Abstract: A low-cost digital image processing device constructed by using a simplified circuit is provided which is capable of reducing an amount of data of an image to be stored in a frame memory and of being applied to a display panel with a desired level of a resolution. In the digital image processing device, a video input signal is processed in a signal processing unit and is stored in a frame memory as image data. The frame memory is installed to play a role as, for example, a double buffer to smooth out transfer speed discrepancies between a video input signal and a video output signal. Dummy data is embedded in an image data read from the frame memory by a redundant pixel embedding section and the image data is fed to a display panel as a video output signal.

Abstract: A display includes pixels having a magnetically controllable reflectivity. The pixels are formed between a pair of flexible non-conductive sheets. Each of the magnetically controllable pixels includes a flexible ring located between the flexible non-conductive sheets. Each of the magnetically controllable pixels also includes magnetic particles located within the flexible ring. The location of the magnetic particles with respect to the flexible non-conductive sheets determines the reflectivity of the pixel. The display is especially suitable for use in connection with portable electronic devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing force feedback to a user operating a human/computer interface device and interacting with a computer-generated simulation. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method simulates the interaction of simulated objects displayed to a user who controls one of the simulated objects manipulating a physical object of an interface device. The position of the simulated object, as provided within the simulation and as displayed, is mapped to the physical position of the user object. This mapping can be broken under conditions that are effective to provide force feedback to the user which imparts a physical sensation corresponding to the interaction of the simulated objects.

Abstract: An integrated digital platform includes a digital display unit adapted to display visual images, with a broadband device at the top side thereof, two glass whiteboards arranged at left and right sides of the digital display unit, an electron beam track extended along the digital display unit and the glass whiteboards at the top side, an electron beam set in the electron beam track, a concealable inner layer provided at an inner side of one the glass whiteboard and accommodating an audio video input/output device and a data processing/storage device, and a multi-channel speaker mounted on the integrated digital platform and the lecture environment.

Abstract: A force-feedback input device includes an operating unit to be operated by an operator, a position detector for detecting an operating state of the operating unit, a torque generator for applying a force to the operating unit, a controller for controlling the driving of the torque generator so that a force in accordance with the operating state is applied to the operating unit, an ambient thermometer for detecting the ambient temperature of the torque generator, a storage unit, and a power supply. The controller calculates a new estimated temperature of the torque generator based on higher one of the ambient temperature, and an estimated temperature immediately before the power stoppage, which is read from the storage unit, and reduces the current supplied to the torque generator to cool the torque generator when the new estimated temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A puck is movable within a puck field of motion defined by a boundary. Arcuate springs connect the puck to the boundary. Each arcuate spring has a first end connected to the puck and a second end connected to the boundary, and applies a force to the puck that maintains the puck in a predetermined region of the puck field of motion when no external force is applied to the puck. In an embodiment, each arcuate spring includes a planar spiral member. The arcuate springs can also apply a force that dampens any oscillations in the puck position when the puck returns to the predetermined region in the puck field of motion. The puck can also include an electrode that is electrically connected to a point outside the puck field of motion by one of the arcuate springs.

Abstract: A wireless pointing device, such as a computer mouse, employs self-generated electric energy to power itself and to recharge its internal energy cell. The self-generated power may come from a flywheel coupled to a generator, from a photovoltaic cell, from a secondary coil inductively coupled to an alternating current-powered primary coil in a mouse pad, or from another source. The mouse can also include a movement detector for indicating when the mouse is in use. When the mouse is not in use for a predefined time period, the mouse turns itself off, or enters a low power consumption state, to conserve the energy stored in its internal energy cell.

Abstract: The position coordinates of a coordinate input pen are calculated. The position coordinates are changed on the basis of, of the calculated position coordinates, predetermined coordinates related to the distance between the coordinate input surface and the coordinate input pen. The changed position coordinates are output.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention describe 3D pointing devices which enhance usability by transforming sensed motion data from a first frame of reference (e.g., the body of the 3D pointing device) into a second frame of reference (e.g., a user's frame of reference). One exemplary embodiment of the present invention removes effects associated with a tilt orientation in which the 3D pointing device is held by a user.

Abstract: Relating to a track ball device for manipulating a cursor moving on a display screen of an electronic apparatus, a track ball device being manipulated precisely while generating a click feel when a ball is rotated, having a small play angle and small size is presented. Beneath the center of the ball, the ball is rotatably supported by four rollers. The section of a contacting portion of the rollers contacting with the ball is a circular sawtooth profile, and the directions of the sawtooth serrations of opposite rollers are reverse to each other. Rollers 2 to 5 have switches as rotation amount detecting units. Further, X roller and Y roller contacting with the outer circumference in the orthogonal direction as seen from above the ball, and third roller hold the ball rotatably. Plural undulations are formed on the outer circumference of large-diameter contacting portions of the X roller and Y roller 3 of circular shaft shape. Rotary encoders are coupled to individual rollers.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.

Abstract: An enhanced touch-screen display system is disclosed for generating pixel coordinate estimates corresponding to a location on a display screen touched by a user. The system is an analog resistive touch-screen display system having a processor and associated software algorithms to allow for the calibration and validation of pixel coordinate estimates as an integral part of the real-time generation of the pixel coordinate estimates. Multiple calibrated pixel coordinate estimates are generated and processed at a pre-defined sampling rate to determine a valid pixel position to minimize sampling delays due to settling times. The x-axis position is also validated before the system attempts to generate a y-axis position to avoid the wasted time for generating y-axis estimates when x-axis estimates are corrupted. Noisy estimates are inherently reduced in the touch-screen display system by providing shunts across certain drivers in the system that also allow for detection of a “no touch” state.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to correct inaccuracies in touch location determination associated with mechanical distortion of the touch screen. Calibration parameters are provided for a touch screen characterizing an error in an expected touch signal associated with mechanical distortion of the touch screen. A force responsive touch signal having the error is detected and the touch location determined using the calibration parameters to correct the error in the touch signal. The calibration parameters are determined by applying mechanical distortion to the touch screen and characterizing the touch signal error associated with the mechanical distortion.

Abstract: A touch sensitive user interface of the type having a display screen for displaying images representative of menus and selectable list objects, for example; control logic responsive to the touch sensitive user interface for determining the contact position of a first probe and a second probe, such as two separate fingers, thereon, displaying menus including list objects representing primary and secondary features or functions respectively, so that a user may touch a selection on the primary menu with the first probe and subsequently touch an area on the display screen where a contextually related secondary menu is displayed for selection of contextually related features or functions.

Abstract: External connection terminals are placed within an outline of a touch panel body by being concentrated in an area neighboring an edge of a touch panel body on one of an upper surface and an under surface thereof. When the external connection terminals are concentrated on a side end surface of the touch panel body, the external connection terminals are also placed within the outline of the touch panel body. The touch panel body is also provided with a handle portion.

Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a human finger or other object on a touch-sensitive scrolling pad. Dual independent oscillators may be used to generate two pulse trains at frequencies dependent upon the capacitance of two conductors resulting from the position of the finger on the conductors. The pulses from each oscillator may be counted over a time interval. A ratio-metric measurement may be taken by calculating the ratio of the two counts, and a sum may also be calculated. The ratio of the two counts relates to finger position on the device, and their sum relates to finger pressure upon the device.

Abstract: An acoustic based pointing device and a system and method for using the pointing device to move a cursor on a display screen of a display device. The pointing device comprises an acoustic source that generates and propagates an acoustic signal that is detected by four microphones M1, M2, M3, and M4 and is then converted into corresponding periodic electrical signals S1, S2, S3, and S4. The position vector P0 of the acoustic source is calculated by solving triangulation equations that depend on phase-shift time delays between S1 and Sj for j=1, 2, and 3. A position vector PC is calculated from P0 using a scale vector that relates a change in position of the cursor to a change in position of the acoustic source. Then the cursor is moved to a position PC associated with the position vector PC.

Abstract: An improved raster engine adapted to render video data from a frame buffer to one of a plurality of disparate displays is disclosed which comprises an integral bounded video signature analyzer, a hardware cursor apparatus supporting dual scanned displays, programmatic support for multiple disparate display types, multi-mode programmable hardware blinking, programmable multiple color depth digital display interface, and programmable matrix controlled grayscale generation.

Abstract: A data latch circuit in a source driver has delayed flip-flops (DFFs) which receive display data signals R·G·B, in synchronism with respective rising and falling edges of a clock signal SCK having a half frequency of the display data signals R·G·B. Furthermore, the OFFs independently output to a sampling memory circuit the display data signals R·G·B received in synchronism with the rising edge of the clock signal SCK and the display data signals received in synchronism with the falling edge of the clock signal SCK.

Abstract: An input device includes: a sense line; a CS line to which an output voltage is applied; a TFT having a control terminal, a first terminal connected to the sense line, and a second terminal connected to the CS line, the first control terminal being supplied an input signal so that a conductivity between the first and second terminals is controlled; a photo-sensor having a first terminal which is connected to the control terminal of the TFT; and a holding capacitance, connected in parallel to the photo-sensor, having a terminal on an opposite side of the control terminal, to which a holding voltage is supplied, and in the input device, a voltage of the CS line is outputted as a detection signal to the sense line via the TFT.

Abstract: An adaptive method and apparatus prevents the formation of residual images in a liquid crystal display caused by a discharge of liquid crystal cells upon power-off. When an off-time of a ramp voltage is sensed, a white data signal may be generated. The white data signal is then displayed on a liquid crystal display panel until a power supply for the liquid crystal module is turned off.

Abstract: An implicit function field of a nonmanifold is held in a form of volume data; a value of an implicit function at a point between lattice points is decided by interpolation; and if a difference in code distances between two adjacent voxels to be interpolated is larger than a fixed width, no surface is formed between the voxels. Furthermore, an entered curved surface is broken down into curved surface patches which enable determination of a front and a back; numbers are given to the front and the back, respectively, to be distinguished from each other; and a space is classified into a plurality of regions by using the number of a surface of a nearest point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a primitive (for potential display as a part of a graphical image on a display device) cause attribute data to be received by a graphics processor as a function of whether the primitive is capable of being viewable in the graphical image on the display device. Before taking that action, however, the method and apparatus assemble the primitive as a function of its positional data, and then determine if the primitive is capable of being viewable in the graphical image on the display device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing shadow information for 3D computer graphics objects on a display for a graphic computer system are disclosed. The 3D objects are processed only once and the rendering and shadow generation information is stored in memory. In a subsequent two-dimensional pass, the shadow information is used to provide the color value at each rendered pixel. Thus, the latency and the need for storage capacity due to the multiple 3D pass processing are eliminated.

Abstract: There is provided an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of conducting different manners of resolution conversion processing depending on scanning direction. An image processing apparatus 1 includes: a sub-scanning-directional first resolution converting section 4 for enhancing resolution of input image data in a sub-scanning direction; a sub-scanning-directional second resolution converting section 5; a main-scanning-directional first resolution converting section 14 for enhancing resolution of input image data in a main-scanning direction; and a main-scanning-directional second resolution converting section 15. The structure such as above enables the image processing apparatus 1 to conduct resolution conversion processing in sub-scanning direction and main-scanning direction independently, thereby to obtain a high-quality output image.

Abstract: The number of graphic objects in a visual tile rendered varies as a function of distance between the tile and a viewpoint in a simulation. Fewer objects are rendered when the tile is far from the viewpoint, and vise versa. A level of detail (LOD) value is pseudo-randomly selected and associated with each object, indicating the maximum distance at which the object will be visible. A current LOD value is determined for the tile. An object is rendered if its LOD value is equal or greater than the current LOD value of the tile. Objects are faded into and out of view by modulating an opacity value as the current LOD value changes. Texture values of an object are adjusted as a function of ambient and direct components of light on the object, to achieve lighting corresponding to time of day, current season, and/or region in the simulated world.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for displaying data categories. The apparatus comprises a display that is configured to produce a first visual presentation of a first data category of the data categories and a second visual presentation of a second data category of the data categories. The apparatus also comprises a processor that is configured to control the display during simultaneous production of the first visual presentation and the second visual presentation. The processor is configured to control the display such that the first visual presentation comprises a first line bordering at least a portion of a first object of the first data category.

Abstract: A multiple channel signal acquisition device wherein each channel performs a respective rasterization process to provide respective waveform imagery, the respective waveform imagery having a display parameter reduced at a decay rate, the respective waveform imagery being propagated towards an adjacent input channel for combination, the combined image being propagated towards each remaining channel for combination into a final waveform image for display.

Abstract: A system and method is described for rendering a warped brush stroke using a bitmap brush image, the brush stroke being along a arbitrarily curved guideline. The described system and method generate a piecewise linear approximation to the guideline followed by generating polygons with the aid of the linear segments such that the generated polygons are convex and contiguous linear segments result in contiguous polygons. A mapping is identified between segments of the bitmap brush and the polygons such that the corners or the boundaries of the segments of a segment map to the corners or boundaries of a corresponding polygon. The segment of the bitmap brush is mapped into the corresponding polygon using transformations that do not require visiting a pixel in the rendered warped brush stroke more than once. Examples of such transformations include bilinear transformations and texture mapping in combination with tiling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost OSD system with minimal ROM requirements, minimal computing power required from the microcontroller, and minimal I/O port requirements. The OSD system creates a fixed frame around a small set of programmable characters. The small set of programmable characters is used to create an icon within the OSD display. The icon is selected by sending minimal information to the microcontroller. In one particular example, four bits of information are sent to the microcontroller to select one of the available sixteen different icons. The OSD frame characters and OSD programmable area icon characters are stored in ROM and no RAM is used. The OSD silicon die size is reduced as compared to a traditional OSD silicon die size.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a video source is received by a first video adapter. The video source is captured in the video memory associated with the first VGA. The stored video source is associated with a window of an existing application. When the window location of the existing application is shifted to coincide with the video memory of a second graphics adapter, a data transfer occurs to the appropriate video memory location of the second graphics adapter to allow the rendering of that portion of the video now residing on a second monitor.

Abstract: A programmable graphics pipeline and method for processing multiple partitioned multimedia data, such as graphics data, image data, video data, or audio data. A preferred embodiment of the programmable graphics pipeline includes an instruction cache, a register file, and a vector functional unit that perform partitioned instructions. In addition, an enhanced rasterization unit is used to generate inverse-mapped source coordinates in addition to destination output coordinates for graphics and other media processing. An enhanced texture address unit generates corresponding memory addresses of source texture data for graphics processing and source media data for media processing. Data retrieved from memory are stored in an enhanced texture cache for use by the vector functional unit. A vector output unit includes a blending unit for graphics data and an output buffer for wide media data.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus controls display contrast of a display screen based on a stored display contrast value. The information processing apparatus includes a display screen, an input unit for inputting data, a storage unit for storing a display contrast value, a unit for adjusting the display contrast of the display screen based on the stored display contrast value, a measuring unit for measuring the time after the completion of data input from the input unit while the display contrast is being adjusted, a value changing unit for changing the stored display contrast value stored in the storage unit after a first predetermined period of the time measured by the measuring unit elapses, and a changing unit for changing the display contrast of the display screen based on the display contrast changed by the value changing unit.

Abstract: A faster algorithm for computing the texture of a pixel is disclosed. A major and minor direction in texel space are determined. Steps in the major direction are set to unity and steps in the minor direction are set to the slope of the anistropy line of the footprint. The end points of the anistropy line in the major direction are then positioned to be on grid in the texture space. The texture is computed for each sample along the anistropy line by computing an interpolation cooefficient for the sample, linearly interpolating two texels based on the cooefficient, weighting the interpolated sample, and accumulating the weighted samples. The result is the texture value to be used for the pixel.

Abstract: An image processing method converts data dependent on a first illuminating light into data dependent on a second illuminating light by, storing conversion conditions for plural illuminating light sources of different color rendering properties, generating data indicating the proportion of synthesis of the stored conversion conditions of the plural light sources, corresponding to the second illuminating light, generating a first conversion condition from the stored conversion conditions for the plural illuminating light sources according to the data indicating the proportion of synthesis, generating a second conversion condition for color temperature conversion based on color temperature information from the second illuminating light, and converting data dependent on the first illuminating light into data dependent on the second illuminating light using the first and second conversion conditions.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for applying colored information to an object (4), the object having at least two different chromophoric particles, at least in a layer (4A) close to the surface, which change the color of this layer (4A) under the influence of laser radiation, laser radiation (1, 2, 3) having at least two different wavelengths (?1, ?2, ?3) being used in order to change the color of this layer (4A), the object (4) being acted on by laser radiation in the vector and/or raster method by means of a two-coordinate beam deflection device (6) and a focusing device (7) for focusing the laser radiation onto the layer (4A) of the object (4).

Abstract: If gamut mapping (hue restoration) defined by one Lab color space is applied in color matching under different reference white points, the human vision perceives the hue as inconsistent. In view of this, input data which is dependent on a color space of an input device is converted by the conversion LUT 11 to color space data which is independent of any devices, based on a viewing condition at the time of viewing an input original. The data is converted to data in the human color perception space by the forward converter 12, then subjected to gamut mapping, and converted back to data in the color space independent of any devices by the inverse converter 15, based on a viewing condition at the time of viewing an output original. Then, the data is converted to output data in a color space which is dependent on an output device by the conversion LUT 16.

Abstract: A configurable filter module for providing shared filter resource between an overlay engine and a texture mapping engine of a graphics system. The configurable filter may comprise a plurality of linear blend units each of which receives data input from one of the overlay engine and a mapping engine cache, and generates a linear blend filter output respectively; and a filter output multiplexer which receives data output from the linear blend units and selects a proper byte ordering output, wherein the linear blend units serve as an overlay interpolator filter to perform linear blending of the data input from the overlay engine during a linear blend mode, and serve as a texture bilinear filter to perform bilinear filtering of the data input from the mapping engine cache during a bilinear filtering mode.

Abstract: A three-times magnified pattern of a central target pixel and horizontally contiguously adjacent sub-pixel patterns next thereto are determined on the basis of a reference pattern that has a rectangular profile and further that consist of eight-neighboring pixel about the target pixel. The determined three-times magnified pattern is allocated to three sub-pixels that form the target pixel. The determined sub-pixel patterns are allocated to horizontally adjacent sub-pixels next to the target pixel. As a result, a black area defined by the target pixel is displaced rightward by an amount of a sub-pixel without any change in black area size that corresponds to three sub-pixels. This feature inhibits a variation in output image density, which otherwise would conspicuously occurs as a result of a varied object line width.

Abstract: A map data transmitting method for transmitting a map through communication comprises steps of setting a specific route, specifying map data contained in a slicing range within a predetermined distance from the route having been set based upon map data that include road data and background data, newly creating new polygon data if an original polygon data contained in the background data included in the specified map data is partially contained in the slicing range and another portion of the polygon is outside the slicing range, by removing polygon data corresponding to the portion outside the slicing range from the original polygon data and transmitting a road map specified in conformance to the map data and background data containing the new polygon data.

Abstract: An image wipe method includes the steps of defining at least a first reference point to divide a screen area into several sub-areas according to the first reference points, selecting at least one sub-area, and performing a first image process on the selected sub-area. In addition, an image wipe device for executing the method is provided.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and method are provided by which the user not only can merely see an album display but also can enjoy the album display satisfactorily as a memory. Image data are stored, and time information and position information are recorded in connection with the image data. Thumbnail icons representative of the image data are displayed in accordance with the time information, and a map image is displayed in concave/concave display. Position icons representative of the time information and the position information are displayed on the map image. The map and the thumbnail icons are moved on the display by at least one of different types of movement including horizontal movement, vertical movement, clockwise or counterclockwise rolling movement, upward or downward pitching movement and leftward or rightward yawing movement so that the user can enjoy various images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of synthesizing a cartographic image consisting of pixels and representing a terrain overflown by an aircraft, the cartographic image being computed at each pixel on the basis of several cues which include a first color altimetric cue obtained on the basis of a datum of absolute altitude or relative altitude with respect to the altitude of the aircraft, of a possible cue of presence of at least one intervisibility zone and of a possible cue of presence of a forest zone, a second shading cue representative of the relief of the terrain, and a possible third color planimetric cue, the entire set of altimetric cues constituting an altimetric image and the entire set of planimetric cues constituting a planimetric image, the method comprising at least two types of mode, on the one hand a normal mode type in which, at each pixel, the shading cue modulates the altimetric cue but not the planimetric cue and on the other hand an inverted mode type in which, at each pixel, the shading c

Abstract: A method for adjusting the contrast of a background region in a display device is provided. A video signal for a background region is received in a background region mode. The gain of the video signal is adjusted responsive to a background region control signal thereby adjusting the contrast of the background region. The result is a high quality display device.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a method and an apparatus for controlling a display mode in a portable computer. When a display mode of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is changed such as in response to a user's request, information of the changed display mode is stored being associated with a system mode. When a system is rebooted or the system mode is changed in a state in which the display mode information is stored, display mode information stored being associated with a current system mode is read, and the LCD display mode is set to an arbitrary display mode corresponding to the read display mode information. And, when a change of the LCD display mode is requested by the user, a wallpaper image for the requested display mode can be retrieved from among wallpaper images for display modes stored separately and displayed on the LCD.

Abstract: A subfield coding circuit which subfield-converts R, G, and B image data for producing subfield-converted image data, includes (a) a multiplexer which multiplexes R, G, and B image data, (b) a memory such as a static random access memory (SRAM), including a single lookup table through which the R, G, and B image data is converted into subfield-coded data in time-division, and (c) a demultiplexer which demultiplexes the subfield-coded data to output subfield-coded R, G, and B image data.

Abstract: A display panel driver has a single resistor string for gamma correction and a signal power supply, which have heretofore been required for each of red, green, and blue, and is small in size and has its power consumption reduced. Voltage generator including a single resistor string having n reference voltage terminals generates n reference voltages. Voltage selector selects and outputs m red gradation voltages Vr(0) through Vr(15), m green gradation voltages Vg(0) through Vg(15), and m blue gradation voltages Vb(0) through Vb(15) from the n reference voltages. The display panel driver provides all of a gamma correction curve for red, gamma correction curve for green, and a gamma correction curve for blue with a single resistor string and a pair of power supplies including a ground potential.

Abstract: Providing a light emitting device capable of suppressing the variations of luminance of OLEDs associated with the deterioration of an organic light emitting material, and achieving a consistent luminance. An input video signal is constantly or periodically sampled to sense a light emission period or displayed gradation level of each of light emitting elements of pixels and then, a pixel suffering the greatest deterioration and decreased luminance is predicted from the accumulations of the sensed values. A voltage supply to the target pixel is corrected for achieving a desired luminance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for nonlinear scaling of video images. To match the aspect ratios of a video image and the target display area, at least one embodiment of the present invention scales the video image according to one or more nonlinear functions along the horizontal direction and/or the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the nonlinear functions are such that the original aspect ratio of the video image is preserved near the center region (or strip) of the image and the image is gradually stretched (or compressed) as it is mapped to the edges. In one example, the scaling is implemented by the texture mapping functionality of OpenGL using graphics hardware. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nonlinear mapping is constructed according to a polynomial mapping; and, the coefficients of the polynomial are adjustable by a user to trade off distortion between the image center and the image edges, giving the user control over the location and the amount of distortion.

Abstract: A micro-machined nozzle includes a substrate having a hole formed on a first side that extends partially through a thickness dimension of the substrate and a nozzle orifice formed on a second opposite side that communicates with the hole. The nozzle orifice has at least a portion of its interior wall serrated. A method of fabricating a micro-machined nozzle includes the steps of etching a first side of a silicon substrate to form a hole that extends partially through a thickness dimension of the substrate and etching a second opposite side of the silicon substrate to form a serrated nozzle orifice that communicates with the hole.