Abstract: Coated wafer level camera modules and associated methods are disclosed. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a wafer level camera module that includes a die having multiple image sensor integrated circuits. The module can further include a coating covering at least a portion of the die. The coating can be configured to provide at least a partial shield against selected types of electromagnetic energy. The module can still further include multiple contacts positioned to electrically couple the integrated circuits to a support. In certain embodiments, the selected types of electromagnetic energy can include one or more selected frequencies of light.

Abstract: When a signal output by a solid-state image sensing device is clamped to a predetermined reference potential, a high voltage generated in a transfer suspension period after the clamping as generally supplied to an A/D converter is generated. A sample/hold output Va is clamped to a clamp level Vref over a period of time between a halfway point of time of a signal of a picture element preceding ahead by one line and the end of an inhibit period of transfer clocks of a signal output by an empty transmission unit via a first clamp pulse and a sample/hold output for the second picture element, or a subsequent one of an OPB unit is clamped to the clamp level via a second clamp pulse to prevent a signal output from exceeding a reference voltage from being supplied to an A/D converter at a later stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to matrix image sensors intended in particular for digital photography. The invention provides a driver in each pixel that allows exposure control common to the entire matrix. The driver comprises five transistors, a photodiode and, apart from a supply conductor and a ground, four control conductors, these being an exposure control conductor common to all the pixels of the matrix; a row selection conductor common to all the pixels of any one row; a reset conductor common to all the pixels of any one row; and a column conductor for collecting the signal read on the pixels during row-by-row reading of the charges photogenerated in the pixels of the matrix.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having an image pickup device structured by a plurality of pixels having different photoelectric conversion characteristics different from each other on each side of an inflection point, correcting an error of the photoelectric conversion characteristics, thereby contributing to realization of high image quality will be provided. In the image pickup apparatus having an image pickup device structured by a plurality of pixels having different photoelectric conversion characteristics different from each other on each side of the inflection point, on the basis of the inflection point of the standard photoelectric conversion characteristic and correction data, whether or not to execute a correction using the correction data to the imaged data of the pixels and whether or not to execute characteristic transformation using the characteristic transformation section to the imaged data of the pixels are decided.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes a photoelectric converter having a plurality of pixels covered by a color filter composed of a plurality of colors, a plurality of common readout units adapted to sequentially output signals from the plurality of pixels, a time division multiplex (TDM) unit for time division multiplexing signals from the plurality of common readout units, and a readout control unit for reading the signals from the plurality of pixels to the common readout units in such a way that signals from pixels covered by color filters of the same color are continuously multiplexed.

Abstract: Provided are a digital image processing apparatus which can control the size of a display, and accordingly control a picture format, and a method of displaying an image. The digital image processing apparatus includes: a display on which a preview image of an object to be photographed or a reproduced image is displayed; a cover element configured to selectively cover a portion of the display; and an image controlling unit which outputs a signal to the display, the signal corresponding to a picture format that is determined according to an orientation of the cover element and, therefore, a size of the display that is exposed.

Abstract: A variable magnification optical system includes: a plurality of lens groups for imaging a ray from the object side onto the light-receiving surface of an image sensor; and an optical prism for deflecting the optical path of the ray guided by these lens groups. The variable magnification optical system further includes an anamorphic lens element, which alters a beam of rays so that the beam becomes nonaxisymmetric to the optical axis.

Abstract: A digital still camera switches an image sensor between moving picture shooting and still picture shooting. The digital still camera includes a variable-magnification optical system having a plurality of lens groups of which four are movable. At least one of the movable lens groups travels different movement trails for magnification variation between during zooming in moving picture shooting and during zooming in still picture shooting.

Abstract: When the mode is set to a pan focus mode, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention displays types of a shooting scene in an image display section 15 (S1), judges whether or not the user has designated the shooting scene (S2), acquires two focus positions corresponding to the thus designated shooting scene when it judges that the shooting scene is designated, and moves the CCD 6 and the CCD 7 to the thus acquired two focus positions (S3). Next, the imaging apparatus synthesizes image data picked up by the CCD 6 and the CCD 7, displays the thus synthesized image data as through image (S4), and acquires two focus positions corresponding to the lens position of the zoom lens every time a zoom operation is performed, and moves the CCD 6 and the CCD 7 (S5 to S8).

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus using a solid image pickup device includes a manual focus adjusting unit configured to control the position of a focus lens in response to a user's input operation; an edge detecting unit configured to detect edge components of each pixel from an image signal obtained by image pickup and to output detection levels of the detected edge components; a color signal replacement unit configured to replace a signal of a pixel corresponding to the detection level or signals of pixels in a predetermined range containing the corresponding pixel on the image signal with a predetermined color signal when the detection level is equal to or higher than a predetermined value; and a display unit configured to display an image based on an output image signal from the color signal replacement unit.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image pickup device that converts light from a subject to image data a drive section that drives the image pickup device, an auto-focus section that performs an auto-focus operation, and a focus control section that controls the auto-focus section to perform an auto-focus operation while controlling the drive section so that the image data is read from the image pickup device at a predetermined read out cycle suitable for displaying a through image, when the first determination section determines that the shutter button is pressed halfway, and that controls the auto-focus section to perform an auto-focus operation while controlling the drive section so that the image data is read from the image pickup device at a shorter read out cycle than the redetermined read out cycle, when the second determination section determines that the shutter button is fully pressed at once.

Abstract: Both a specific target and the background thereof in the image of a subject are caused to take on brightnesses that are relatively appropriate. Preliminary image sensing is performed to obtain a preliminary image of the subject. The image of a face is detected from within the preliminary image of the subject and the representative luminance of the face image is calculated. If the representative luminance calculated is not appropriate, then amount of exposure is adjusted so as to make the face image slightly darker than the appropriate brightness. Regular image sensing is then carried out. If the representative luminance of the face image in the image of the subject obtained by regular image sensing is not appropriate, a tone adjustment is applied utilizing a tone curve. Thus there is obtained an image of the subject in which both the face image and its background exhibit brightnesses that are relatively appropriate.

Abstract: A method of exposure control for an imaging system. A predetermined number of images are captured by one or more imagers, wherein the images are defined by an image resolution matrix. The images are masked to establish a region of interest within the image resolution matrix and brightness of the images is analyzed within the region of interest. An exposure time is calculated for a subsequent image capturing step based on the brightness analysis, and an exposure time setting of the imager(s) is adjusted during the subsequent image capturing step based on the calculated exposure time.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus keeping down an increase in the amount of processing at the time of exposure determination and at the same time enabling effective utilization of the improved photometry resolution for back light detection, having a luminance calculation unit dividing image data output from an image capturing device into a plurality of regions and measuring the luminance of each and an exposure control unit generating and grouping a plurality of intermediate regions from the object luminances output from the luminance calculation unit, generating an exposure evaluation value from the luminances of the intermediate regions, and suitably controlling the exposure for image capture in accordance with the measured luminances, and an image capturing method used for the same.

Abstract: A range/speed finder can be incorporated into a personal electronic device. In one example, a personal electronic device includes an automatic focus system adapted to focus an image of an object and a processor in communication with the automatic focus system adapted to detect a distance of the object using the automatic focus system. The processor can be adapted to detect a speed of the object and/or a dimension of the object using the automatic focus system. Methods and systems for determining a distance, a dimension, and/or a speed of the object relative to the personal electronic device are also provided.

Abstract: A decoder for decoding a plurality of digital video data is described. In an embodiment, the decoder comprises a DV video decoder for decoding digital video data which is formatted according to the DV standard. The DV video decoder has a Very-Long Instruction Word (VLIW) processor and a variable length decoding unit. The VLIW processor includes a preparser unit for recovering a decoding order of the digital video data so that the variable length decoding unit can process the digital video data. The variable length decoding unit decodes a variable length coding format of the digital video data which has been preparsed by the VLIW processor. Furthermore, the VLIW processor includes a decompression unit for decompressing the digital video data which has been decoded by the variable length decoding unit. In an embodiment, the VLIW processor and the variable length decoding unit are formed on the same semiconductor device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for de-interlacing a video signal with interpolating (24) a first pixel sample from a first set of pixels and a second set of pixels, interpolating (26) a second pixel sample from said first set of pixels and a third set of pixels, calculating (28) a third pixel sample from a pixel of said first set of pixels, and calculating (30) a relation between said first pixel sample and said second pixel sample. To improve interpolation and thus image quality, it is proposed to calculate an output pixel sample based on said first pixel sample, said second pixel sample, said third pixel sample and said relation between said first pixel sample and said second pixel sample.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus that generates a progressive video signal including frames from an interlace video signal including pieces of field information in time sequence. The information processing apparatus includes: a video adjustment processing section that performs video adjustment processing to each of the pieces of field information; and an interlace-progressive conversion processing section that performs interpolation processing using at least three pieces of field information subjected to the video adjustment processing to generate each of the frames included in the progressive video signal.

Abstract: A technique for deinterlacing an interlaced video stream is disclosed. A method according to the technique can involve calculating a gradient of image intensity and identifying an edge. A bin can be selected that encompasses the edge. An unknown pixel can be calculated by blending known pixel values along the bin boundaries.

Abstract: A method is described for deinterlacing an interlaced video stream. The method includes detecting an occurrence of groups of adjacent fields that are derived from a common original image frame source, and merging field pairs of the interlaced video stream to create a non-interlaced video stream output.

Abstract: An image display system includes: an image data output device that multiplexes and outputs raster data and compressed moving picture data; and an image display device that is connected to the image data output device through a transmission line and displays an image on the basis of image data output from the image data output device.

Abstract: A synchronization separation circuit extracts a synchronization timing signal from a video signal, and a burst gate pulse generator generates a timing pulse signal for gating a color burst signal period. In the color burst signal period restricted by the timing pulse signal, a first counter counts up cycles of a color burst signal at a first timing as a rising edge of the color burst signal and a second counter counts up cycles of the color burst signal at a second timing as a falling edge of the color burst signal. A color burst determination circuit receives count values to determine presence/absence of a color burst signal superimposed on the video signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods to provide automatic compensation for frequency attenuation of a video signal transmitted over a cable are provided. Frequency compensation is applied to a received video signal that was transmitted over the cable to thereby produce a compensated video signal. A shape of a horizontal sync portion of the compensated video signal is analyzed. The frequency compensation is automatically adjusted based on the shape of the horizontal sync portion of the compensated video signal. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: An audio/video intercom system provides transmission of video and audio signals from a remote originating unit to a computer monitor and speaker for display and reproduction. The system includes an access point router coupled to the computer that receives the remotely originated video and audio signals. The access point router provides the remotely originated video and audio signals to the computer to enable display of the video signals on the monitor and reproduction of the audio signals on the computer speaker.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for sizing an image on a display screen. A user is provided the ability to display an image, display graphical objects, navigate, highlight, and activate one of the graphical objects on a display screen thereby sizing the image to the display screen.

Abstract: An address generating unit 102 generates a different write start address (w_adr) of a picture memory 105 depending on an aspect ratio and/or a display plane position of a motion picture to be displayed. A picture writing unit 104 writes data to the picture memory 105, starting at the calculated write start address (w_adr). A picture reading unit 108 uses the write start address (w_adr) as a read start address (r_adr) and reads data from the picture memory 105, starting at the read start address (r_adr).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for instant replay of digital broadcast data are disclosed. The method provides a function to multiplex the code stream of the digital broadcast data is provided by using software. During playing a digital broadcast program, the digital broadcast data within the period of time from present to former several seconds are recorded simultaneously. Hence, when the users see a marvelous frame or a remarkable message, they may ask for rebroadcasting the former frames by sending a replay order. Moreover, the instant replay apparatus can be applied in the display equipments such as the digital televisions or the setup boxes. Therefore, without using the hard disk or the video recorder, the method can achieve the purpose of instantly replaying the extraordinary frames.

Abstract: A logo processing method includes: within a plurality of video frames sequentially received from a video source, comparing a base frame with at least a portion of the other video frames to generate a mask having at least one candidate region probably corresponding to at least one logo; performing post processing on the mask to correct the candidate region(s); and selecting at least one of the candidate region(s) as logo region(s) for indicating the logo(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing multiple screens and a method of dynamically configuring multiple screens are provided. The apparatus for providing multiple screens includes a digital signal processing module which receives video information, audio information, or data information and restores a service based on the video information, the audio information or the data information, a service processing module which generates a plurality of logical screens and an overlay screen for displaying the restored service, and an output module which maps the plurality of logical screens generated by the service processing module to different locations on a display screen and allows the overlay screen to overlay the display screen.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a technique that processes captured images derived from selected targeted objects in a field of view. The captured images may be transferred via a communication link to a storage location for future availability. A possible aspect may provide a cross-reference association between saved multiple exposures having different quality characteristics. In some instances an identifier record is provided to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames derived from related fields of view. Stored versions of the captured images may be provided in original or altered form to be incorporated in a composite visual work.

Abstract: A display driver includes a first interface controller, a signal selector, a driver logic unit and a second interface controller. The first interface controller processes a control command transferred through a first interface mode to provide a path control command and a panel control command. The signal selector receives the path control command from the first interface controller, and separates a first video signal and a second video signal from a video signal conforming to a video interface mode. The driver logic unit receives the first video signal from the signal selector and the panel control command from the first interface controller to drive a display panel. The second interface controller outputs the second video signal device through a second interface mode to an external.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention introduce a novel technique to analyze and monitor video streams captured from multiple cameras. It highlights the foreground region of the video streams via local alpha blending and displays the videos in an immersive 3-D environment. The spatial arrangement of the displays can be generated by multi-dimensional scaling of the amount of simultaneous motion across different video streams. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for composing a scene containing a plurality of objects, an object comprising chrominance and luminance components, a chrominance value being associated with a set of at least two luminance values, wherein said method comprises a step of blending a first object with a second object resulting in a blended object, said step comprising the sub-steps of:—generating a luminance component of the blended object from the corresponding luminance components of the first and second objects and from a first composition function, and—generating a chrominance component of the blended object from the corresponding chrominance components of the first and second object and from a second composition function, the second composition function depending on a set of associated values of the first composition function.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an average calculation portion which performs a average calculating process between frames by use of an input signal and one-frame delay signal and acquires an output signal having cross color and dot disturbance components reduced, and an up-convert signal detecting portion which sets the inter-frame mean delay processing portion into an operative state when the input signal is an up-convert signal obtained by up-converting a low-resolution signal into a high-resolution signal.

Abstract: A signal processing method comprises the steps of: inputting three signals specifying a color of one pixel; and generating four signals from the input three signals, wherein each of said four signals represents intensities of four different colors to display a color of one pixel by mixing colors, wherein said generating step includes a first converting step of converting the input three signals to two signals representing intensities of two colors among the four colors and a signal representing intensity of a mixed color obtained by mixing (a) the four colors or (b) a plurality of colors among the four colors; and a second converting step of converting the signal representing intensity of the mixed color to a plurality of signals representing intensities of a plurality of colors including at least other two colors different from the two colors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor capable of maintaining an electrical connection between the lead frame and an electrode terminal section of the detection element even when an inadequate external force is applied to a lead frame and a sensor production method capable of preventing the lead frame from buckling and being deformed into an inadequate shape. The lead frame (second lead frame) can inhibit movement of a second frame main body section axially toward a rear end side through engagement of a third locking surface of a second locking section with a second locking groove and can inhibit the second frame main body section from going apart from an inner surface of an insertion hole through engagement of a fourth locking surface of the second frame locking section, which faces an element engagement section side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing video images aimed at compensating for the defects of display devices. According to the invention, the method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: correction of a video signal by a specific gamma law associated with a first component from among said horizontal and vertical components of said video signal, first video processing acting on said first component of the corrected video signal, application, to the video signal processed, of an intermediate law effecting the transfer from a space which is linear with respect to the first component to a space which is linear with respect to the other of said components, called the second component, second video processing acting on the second component of the video signal emanating from the previous step, and correction of the video signal processed by a specific inverse gamma law associated with the second component.

Abstract: A technique for detecting original scan lines is disclosed. The technique involves receiving a deinterlaced signal with even scan lines and odd scan lines. After the deinterlaced signal is received, a determination is made as to whether the even scan lines or the odd scan lines are the original scan lines. In certain embodiments, an interlaced signal can be generated from the original scan lines. In other embodiments, an optimized deinterlaced signal can be generated using the original scan lines.

Abstract: A tuning circuit comprises, at least, a first circuit K1 which serially connects a first variable capacitor element 21a and a second variable capacitor element 31a, an inductance element 23a which is parallely connected to the first circuit K1 and constitutes a resonance circuit with the first circuit K1; a second circuit K2 which includes a switch element 26a and a third resistor 27a serially connected to each other and is parallely connected to the first circuit K1; and a first resistor 24a and a second resistor and 25a which are connected to both ends of the first variable capacitor element 21a, respectively and apply a predetermined tuning voltage.

Abstract: Disclosed are a video processing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes: a video processing unit; an information storage unit storing video information on a video signal and channel information on a plurality of channels corresponding to the video information; a signal evaluating unit evaluating receiving quality of the video signal; and a controller controlling the video processing unit, if the receiving quality of the video signal in the channel selected by a user is less than a predetermined value, to process the video signal of another channel having the same video information as the selected channel based on the channel information stored in the information storage unit.

Abstract: In a tuner circuit, an automatic gain control circuit generates an RF-AGC voltage for automatically controlling a gain of an RF-AGC amplifier in accordance with a level of a signal output from an IF amplifier. An emitter follower circuit includes a transistor for current amplification, and varies a drive current of the transistor in accordance with the RF-AGC voltage. Thus, when an interference signal is at a high level, the drive current of the transistor becomes large. Therefore, distortion performance of the emitter follower circuit is improved. On the other hand, in a normal state where the interference signal is at a low level, the drive current of the transistor fails to become large. Therefore, low power consumption is achieved.

Abstract: A multimedia access system has a remote unit coupled to a host computer system, which is used to control and access media files located on the host computer system. The remote unit comprises a plurality of controls, e.g. mouse, cursor, multimedia controls and a numerical keypad. The keypad is used to input code to be coupled to a linguistic input method editor. The code ranges from code for a full descriptive phrase of a media file, a code for a partial phrase to code for initials of the words of the phrase. The linguistic input method analyzer interprets the code and provides a search phrase to find a media file on the host computer to be played. The multimedia system operates with various languages comprising English, Spanish and the Asia languages.

Abstract: A cost-effective apparatus and method for equalizing signals (e.g., TMDS signals) is presented. The apparatus includes a housing and an input connector and an output connector on the housing. An equalizer chip inside the housing receives input pixel signals from the input connector and transmits output pixel signals through the output connector. An buffer (e.g., an I2C buffer), which is also located inside the housing, receives input control signals (e.g., input I2C signals) from the input connector and transmits output control signals (e.g., output I2C signals) to the output connector. The apparatus may be operated in single-link or dual-link mode. A copper cable connecting a DVI signal source to the input connector may be as long as 60 meters without causing noticeable signal deterioration.

Abstract: A convergence calibration method for a display includes generating a test pattern of similar width with respect to a sensor and expanding the area of the test pattern from one side of the sensor until the whole sensor is illuminated. During the process of expanding the test pattern, the sensor continues to measure signals from the test patterns. Based on the maximum energy measured by the sensor, a digital judgment is performed for calculating convergence parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively masking image data and inhibiting projection of light corresponding to the masked image data. Projection devices include a light engine to project light onto a surface within an available field of projection and a processing unit configured to selectively mask image data in response to user input defining a desired field of view. The masked image data is that image data corresponding to areas outside the desired field of view.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounted rotatable television unit for installing a television in one of a wall and a cabinet wherein when installed therein the television is rotatable at least 180 degrees. The unit comprises an inner frame and an outer frame. The inner frame is adapted to receive a television. The outer frame is adapted to be installed in one of the wall and the cabinet and is rotatably attached to the inner frame whereby the inner frame may be pivoted such that the television is rotatable at least 180 degrees.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel, a driver configured to drive the liquid crystal panel, a control circuit configured to control the driver in response to a display data signal and control signal supplied from an exterior, and a check circuit configured to detect a change between frames in a detection-purpose signal that is included in at least one of the display data signal and control signal so as to output a check signal responsive to presence/absence of the change.

Abstract: In order to shorten a horizontal period while allowing operations of pre-charging a sensor in a pixel and outputting a signal from the sensor, separately from a signal line, this display apparatus includes a supply line through which pre-charge voltage is supplied. In a period to write a video signal, a pre-charge circuit supplies the pre-charge voltage to a sensor through the supply line. Simultaneously, the detector detects a signal outputted from the sensor. In other words, the process of supply and detection are performed in parallel with the writing of the video signal.

Abstract: A display device for a vehicle has a first display unit constructed of a liquid crystal display for displaying first information and a second display unit including a display portion for displaying second information. The second information is illuminated by receiving light emitted from a light source and displayed at an intensity higher than an intensity of a background area that is illuminated by receiving light emitted from another light source. An optical coloring member is disposed such that an illuminating color and a brightness of the background area of the second display unit are substantially equal to those of a background area of the first information of the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing vision of a user includes a focal modulation device (22), which is adapted to focus light from objects in a field of view of the user onto the retina while alternating between at least first and second focal states that are characterized by different, respective first and second focal depths, at a rate in excess of a flicker-fusion frequency of the user.