Abstract: A radar detection process includes computing a derivative of an FFT output signal to detect an object within a specified detection zone. In one embodiment, a zero crossing in the second derivative of the FFT output signal indicates the presence of an object. The range of the object is determined as a function of the frequency at which the zero crossing occurs. Also described is a detection table containing indicators of the presence or absence of an object within a respective radar beam and processing cycle. At least two such indicators are combined in order to detect the presence of an object within the detection zone and with changing range gates in each of the antenna beams the coverage of the detection zone can be varied.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for determining a rotation angle or distance by evaluating a multitude of phase measurement values. By means of a linear transformation A, the phase values measured in an N-dimensional space are projected into N-1 new signals Si. These signals Si are transformed by a quantizing device into corresponding integer values Wi and converted into N real values Zi by means of a linear projection C. These values have weighted phase measurement values &agr;i added to them in modulo 2&pgr; fashion, which yields N estimates for the angle &phgr; to be measured. The N estimates are corrected if needed at their skip points and are added up in a weighted fashion, taking into account their phase angle.

Abstract: A method for automatic association of moving target indications from at least one entity traveling along a route. A moving target indicator radar is used to detect a plurality of moving target indication data. The moving target indication data proximate to the identified route is selected and presented in a distance-time graph, such that each selected moving target indication data has a unique distance along route and a unique observation-time value. The selected moving target indication data are then transformed from the distance-time coordinate to a slope-intercept coordinate, such that co-linear moving target indication data in the distance-time coordinate are transformed into a plurality of points superposed together with nearly identical slope values and nearly identical distance intercept value. The superposed points are mapped back to the distance-time coordinate, and the moving target indication data corresponding to the superposed points are thus associated.

Abstract: A precision positioning AGM system is provided for detecting the location of an AGM device, as well as the time of a smart pig passing the location. The practice combines two processes into one by using a GPS receiver at the AGM location to record raw GPS measurements at each AGM location. A second GPS receiver is provided at a remote known base location. These position signals and a pig-passage time signal from the AGM provide high accuracy positioning and pig passage time, with only one crew being required. These signals are broadcast to a remote monitoring site. This makes real-time pig tracking unnecessary and eliminates the need for more than one crew visiting the same site.

Abstract: To provide accurate and quick position measurements in a practical mobile position location system, the GPS receiver is calibrated, a frequency error in the next time period is predicted using a first frequency locked to an externally transmitted signal, and a second frequency is generated by a GPS oscillator. To predict the error in the next time period, several measurements are made over time, error estimations are made, an error function is approximated responsive to the set of error estimations. This predicted error is then used to correct the GPS receiver in the next time period. In one implementation, a multiple function portable device is disclosed for providing cellular communication using a network of cellular stations that operate at predefined ideal cellular frequencies, and also for providing position location using GPS satellites that transmit GPS signals at a predefined GPS frequency.

Abstract: A hybrid optical and millimeter wave beam acquisition and tracking system and method. A host platform includes an INS and a GPS for generating geolocation data, optical and RF receivers, and a common optical/RF aperture. An interface is coupled to the host platform by way of a mechanical gimbal and includes a beamsplitter, an optical gimbal and optical aperture, and an RF aperture. A CPU on the interface includes an optical track error processor for acquiring the optical beam by systematically searching for a focused light spot in a focal plane of the optical receiver, an RF track error processor for outputting gimbal angles of the mechanical gimbal that are derived from the aperture of the RF receiver that are referenced to the inertial navigation system, and a search and track processor that generates an optical gimbal control signal for the optical gimbal and a mechanical gimbal control signal for the mechanical gimbal for tracking the optical and RF beams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating a GPS receiver for the acquisition of GPS signals through the processing of the receiver signal over an integration time period, including the step of switching the integration time period of the receive between two discrete values where the controlling step of switching between the two discrete values is responsive to a signal, other than a GPS signal, indicative of the environmental factors within which the receiver is located, wherein the receiver employs (1) a predetermined operational profile and said at least two discrete integration time periods form part of the said profile or (2) a control signal for controlling said switching step is developed on the basis of an estimation of the local environment based on a time-indicating signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for tilting polarization and steering main beam of airship antenna comprises: a 1st GPS receiver, which is located in the airship; a 2nd GPS receiver, which is located in the ground station; an airship antenna database for extracting the radiation pattern information of airship antenna and polarization information according to the posture of the antenna based on the position information of the airship; a ground station antenna database for extracting the radiation pattern information of ground station antenna and polarization information according to the posture of the antenna based on the position information of the ground station; a polarization and main beam direction correction operating device for computing the correction value of polarization and main beam direction of the airship antenna and the ground station antenna based on the position information of the airship and the ground station received from the 1st GPS receiver and the 2nd GPS receiver; and an airsh

Abstract: A system selects an antenna for transmitting data from a node (105-1) in an ad-hoc, multi-hop, wireless network (100). The system receives a message from another node (105-2) of the wireless network (100), the message including location data associated with the other node (105-2). The system determines an angle from the node (105-1) to the other node (105-2), based on the location data, to produce a determined angle. The system selects an antenna from a plurality of antennas for transmitting data to the other node (105-2) based on the determined angle.

Abstract: A dynamically reconfigurable antenna system is disclosed which may be configured with low cost discrete analog components. Particularly, the antenna elements, phase shifters, and beam forming network of the current smart antenna system are configured from RF transmission lines, RF couplers and RF switches in a system which is able to dynamically reconfigure its beam forming signals to point in a direction of greatest signal strength. The smart antenna system may be configured on portable devices to accomplish greater signal reception and transmission when used in a wireless network.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed for employing one or more radiators having non-unique phase centers mounted to a body with respect to a plurality of transmitters to determine location characteristics of the body such as the position and/or attitude of the body. The one or more radiators may consist of a single, continuous element or of two or more discrete radiation elements whose received signals are combined. In a preferred embodiment, the location characteristics are determined using carrier phase measurements whereby phase center information may be determined or estimated. A distributed antenna having a wide angle view may be mounted to a moveable body in accord with the present invention. The distributed antenna may be utilized for maintaining signal contact with multiple spaced apart transmitters, such as a GPS constellation, as the body rotates without the need for RF switches to thereby provide continuous attitude and position determination of the body.

Abstract: A radiating antenna capable of generating or receiving radiation using a plurality of dielectric resonator segments disposed in a circular array is disclosed. The purpose of using multiple dielectric resonator segments within a single antenna system is to produce several beams each having a “boresight” (that is, a direction of maximum radiation on transmit, or a direction of maximum sensitivity on receive) in a different direction. Several such beams may be excited simultaneously to form a new beam in any arbitrary direction. The new beam may be incrementally or continuously steerable and may be steered through a complete 360 degree circle. When two segments are excited simultaneously, the antenna may have a narrower main lobe and/or a smaller backlobe than for a single segment alone. When receiving radio signals, electronic processing of such multiple beams may be used to find the direction of those signals, thus forming the basis of a radio direction finding device.

Abstract: A PCB antenna for receiving distinct polarization signal is disclosed, which is formed a plurality of circular electrodes printed on a substrate. There are pluralities of metal splices between the circular electrodes so that each circular electrode is short in order to obtain the best sensitivity for receiving the different polarization signal. The PCB antenna is connected with a signal processing unit via the coaxial fed or the microstrip fed for transmitting the signal the PCB antenna received.

Abstract: A cylindrical reflector having a through hole in conformity with the shape of an elemental portion is fitted to the elemental portion in a LAN antenna in which the elemental portion encloses a linear conductor therein and projects from a base table, and further, the reflector is turned to be set at a position at which the directivity is formed in a specific direction. A flat plate or a curved plate forming a reflecting surface of the reflector is arbitrarily set, thus forming a desired radiation pattern of a beam.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a housing, an antenna, and a transceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless signals through the antenna. The wireless communication device also includes a first hinge connecting the antenna to the housing for allowing the antenna to rotate about a first axis with respect to the housing, a first motor for rotating the antenna about the first axis with respect to the housing, and a control circuit for controlling the first motor to rotate the antenna for scanning reception of wireless signals as the antenna is rotated at different angles.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic coupling type four-point feeding loop antenna (10) comprising a tubular body (11), a loop portion (12) having a loop width (W1), four feeders (13) each having a feeder width (W2), and four electromagnetic coupling wires (17) each having a coupling wire width (W3), the loop width, the feeder width, and the coupling wire width are substantially equal to one another. A gap (&dgr;) between the feeder and the electromagnetic coupling wire is laid in a range between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, both inclusive, when the electromagnetic coupling type four-point feeding loop antenna has a feeding impedance of a range between 25 &OHgr; and 100 &OHgr;, both inclusive.

Abstract: Provided is an antenna apparatus including an antenna for receiving electromagnetic radiation from an object to be measured; and a condensing element, which is constructed to surround the antenna, which is located at a center of the condensing element, wherein the condensing element reflects and condenses the electromagnetic radiation toward the antenna. The antenna apparatus according to the present invention improves the gain and electromagnetic reception efficiency of the antenna and effectively reduces interference by external unwanted noise.

Abstract: A dual-band antenna suitable for use in a cellular telephone network base station includes two parallel arrays of low-frequency dipole elements disposed on a ground plane, a raised array of high-frequency dipole elements disposed between the two parallel arrays, and at least one beamforming rod disposed between the raised array and the two parallel arrays. The two parallel arrays operatively form symmetric azimuth radiation patterns in a lower range of frequencies. The raised array and the high frequency beamforming rod likewise operatively form symmetric azimuth radiation patterns in a higher range of frequencies. This configuration of dual-band antenna allows reception and transmission of electromagnetic signals in two discrete frequency bands while occupying a compact space.

Abstract: Manufacturing techniques are described for forming electrical components. For example, a layer of a metal powder composition is deposited onto at least a portion of a substrate. Pressure is applied to the metal powder composition by hydraulic press that has one or more projections in order to capture a pattern on the substrate. The metal powder composition compressed by the projections of the hydraulic press adhere to the substrate to form the captured pattern. The metal powder composition in regions not compressed by the projections of hydraulic press do not adhere to the substrate and may be removed. The metal powder composition may be compressed to form electrical components, such as antennae, capacitor plates, conduction pads and the like, for use in an electronic surveillance system (EAS), a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, or the like.

Abstract: A small and light helical antenna, with a high gain, includes arranging the dielectric cylinder with a helix conductor on the conductive plate and arranging a thin rectangular conductive plate between the lower end of the helix conductor and the feed point in a predetermined position of the conductive plate. The impedance matching is between the input impedance of the helix conductor and a power feeder. The upper and lower conductive plates constitute parallel plate waveguide space, and the probe which comes into the parallel plate waveguide space is in the lower conductive plate side, and the lower end of a thin rectangular conductive plate is connected with the lower end of a probe.

Abstract: A low-profile, tri-filar, helix antenna having circular polarization (CP) includes a single feed, in the absence of an internal feed network. The antenna includes three metal, bent, quarter-wave monopoles that are physically positioned at 0, 120, and 240 degrees, respectively, on a top flat surface of the antenna. One of the monopoles is directly-fed, and the other two monopoles are parasitically coupled to the directly-fed monopole. Metal perturbations on one or both of the two parasitic monopoles control their coupling-phase to the directly-fed monopole. One of the parasitic monopoles couples at positive 120 degrees to the directly-fed monopole, and the other parasitic monopole couples at negative 120 degrees to the directly-fed monopole. Various perturbation options generate this CP phasing.

Abstract: A terrestrially deployed flexible antenna is disclosed. The antenna includes a planar, flexible dielectric material having a first side and a second side. A flexible conductive ground plane is secured to the first side of the dielectric material. At least one flexible, planar conductive element is secured to the second side of the flexible dielectric material. The flexible dielectric material is bonded to form a collapsible enclosed volume with the ground plane forming an inner surface of the enclosed volume. A propellant is disposed within tie enclosed volume. The propellant releases a predetermined volume of gas when ignited. An igniter ignites the propellant to release the predetermined volume of gas, to thereby temporarily expand the enclosed volume to a predetermined shape such that the ground plane, the dielectric material, and the at least one conductive element cooperate to form a resonant antenna circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting a single computer to drive at least two displays is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for adapting a single computer to drive at least two displays is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a controller, coupled between a user input device such as a computer, the controller for providing a control signal according to a user input; and a video switcher, for selectively providing a signal from the computer to one of at least two video displays in response to the control signal. In another embodiment, a method of presenting information on at least two displays communicatively coupled to a computer is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of intercepting a user input to the computer, and directing a video output signal from the computer to one of at least two video displays according to the intercepted video input.

Abstract: A compact portable athletic data display apparatus, comprising a generally rectangular flat display section 3 which is rotatably connected at the lower end thereof with a generally rectangular flat control section 2 by means of hinges, so that the display section 3 may be held at upright position to display the data when it is used but folded onto the control section otherwise. In operation, an operator stands up the display section 3 at the upright position, enter data to be displayed on the display section using data input keys. A monitor may be provided on the control section so that he may check on the monitor the data he has entered for display.

Abstract: A single horizontal scan range CRT monitor that includes a receiver for receiving display signals in a digital format from an external source, the initial display signals having one of a plurality of input resolutions, and a converter connected to the receiver and supplied with the initial display signals for detecting the input resolution of the initial display signals and converting the initial display signals to digital output signals having an output resolution selected from a plurality of different output resolutions matched to the detected input resolution of the initial display signals, and wherein all of the plurality of output resolutions have a same horizontal resolution and all of the digital output signals have a same horizontal frequency.

Abstract: An image display apparatus is provided for providing a virtual image to an observer. The image display apparatus includes an image display unit, an eyepiece optical system, and a container. The image display unit is for providing modulated light corresponding to the virtual image. The eyepiece optical system is for directing the modulated light from the image display unit to one or both of the observer's eyes. The container is for supporting the image display unit on an edge portion of the eyepiece optical assembly.

Abstract: A driving method of a plasma display panel and a driving circuit thereof are disclosed. In the method, image data is inputted by applying a scanning pulse to the scanning electrode and selectively applying a data pulse to the data electrode during an address period. Then, a first pulse and a second pulse of different phase are respectively applied to the first sustaining electrode and the second sustaining electrode during a sustain period. A third pulse is applied to the scanning electrode to sustain the image data. A first discharge current and a second discharge current are occurred, an time interval is formed between the discharge currents to reduce an instant power consumption of the PDP. The driving method is also used to reduce the electromagnetic interference and increases the operation margin.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma display panel (PDP), consisting of a front panel (10) equipped with display electrodes (8) and a rear panel (4) equipped with address electrodes (3), that displays an image by causing discharge in a small discharge space formed between the two panels; wherein there are provided two layers of protective films (5, 6), made of metallic oxide, covering the dielectric layer (7) installed on the front panel (10); the outer, upper layer (6) being formed into a layer of material with a specific surface area of 20 m2/g or more and a film thickness of 1 &mgr;m or less, exhibiting a high discharge characteristic; and the inner, lower layer (5) being formed into a layer of material with a specific surface area of 10 m2/g or less and a film thickness of 1 &mgr;m or more, exhibiting a low water-adsorption characteristic.

Abstract: A plasma display panel driving method and a plasma display apparatus which can reduce power consumption. A selective discharge is generated at least once for selectively setting each of discharge cells of a plasma display panel either to a lit discharge cell state or to an unlit discharge cell state in accordance with a video signal. In this case, the number of times the selective discharge is generated is changed in accordance with the power consumption associated with the selective discharge.

Abstract: A method for driving a PDP is provided which is capable of improving reliability in selective operations, acquiring excellent displaying characteristics, improving contrast, and accommodating a difference in driving characteristics caused by a color to be displayed. If a discharge initiating threshold voltage between surface electrodes is 250 V and the discharge initiating threshold voltage between facing electrodes in a state where lots of activated particles exist in discharging space is 350 V, an ultimate potential of a pre-discharging pulse is set to be 400 V and a electric potential of a pre-discharging pulse is set to be 0 V. When a voltage of the pre-discharging pulse exceeds 250 V being the discharge initiating threshold voltage between surface electrodes, a feeble discharge occurs between surface electrodes.

Abstract: An alphanumeric and graphic symbol display device in which an LED array is rotated and controlled to project a display onto a translucent surface. The electrical power for the array is provided by way of a rotating contactless transformer independently of the control data for the array which is provided by infrared data transmission through a tubular shaft driven by a DC brushless, three-phase motor to rotate the array at a predetermined rate independent of the electrical power for the array and the control data.

Abstract: A graphics controller for a color display system having a bistable liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix includes a memory device for storing color data and status bits corresponding to each of the pixels, and a generating device for generating voltage data corresponding to the pixels based on the color data and the status bits for each of the pixels. In an exemplary case, the bistable LCD is a Cholesteric LCD. Preferably, the generating device has a first mode of operation in which the data corresponding to the pixels is generated for each corresponding pixel and a second mode of operation in which no data is generated; the generating device switches from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when all of the status bits for all of the pixels are zeros.

Abstract: A panel driving apparatus compatible with various types of panels for liquid crystal displays (LCDs) having different specifications and a panel driving system adopting the panel driving apparatus include: a microcontroller; a data converting unit controlled by the microcontroller, for receiving composite data including color data and horizontal and vertical synchronization signals and for generating converted composite data and a clock signal; a panel control unit controlled by the microcontroller, for receiving the converted composite data and the clock signal and for generating control signals for driving a panel, and an internal data signal including the color data and the clock signal; and a transmitting unit for receiving the internal data signal from the panel control unit and for transmitting the received internal data signal to the panel.

Abstract: A displaying device, which can reduce the power consumption, compared with a conventional displaying device in which the reduction of the power consumption is difficult because light is extracted from each of light emitting elements in time series, and also can prevent a displayed image from deteriorating caused by light entering from the outside or a light loss in a waveguide array, is provided. In the displaying device, a light emitting array controls each of light emitting elements. A waveguide array is formed by patterning a photosensitive resin formed on a supporting substrate having a light absorbing layer. A light extracting section extracts light at the same time form a predetermined selected region of the plural light emitting elements. The light extracting section also provides an antireflection layer on the surface facing to an observer. The extracting efficiency at the light extracting section is corrected corresponding to a light loss in the waveguide array.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a passive display, a light source, and a video signal input, in operation in response to a video signal the passive display modulates light from the light source to provide an image, and the intensity of the light source is controlled by the video signal. A method of producing a displayed image using a passive display illuminated by a light source is characterized in controlling the light source to obtain a displayed image with a desired amount of information, gray scale and/or color characteristics. A method of reducing power consumption by a display system in which a light modulating display modulates incident light from a light source to provide images is characterized in controlling power provided to the light source to reduce output thereof for relatively dark images.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprising a signal correcting means for correcting a level of an original image signal to a level with which transmittance in a steady state of the pixel with the original image signal is attained within one frame period, a horizontal driving means for applying a voltage in correspondence with the corrected image signal to liquid crystal, and an illumination device for illuminating the display panel with a plurality of light emitting regions thereof, said light emitting regions sequentially turns on and off in synchronization with the application of the corrected image signal while holding a definite time delay thereto.

Abstract: A matrix access system having a plurality of columns, comprising a plurality of circuits each being adapted for selectively accessing one of said columns; an interface, communicating data with said plurality of circuits; at least one redundant circuit, adapted for selectively accessing each of said columns and communicating data with said interface; a test circuit, for comparing data communicated by a respective one of said circuits and said redundant circuit; and means for selectively logically replacing a respective circuit with said redundant circuit.

Abstract: A data line drive circuit for a liquid crystal display comprises a selection circuit 20 receiving from a D/A converter 16 a plurality of voltages V1 to V3 corresponding to data lines 301 to 303 of the liquid crystal display, for outputting a selected one of the received voltages, an analog buffer 22A connected to an output of the selection circuit, a distribution circuit 24 receiving an output of the analog buffer for selectively distributing the output of the analog buffer to a selected one of the data lines, and a precharge circuit 26 for precharging each of the data lines to either VDD or VSS in accordance with at least the most significant bit of the corresponding digital data, during a precharge period at the beginning of each scan line selection period. During a first writing period succeeding to the precharge period, a voltage V1 corresponding to the data line 301 is supplied to the analog buffer 22A, and the output of the analog buffer is supplied to the data line 301.

Abstract: A large area wide aspect ratio flat panel display having high resolution for high information content display. The present invention includes a liquid crystal flat panel display monitor having a wide aspect ratio. In one embodiment, the wide aspect ratio is substantially 1.6:1, having 1,600 pixels across the horizontal and 1,024 across the vertical. In this embodiment, the present invention is an SXGA-wide flat panel display monitor having high resolution for high information content display. The monitor of the present invention is particularly well suited for the display of text, graphics and other types of still and/or motion audio/visual works. The wide aspect ratio allows the display of multiple pages, side-by-side, thereby facilitating certain tasks such as desktop publishing, presentation of interactive windows, presentation of menus, chart viewing, digital photography, tactical military displays and weather and aircraft monitoring.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display material and apparatus is disclosed, including a dispersion medium, a white particulate material having a volume median particle diameter Dw, and a colored particulate material having a color different from the color of the white particulate material and a volume median particle diameter Dc, and wherein a ratio Dc/Dw is from 1/1 to 1/50.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises a bistable electro-optic material having a viewing surface and an opposed writing surface; a deformable member disposed adjacent but spaced from the writing surface of the electro-optic material, and bearing elongate electrodes facing the writing surface of the electro-optic material; and a movable member disposed on the opposed side of the deformable member from the electro-optic material and movable parallel to the elongate electrodes, the movable member contacting and deforming the deformable member such that a portion of each elongate electrode contacts or lies closely adjacent the writing surface of the electro-optic material.

Abstract: An interface device and method for providing enhanced cursor control with force feedback. A force feedback interface device includes a manipulandum, such as a mouse, that is moveable in a local workspace. The device is coupled to a host computer that displays a cursor in a graphical environment, such as a GUI, on a display screen. An interior region and a border region in the local workspace is defined. One mapping of device movement to cursor movement is used for the interior region, and a different mapping is used for the border region. Mapping methods include ballistics, absolute, linear, rate control, and variable absolute. Rate control embodiments can be single axis or dual axis. In one embodiment, when the mouse moves from the interior region to the border region, the mapping providing the greater cursor velocity is used to better conserve device workspace in the direction of travel and to decrease any sense of mapping mode change to the user.

Abstract: An input device comprising an input mechanism for a computer system. The input mechanism is operative responsive to movements of a user of the device to send inputs to a computer system. An exterior surface of the input mechanism is operative to come in contact with the user of the device. At least one portion of the exterior surface is comprised of color changing material that is operative to turn at least one different color responsive to an increase in temperature, pressure, or changes in light exposure to the color changing material caused by contact with the user of the device.

Abstract: Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device. Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a “scoop” capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. In an optical surface tracking cursor control device embodiment, switching to and from a BEACON state, which provides a reduced flash rate of a surface illuminating light source, is carried out based upon a detected presence or absence of a trackable surface.

Abstract: There is provided a hand-held pointing device which fits readily and comfortably in the hand of a user. The pointing device case shape is a pistol grip style designed to be ergonomically correct so that the device may be used for extended periods of time without user fatigue. The operative element in the pointing device is a trackball which, in conjunction with two or more button switches, provides the full functionality of a traditional pointing device such as a mouse. A band or strap may be provided to attach the pointing device to the user's hand such that the fingers of the hand are available for other tasks without the need for setting the pointing device down. The trackball device may be attached to a computer or similar apparatus by a direct connect cable or through a wireless interconnection, typically an RF or IR connection.

Abstract: A digitizer which enables the user to set a collection of forms on a forms set portion and write on any page of the collection of forms with an input pen to input the data regarding the content of writing corresponding to the page, such that a user can efficiently open to a desired page of the collection of forms, is provided for. Additionally, a page turning side depression is provided in a right side frame portion delineating the right side of the forms set portion.

Abstract: A touch-panel device including a conductive membrane, current measurement resistors which are connected at one end to both ends of the conductive membrane and which are connected at the other end to one another, an oscillator which is connected on one end to the connection point of the current measurement resistors and is connected on its other end to the ground, and a serial connection circuit of a switch and a load impedance which circuit is connected between the ground side of the oscillator and one end of the conductive membrane. The touch-panel device measures voltages V10 and V20 of both resistors and calculates Rk/Ro=V20/(V10−V20) by turning the switch ON. When a touch position is to be measured, substitute Rk/Ro to the equation of RL/Ro=Rk(V2−V1)/R(V1+V2)+V2/(V1+V2) so as to obtain a touch position. Therefore, touch position detection accuracy is improved and the cost is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein, which simultaneously promotes a positive computing experience for users of portable computer systems and increases overall durability and longevity thereof. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus enhances the user computing experience, in one embodiment by simplifying operation, and is much more durable and long-lasting than mechanical switch and dial type devices it may replace. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus, which enables efficient portable computer device function, field, and data selection, gaming, input, interconnection, and other switching-related functions, simplifying operation and enhancing versatility thereof, yet without exposing the portable computer interior to any degree to incursion of environmental contamination. In one embodiment, an optical apparatus obviates openings in a portable computer package which would otherwise be required.

Abstract: The method of gradation correction of input image data to be displayed on an image display apparatus converts to logarithmic data first characteristic values which represent the display characteristics inherent in the image display apparatus and second characteristic values which represent the desired gradation to be eventually realized with the image display apparatus, respectively, and optionally interpolating both the logarithmic data, constructs a gradation correction table based on both the logarithmic data of the first characteristic values and the logarithmic data of the second characteristic values and performs gradation correction on the input image data to the image display apparatus using the gradation correction table. The image display system displays on the image display apparatus the thus corrected image data on which the gradation correction is performed by implementing the method.

Abstract: The imaging device according to the present invention adjusts the luminance in the first image such that the addition value of the value, which is obtained by multiplying the feature quantity of the luminance in the central portion of the first image by the first coefficient, and the feature quantity of the luminance in the peripheral portion of the first image becomes the first target value, and also adjusts the luminance in the second image such that the addition value of the value, which is obtained by multiplying the feature quantity of the luminance in the central portion of the second image by the second coefficient that is set independently of the first coefficient, and the feature quantity of the luminance in the peripheral portion of the second image becomes the second target value.