Patents Issued in March 20, 2007
  • Patent number: 7193613
    Abstract: A dual-function keyboard with two operational modes, a typing mode and a pointing mode. In the typing mode, each visible key functions as in a standard keyboard. In the pointing mode, all the keys function as pointer controllers. The keyboard also employs a novel “one-hot-encoding” circuitry that simplifies the wiring while allowing digital detection of any number of keys that are simultaneously depressed. The keyboard may be made of flexible materials and may be rolled-up or folded for easy transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Mehrban Jam
  • Patent number: 7193614
    Abstract: A portable computing device includes pivoting and hinging mechanisms which enable its housing to reconfigure to function in multiple modes. In one configuration the device functions as a laptop computer with keyboard input. In another configuration the device folds into a compact, hand-held, pen-based computer. In another configuration the device folds around the display for protection during transport. A set of adjustable stops enable easy and repeatable transitions between the different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Edward Bullister
  • Patent number: 7193615
    Abstract: A method for providing a mobile terminal with a software keyboard proper for the language of a country where it is located in a mobile communications network providing global roaming, comprises the steps of constructing a database on the information of multinational software keyboards in a server, transmitting the information on the location of the mobile terminal to the server, and transmitting the information on the proper software keyboard to the mobile terminal by ascertaining the country.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Telecom
    Inventors: Mi-Yeon Kim, Young-Wook Won, Hoon-Kyu Park, Sang-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7193616
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for facilitating composition of handwritten documents. In one embodiment, a system and method pertain to identifying handwritten input entered in a display of a computing device, and controlling the placement of handwritten input on the display so as to enable uninterrupted handwriting on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Donald J. Stavely, Wilfred F. Brake, Dan L. Dalton, James C. Dow, Amy E. Battles
  • Patent number: 7193617
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coordinate input device of touch-type capable of giving an electric signal to a transducer, even if a piezoelectric vibrator having electrodes on both surfaces thereof is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Touch Panel Systems
    Inventors: Shigeki Kanbara, Hiroshi Kaneda
  • Patent number: 7193618
    Abstract: An electronic pen for recording motion data relating to use of the pen. It includes a pen body and a ball mounted in the pen body. A sensor in the pen body, located proximate the ball, detects motion of the ball and converts the motion into corresponding electronic signals. A memory in the pen body, electronically coupled to the sensor, receives the electronic signals and stores corresponding data related to the motion. Use of a high-density memory, such as an atomic resolution storage memory, permits recording sufficient data for the motion within a memory module small enough to fit within the pen body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Charles C. Morehouse
  • Patent number: 7193619
    Abstract: Dispersion occurs in the characteristics of the transistors. The invention is a signal line driving circuit having a first and a second current source circuits corresponding to each of a plurality of signal lines, a shift register, and a constant current source for video signal, in which the first current source circuit is disposed in a first latch and the second current source circuit is disposed in a second latch. The first current source circuit includes capacitive means for converting the current supplied from the constant current source for video signal into a voltage, according to a sampling pulse supplied from the shift register, and supplying means for supplying the current corresponding to the converted voltage. The second current source circuit includes capacitive means for converting the current supplied from the first latch into a voltage, according to a latch pulse, and supplying means for supplying the current corresponding to the converted voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Kimura
  • Patent number: 7193620
    Abstract: A wireless device lighting system provides backlighting of a display (104) and/or a user interface (1526) of a wireless device (100). A user interface (1526) includes a plurality of buttons (112) for entering information and at least one multicolor LED for emitting light. The at least one multicolor LED is located behind the plurality of buttons (112). The user interface (1526) further includes a connector for connecting the user interface (1526) to the wireless device (100) and a circuit board for mounting the at least one multicolor LED and the connector. The user interface (1526) further includes a light pipe for allowing light emitted from the at least one multicolor LED to be emitted from the buttons (112), the light pipe located between the at least one multicolor LED and the buttons (112). The user interface (1526) further includes a selector for allowing a user to define a color of light for emission by the at least one multicolor LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Bach L. Nguyen, Julio C. Castaneda, Humberto E. Garcia, Jose Felix Rodriguez, Brian Scott Simpson, Erik J. Walls, Jeffrey Michael Buczek
  • Patent number: 7193621
    Abstract: A method for setting a pixel clock of a display driving circuit. The display driving circuit has a basic input/output system (BIOS) for controlling a clock generator to output the pixel clock. The method includes reading a predetermined pixel clock according to a display mode setting, utilizing a plurality of scaling factors to respectively adjust a reference clock for generating a plurality of calculation results, utilizing a plurality of coefficients R to respectively right-shift R bits of the calculation results for generating a plurality of quotients, comparing a plurality of differences between the quotients and the predetermined pixel clock for obtaining an optimum quotient, and controlling the clock generator to output an actual pixel clock according to the scaling factor and the coefficient R related to the optimum quotient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: VIA Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 7193622
    Abstract: An electronic device (108) includes a display panel (126) and a display controller (124) for controlling the display panel (126). A plurality of data lines supplies image data to the display panel (126). The data lines include data lines for supplying red image data, green image data, and blue image data. Masking gates (118) are provided between a video buffer (116) and the display controller (124). A method of reducing power consumption includes masking selected ones of the data lines at predetermined times. The masking reduces the pixel depth of the image data. Thus, the pixel depth is reduced without re-encoding the source video data. Reducing the number of state transitions in the video data path reduces power consumption, thus longer battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Valdimir Sklovsky, Robert J. Bero
  • Patent number: 7193623
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided. A display region formed on an array panel has a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines arranged in rows and columns, respectively. A data driving unit has a plurality of first data driving integrated circuits (ICs) and a plurality of second data driving ICs located proximal to the first data driving ICs, the plurality of first data driving ICs providing first data signals to a corresponding plurality of first data lines and the plurality of second data driving ICs providing second data signals to a corresponding plurality of second data lines. A gate driving unit has a plurality of gate driving ICs for providing scanning signals to the plurality of gate lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Hwan Moon
  • Patent number: 7193624
    Abstract: A power control unit of a display apparatus includes an AC-to-DC converter for receiving an external AC power. A regulator receives a DC output from the converter, and is operable in one of an enabled state of outputting a target DC power when receiving a first level signal, and a disabled state of not outputting the target DC power when receiving a second level signal. An electronic switch is operable for switching from an OFF-mode, where a processor permits a delay circuit to output the second level signal to the regulator, to an ON-mode, where the electronic switch initially enables the delay circuit to output the first level signal to the regulator such that the processor receives the target DC power from the regulator and where the electronic switch outputs a trigger signal to the processor so as to enable the processor to latch the first level signal and to provide the target DC power to a display module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Amtran Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Lin
  • Patent number: 7193625
    Abstract: A method for addressing a bistable electro-optic display having at least one pixel comprises applying an addressing pulse to drive the pixel to a first optical state; leaving the pixel undriven for a period of time, thereby permitting the pixel to assume a second optical state different from the first optical state; and applying to the pixel a refresh pulse which substantially restores the pixel to the first optical state, the refresh pulse being short relative to the addressing pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Guy M. Danner, Karl R. Amundson, Robert W. Zehner, Alexi C. Arango, Jay Britton Ewing
  • Patent number: 7193626
    Abstract: A stereo image displaying device comprising: a feature element specifying section 40 for specifying feature elements contained in a pair of stereo images taken with a stereo image taking section 10; an image controlling section 30 for controlling the stereo images based on the positions of the specified feature elements in the stereo images to provide finished stereo images; and a displaying section 60 for displaying the finished stereo images in stereovision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Topcon Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otani, Nobuo Kochi, Hiroyuki Aoki, Mitsuharu Yamada, Hirokazu Sato
  • Patent number: 7193627
    Abstract: Trilinear optimization is a technique to reduce the number of texture samples used to determine a texture value associated with a graphics fragment. Bilinear interpolations replace some trilinear interpolations, thereby reducing the number of texture samples read and simplifying the filter computation. A programmable trilinear slope is used to control replacement of a trilinear computation with a bilinear computation, permitting a user to determine a balance between improved texture map performance and texture filtering quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: Walter E. Donovan, Paul S. Heckbert
  • Patent number: 7193628
    Abstract: Provided is a technique for displaying information. Initially, a number of data points is obtained, each data point including an estimated statistic. A measure of the statistical significance for each estimated statistic also is obtained, and a graph of the data points is displayed. According to this aspect of the invention, a display characteristic (such as intensity, size, brightness, hue, saturation or any other color characteristic) of each data point is a function of the measure of statistical significance of the estimated statistic included in such data point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: C4Cast.Com, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Phillips, Mark E. Rice, Stephen A. Klein, William P. Jennings, M. Chapman Findlay, III
  • Patent number: 7193629
    Abstract: A communication line is connected between a client terminal apparatus 2 and a game server apparatus 3 via a network 1, and an Internet game system, which runs a pre-determined network game in a virtual space provided by the game server apparatus 3, adds blurring to objects other than the object of attention when a view point is moved in the virtual space. Accordingly, since the object of attention is clearly displayed with regard to other objects, it is possible to make the object of attention stand out even when view point moving is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Kake, Akio Ohba
  • Patent number: 7193630
    Abstract: The present invention has as an object to propose a texture mapping method which enables smooth shading, and is also appropriate for conserving memory resources. In order to achieve this object, in this invention, data regions with different color tones are set so as to form density gradients in the U coordinate direction and in the V coordinate direction of the texture data. If the brightness of the surface of the object to which texture mapping is performed is I, then among the coordinates to be read to access texture data, the U coordinate is calculated as U=a*I+b, and the V coordinate is determined from V=d. The value of the dynamic variable d can be set appropriately according to the application. Because the texture data is such that color tone density gradients are formed in two mutually orthogonal directions, smooth shading is possible, and a plurality of texture memory areas can be consolidated to conserve memory usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventors: Yuichi Higuchi, Naohiro Warama
  • Patent number: 7193631
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of displaying an image on a display device having first and second sides, said image including an light restricting silhouette pattern having a plurality of first transparent or translucent areas, and at least one design layer having at least one color, said at least one design layer being visible from one side of said display device and substantially less visible from the other side, said image being substantially transparent or translucent as viewed from the other side, comprising the steps: 1) providing at least a definition of said design layer to a computer; 2) generating a computerized version of said design layer with the computer; 3) outputting the computerized version of said design layer to said display device, the computerized version of said design layer being modified to subdivide said design layer into a plurality of second discrete transparent or translucent areas and other areas, and 4) displaying said modified design layer and said silhouette pattern
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruno Mueller, William E. Bird
  • Patent number: 7193632
    Abstract: A distributed color selection and coordination system including a remote computer communicatively coupled to a server. The remote computer is configured to select a starting color and access a database in the server to find one or more complementary colors. The colors in the database are arranged in a predetermined relationship with other colors in the database, the relationship between colors based on color theory. The remote computer is capable of storing personal information and color selections on the server. An in-store kiosk is communicatively coupled to the server and configured to execute color selection and coordination software. The in-store kiosk is capable of retrieving stored personal information and color selections from the server which were previously stored from the remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Behr Process Corporation
    Inventors: Mary Rose Rice, Damien Reynolds, Marc Webb
  • Patent number: 7193633
    Abstract: A computer-assisted technique for constructing a three-dimensional model on top of one or more images (e.g., photographs) such that the model's parameters automatically match those of the real world object depicted in the photograph(s). Camera parameters such as focal length, position, and orientation in space may be determined from the images such that the projection of a three-dimensional model through the calculated camera parameters matches the projection of the real world object through the camera onto the image surface. Modeling is accomplished using primitives, such as boxes or pyramids, which may be intuitively manipulated to construct the three-dimensional model on a video display or other display screen of a computer system with a two-dimensional input controller (e.g., a mouse, joystick, etc.) such that the displayed three-dimensional object manipulation emulates physical three-dimensional object manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: Tilman Reinhardt, Robert Seidl
  • Patent number: 7193634
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image transferring apparatus for transferring an image displayed by a first program to a second program. The image transferring apparatus comprises: image copying means for storing a copy of the image into a predetermined temporary storage area; and image transferring means for acquiring the copy of the image from the temporary storage area before transferring the acquired copy to the second program. With this configuration, the image displayed by a first program is transferred to a second program by way of a temporary storage area, in accordance with display position information about the on-screen image, or in the form of a file accommodating the image of interest. The transfer of the image between the programs is accomplished in a simplified and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Suzuki, Hiroshi Tsuyuki, Masakazu Hayashi, Hideyuki Agata
  • Patent number: 7193635
    Abstract: A portable terminal allows the user to flexibly and readily change an overlay output distribution for reproduced data in accordance with the user's taste and can automatically control the overlay output distribution in accordance with a surrounding environment. A setting means sets output parameters which are parameters related to reproduced data output for each reproduced data. A data output control means processes each of the reproduced data based on the output parameters set by the setting means and outputs the processed output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Ueda
  • Patent number: 7193636
    Abstract: Firstly, a template image is created (S501). Then, an image It is photographed (S502). And the sensor output is acquired (S503). A model view matrix Mt is calculated on the basis of the sensor output (S504). And a correction matrix ?Mt is calculated (S505). And the model view matrix Mt is corrected employing the calculated correction matrix ?Mt (S506). Then CG is drawn and displayed using the corrected model view matrix (S507).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyohide Satoh
  • Patent number: 7193637
    Abstract: A driving display device includes a gray scale voltage generating circuit for generating a plurality of levels of gray scale voltages from a reference voltage, an amplitude adjustment register capable of setting the amplitude of a characteristic curve of a plurality of levels of the gray scale voltages with respect to gray scale numbers, and a gradient adjustment register capable of setting the gradient of the characteristic curve. With this arrangement, the gradient and amplitude of the gray scale number-gray scale voltage characteristic are adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kudo, Akihito Akai, Kazuo Ookado, Kazunari Kurokawa, Hiroki Aizawa
  • Patent number: 7193638
    Abstract: System and methods are provided for detecting color separation misalignment in raster optical scanners. A dash minimum response curve is obtained from a plurality of minimal responses sensed from a plurality of dashes in a test pattern. The frequency of the dash minimum response curve a is used to detect skew or bow, depending on whether the frequency is a constant or a variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Howard A. Mizes, Peter Paul, Stanely J. Wallace, Michael D. Borton, Kenneth R. Ossman
  • Patent number: 7193639
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tandem-style image forming apparatus that has multiple image forming units and a controller that controls the rotation of the polygon mirrors of the image forming units, wherein during image formation, the controller performs steady rotation control for the polygon mirrors of the image forming units used for image formation, and where a color image forming session is performed after a monochrome image formation session is completed, the controller performs steady rotation control for polygon mirrors of the image forming units used for color image formation but not for monochrome image formation a prescribed period of time prior to the commencement of image formation by such image forming units, thereby extending the useful lives of the motors that drive the polygon mirrors and producing high-quality color images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Watanabe, Takatoshi Hamada, Makoto Obayashi, Syuji Maruta
  • Patent number: 7193640
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for performing color registration estimation and correction in a multi-head printer. A registration target is printed by the printer and captured by an image capture device (such as a camera) within the printer. The registration target includes a plurality of shapes, each of which is printed by a single one of the print heads in the printer, and which are arranged in a pattern designed to enable cross-web and down-web registration estimates to be generated. The printer analyzes the captured target to generate such cross-web and down-web registration estimates and thereby to generate cross-web and down-web registration corrections. The printer applies the registration corrections to subsequent print jobs, thereby reducing or eliminating misregistration in printed output. The techniques disclosed herein are suitable for use in printers having print heads that differ in resolution from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventor: Richard G. Egan
  • Patent number: 7193641
    Abstract: A method of exposing imaging data onto a sensitized medium including exposing K sets of N of tracks on to the medium according to a corresponding part of imaging data, each successive set being a pixel distance apart in a fast scan direction. The method further includes exposing L sets of N tracks onto the medium with an offset of M pixels in a slow scan direction substantially perpendicular to the fast scan direction, according to a second corresponding part of imaging data. The method includes repeating alternately exposing K sets and L sets of N tracks until the complete medium is exposed along the fast scan direction. During or after the alternately exposing K sets and L sets, there is progression in the slow scan direction such that after exposing the complete length of N tracks of exposed pixels, the next N tracks match along the medium at the start of the next N tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Esko-Graphics A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Klein, Wolfgang Sievers
  • Patent number: 7193642
    Abstract: An image quality detecting apparatus detects image quality based on a specified image pattern formed on an image carrier. This apparatus includes a light-emitting device that radiates a spotlight on the image carrier, a lens, a scanning unit that scans the image pattern with the spotlight, and a photoelectric conversion element that detects a quantity of light reflected from the image pattern and the image carrier or light transmitted through the image pattern and the image carrier during the scanning. The image quality is detected by setting a diameter of the spotlight at least in a scanning direction to the reciprocal number of a spatial frequency or smaller in which human eyesight is the most sensitive, for example, to 1000 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Company. Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Hirai, Takeo Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 7193643
    Abstract: An electronic circuit is utilized to correct scan non-linearity of a raster output scanner. The circuit modulates a clock frequency to match a scan linearity error profile. Because it is a separate circuit, the exiting closed-loop clock generator does not need to be modified. The correction circuit synchronizes itself with the clock signal using a counter/subtractor phase detector, which ensures that the phase and frequency of the internal clock matches the phase and frequency of the master.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mehrdad Zomorrodi, Steven A. Buhler
  • Patent number: 7193644
    Abstract: The invention is an audio-video communication and answering system that synergistically improves communication between an exterior and an interior of a business or residence and a remote location, enables messages to be stored and accessed from both locally and remotely, and enables viewing, listening, and recording from a remote location. The system's properties make it particularly suitable as a sophisticated door answering-messaging system. The system has a DVMS module on the exterior. The DVMS module has a proximity sensor, a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, an RF transmitter, and an RF receiver. The system also has a computerized controller with a graphic user interface DVMS database application. The computerized controller is in communication with a public switching telephone network, and an RF switching device. The RF switching device enables communication between the DVMS module and the computerized controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Revolutionary Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Carter
  • Patent number: 7193645
    Abstract: A video imaging system includes a master video camera for producing video images of a moving object of interest, a plurality of additional video cameras each positioned at a different location for producing additional video images of the object of interest from different spatial perspectives, and a control system for controlling the additional video cameras to track the object of interest imaged by the master video camera. The system generates video images using a method comprising the steps of producing a master video image of a moving object of interest, producing additional video images of the object of interest from different spatial perspectives, and controlling size of the object of interest in the additional video images in response to the size of the object of interest in the master video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: PVI Virtual Media Services, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth John Aagaard, Larry Barbatsoulis, Sean Joseph McManus, Craig Matthew Farrell
  • Patent number: 7193646
    Abstract: A digital camera allowing searching of an image in a simple manner is provided, in which an image folder is formed for each session of continuous image pickup operations, and each of the plurality of images picked up in one session of continuous image pickup operation is stored as an image file in the corresponding image folder. Therefore, as compared with the conventional example in which continuously picked up images are stored in the order of pickup similar to the images picked up normally, searching of an image is facilitated. Further, as the images can be handled as an image group folder by folder, efficiency in processing can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Shioji
  • Patent number: 7193647
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes at least one photosensor array operable to generate a multimode stream of image data including still image data and video data. The imaging apparatus further comprises a controller operable to filter still image data from the multimode stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: James S. Voss, James W. Owens
  • Patent number: 7193648
    Abstract: A photographing operation control device comprises a buffer memory in which image data is temporarily stored. In a blank photographing mode, when a release switch is turned ON, image data obtained through a photographing optical system is stored in the buffer memory. In the blank photographing mode, the image data stored in the buffer memory is not recorded in a PC card. In a normal photographing mode, when the release switch is turned ON, the image data is stored in the buffer memory and then transmitted to the PC card, in which the image data is recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7193649
    Abstract: A method for processing image data using a digital camera includes providing a digital camera having a first transformation program as a default program, the first transformation program supporting a first transformation technology. A first communication link is formed between the digital camera and a first remote image processing device. Transformation-related information is obtained from the first remote device, the transformation-related information including information about one or more transformation technologies supported by the first remote device. Whether the first transformation program is supported by the first remote device is determined. A second transformation program supported by the first remote device is searched if the first transformation program is determined not to be supported by the first remote device, the second transformation program supporting a second transformation technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventor: Bryed Billerbeck
  • Patent number: 7193650
    Abstract: The level of smear charge stored in a CCD is calculated. If the smear level is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, exposure is performed using a mechanical shutter in order to suppress smear. If the smear level is less than the threshold value, exposure is controlled utilizing an electronic shutter. Power consumption owing to drive of the mechanical shutter can be reduced while occurrence of smear is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Oda, Atsuhiko Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7193651
    Abstract: A camera system has a camera with a photosensitive member that records optical images; and a lens apparatus removably mounted on the camera and forming an optical image with an image taking optical system including a focus lens. Focus control of the focus lens is changed in accordance the photosensitive member. A control circuit controls a lens driving unit and sets a driving pattern in accordance with information stored in a photosensitive member information storage circuit, and controls the lens driving unit based on focus adjustment state detected by a focus detection unit. An in-focus state can be achieved with focus accuracy suited for a photosensitive member in a combination of different cameras provided with different photosensitive members and interchangeable lenses common to these cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatake Kato
  • Patent number: 7193652
    Abstract: An improved method and system for capturing and displaying a series of successive video images using at least first and second different exposure times, so that first video images captured using said first exposure time occur alternately in said series with second video images captured using said second exposure time. The method employs a digital computer and a software program for generating and storing digital data representative of said first and second video images, and utilizing that digital data to selectively display (a) side-by-side reproductions of said first and second images or (b) reproductions of only said first or said second video images or (c) composite images derived from the first and second video images digital data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Vision Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichiro Hori, Michael Hui
  • Patent number: 7193653
    Abstract: A portable wireless terminal, comprising a main body, a folder hinged to the main body so as to be opened from and closed into the main body, and a camera lens assembly rotatably connected to a hinge axis of the folder, such that the camera lens assembly is formed as a body tube so as to be drawn into and out from the main body in the direction of the hinge axis. The camera lens assembly of the portable wireless terminal is drawn out from one side of the terminal, to not limit the range of its photographing angle by the main body or the folder of the terminal. Further, the camera lens assembly drawn out from the main body of the portable wireless terminal is easily adjusted directionally, to allow for convenient manipulation by users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-wook Lee
  • Patent number: 7193654
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for enhancing blending characteristics of a composite image formed by multiple projection displays are detailed. Included among the apparatuses and techniques is the use of masks, having complimentary, non-linear edges, between a projection axis and a screen. The masks are used to solve the geometric and photometric issues involved with blending sub-images to form a composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: IMAX Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Baker, Matt Cowan
  • Patent number: 7193655
    Abstract: The invention provides for a process and a device for de-interlacing a video signal, wherein at output (S) is produced a signal (Sde) of video images de-interlaced by interpolating the pixels missing from the interlaced video signal presented at input (E), the interpolation on the output signal (Sde) being composed selectively (10) from a spatial interpolation (6), based on a transition detection and from a temporal interpolation (8) with a decision being made on the variable degree of presence of spatial interpolation and/or of temporal interpolation in the output signal (Sde), the decision being made as a function of a motion detection in the relevant area of the image, wherein the decision is made additionally as a function of a detection of the detail (2) in a relevant area of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics SA
    Inventor: Marina Nicolas
  • Patent number: 7193656
    Abstract: Presented herein is a line address computer for providing chroma coefficients to a chroma filter. At each horizontal synchronization pulse, the line address computer provides a set of interpolation weights to a chroma filter. The chroma filter uses the provided set of weights to interpolate pixels in chroma pixel positions in a display format from chroma pixels in another format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Mallinath Hatti, Lakshmanan Ramakrishnan
  • Patent number: 7193657
    Abstract: Disclosed is a video signal processing apparatus comprising a plurality of line memories to which in sequence input video signal data is written on a line-by-line basis; a timing controller for controlling a timing to write video signal data to the plurality of line memories and a timing to read video signal data from the plurality of line memories; a computation output portion for computing video signal data read from the plurality of line memories and outputting video signal data differing in resolution which is determined by a pixel count in the horizontal direction and a line count in the vertical direction; and a line controller which vary the pixel count in specified lines of video signal data obtained from the computation output portion, depending on a conversion rate of the video signal data resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Chida
  • Patent number: 7193658
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of managing an image display apparatus of the present invention. The method includes the steps of: (a) obtaining a first information on a predetermined output image format; (b) obtaining a second information on an input image format and a data broadcasting contents format; (c) comparing the first information on the predetermined output image format with the second information on the input image format and the data broadcasting contents format; (d) controlling output modes of the input image format and the data broadcasting contents format according to the predetermined output image format based on a comparison result of the output image format, the input image and the data broadcasting contents format performed by the comparing unit; and (e) outputting on image display unit the input image and the data broadcasting contents output modes of which are processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Min Seok Jang
  • Patent number: 7193659
    Abstract: A method of color saturation compensation in a video signal is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: processing a luminance signal component of the video signal; determining whether the processing of the luminance signal results in a change in chrominance saturation; if the step of determining reveals that the chrominance saturation has changed, applying a chrominance compensation signal to the chrominance signals to counteract the effects of chrominance saturation, wherein the step of applying a compensation signal include the steps of: generating a compensation signal which is dependent on hue and luminance ratio (output luminance signal/input luminance signal). Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Huang, Patricia Wei Yin Chiang, Lucas Y. W. Hui, Kwong Huang Goh
  • Patent number: 7193660
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an image processing apparatus is provided for inputting moving image data composed of a plurality of frames, for detecting definitions of a plurality of frames in the moving image data and a range of successive frames indicating an image similar to that of the image of the frame which is arbitrarily designated among the moving image data, and for selecting one of the frames in the moving image data which is inputted based on the definition and the similarity range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsubayashi
  • Patent number: 7193661
    Abstract: Two-way communications between a video system and a control device is disclosed. The communications links comprise visible light, IR light, or a combination of visible and IR light. The communications link provide a convenient route to capture data or lock system features or various combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Mauro Dresti, Patrick H. Hayes, Youping (Edward) Yun
  • Patent number: 7193662
    Abstract: A projector employing a linear array of light-emitting sources forms a super pixel in the form of a plurality of beams that are focused onto scanning optics that cause the beams to move across a viewing surface on a first axis for defining image lines along the first axis and on a second axis such that super pixel overwrites every addressable spot on the viewing surface thereby producing interleaved and staggered scan patterns that hide the effect of burned out, misdirected, or marginally operating light-emitting sources that would otherwise result in a degraded projected image. An alignment system that includes alignment electronics that is responsive to a charge-coupled device facilitate adjusting the scanning optics to allow precise alignment of individual ones of the light-emitting sources and to detect burnt out individual ones of the light-emitting sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Winthrop D. Childers