting case accommodating the electro-optical device by holding at least a portion of the peripheral region positioned at the periphery of the image display region of the electro-optical device with at least one of the plate and the cover. Also, the plate has a coefficient of linear expansion within a predetermined range on the basis of the coefficient of linear expansion of the substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display contains a light source, a light guide panel that directs light from the light source towards a display panel, and optical sheets containing a diffusion sheet that spreads the light from the light guide panel and at least one prism sheet that redirects light from the diffusion sheet in a direction substantially perpendicular to the display panel. The optical sheets contain a region adjacent to the light source that has a hardened part that substantially prevents heat from being transferred to a display region of the optical sheet corresponding to the display region of the display panel and minimizes the temperature difference across the display region. The hardened part is formed on at least opposing sides of the optical sheets, overlaps a non-display region of the display panel and is bent or contains a convex part that projects towards the display panel.

Abstract: To sophisticate a portable electronic appliance without hindering reduction of the weight and the size, more specifically, to sophisticate a liquid crystal display apparatus installed in a portable electronic appliance without hindering the mechanical strength, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first plastic substrate, a light-emitting device which is disposed over the first plastic substrate, resin which covers the light-emitting device, an insulating film which is in contact with the resin, a semiconductor device which is in contact with the insulating film, a liquid crystal cell which is electrically connected to the semiconductor device, and a second plastic substrate, wherein the semiconductor device and the liquid crystal cell are disposed between the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate.

Abstract: A backlight unit includes a light guide plate, at least two lamps arranged along a side of the light guide plate for irradiating light onto the light guide plate, and a plurality of lamp housings having different shapes for enclosing each of the lamps.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module for preventing a noise is provided. In the module, a light guide plate is inserted into an inner side of a support main to uniformly distribute a light applied from a light source and apply the light to a liquid crystal display panel. The light guide plate is set such that a first side thereof to which a light is incident has a width different from a second side thereof which is opposed to the first side.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an element having variable optical properties, comprising:

Abstract: When radiating light onto a liquid crystal composition containing a photosensitive material, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is adjusted by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal composition layer, to achieve substantially orderly alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, or the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is made uniform by adjusting the structure of the liquid crystal display device, or any display defect is driven out of the display area. When radiating light to the liquid crystal composition containing the photosensitive material, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules can be adjusted so as to achieve substantially orderly alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, and the liquid crystal display device can thus be driven stably.

Abstract: A polarizer is provided comprising a subwavelength optical microstructure wherein the microstructure is partially covered with a light-transmissive inhibiting surface for polarizing light. The inhibiting surface can include a reflective surface, such as a metalized coating. The subwavelength optical microstructure can include moth-eye structures, linear prisms, or modified structures thereof. A polarizing structure is further provided comprising a plurality of moth-eye structures stacked on one another for polarizing light.

Abstract: When an optical element is produced using a liquid crystal film having no supporting substrate film for the purpose of decreasing the weight, the liquid crystal film layer may often pose problems of fine wrinkly deformation of and cracking in a caused by strain occurring during a manufacturing/processing step. The present invention intends to provide an elliptical polarizer having a thinned optical anisotropic element which is free from such deformation and cracking. The elliptical polarizer of the present invention comprises at least a polarizer and an optical anisotropic element wherein said optical anisotropic element comprises a liquid crystalline substance layer with a fixed liquid crystal orientation, a tacky adhesive/adhesive layer, and a stress blocking layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display improving luminance etc. in a reflection type display without being accompanied by an increase of production steps, and able to secure a luminance etc. in a transmission type display at an equivalent level to that of a display device for only a transmission type display, having a display panel comprising a TFT substrate 1 formed with a pixel region 4 having a reflection region A for reflection type display and a transmission region B for transmission type display and a color filter substrate 2 formed with color filters 29 located corresponding to the pixel region 4 arranged facing each other across a liquid crystal layer 3, the color filters 29 located corresponding to the reflection region A being formed under the same conditions as those for the color filters 29a located corresponding to the transmission region B, specifically by the same thickness and the same material.

Abstract: A color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes: a substrate; red, green and blue sub-color filters made of a transcription film on the substrate and spaced apart from each other; a black matrix on the red, green and blue sub-color filters; an overcoat layer on the black matrix; and a common electrode overcoat layer.