Abstract: A drive circuit of a thin-film transistor type liquid crystal display. A plurality of source drivers is connected in series. Each of the source drives has a charge pump therein to compensate the voltage drop caused by the metal wires for connecting the neighboring source drivers. The charge pump is preferably disposed at an input of the power line. A capacitor is further connected to each of the power lines for rectifying and filtering the power source transmitted by the power lines. The drive circuit also has a plurality of gate drivers. When the voltage drop caused by the power transmission line between the gate drivers is significant enough to affect a normal operation of the gate drivers, the charge pump is installed in each of the gate drivers.

Abstract: A pixel has first to third N-type TFT elements serially connected between a data line and a pixel electrode node. Each gate of the first and second TFT elements is connected to a first gate line, while the gate of the third TFT element is connected to a second gate line. The first and second gate lines in a select state each set to a high voltage that can fully turn-on the first to third TFT elements. The first gate line in a non-select state is set to a low voltage that can fully turn-off the first and second TFT elements, while the second gate line in the non-select state is set to an intermediate voltage between the maximum and the minimum voltages being transmitted on the data line.

Abstract: In a shift register provided with flip-flops that operate in synchronism with a clock signal, and a switching means, which is opened and closed in response to an output of the preceding stage of each of the flip-flops, is installed. The clock signal is selectively inputted by the switching means, and the selected clock signal is inverted and used as a shift register output from each of the stages. Moreover, two kinds of clock signals, each of which has a duty ratio of not more than 50% and which have no overlapped portions in their low-level periods, are used so as to prevent the outputs of the shift-register from overlapping each other. Thus, it is possible to provide a shift register which is preferably used for a driving circuit of an image display device, can miniaturize the driving circuit, and can desirably change the pulse width of the output signal, and also to provide an image display device using such a shift register.

Abstract: A display device includes an inaction control circuit and a DCK-PLL circuit. The inaction control circuit stops driving of driving circuits, such as a signal line driving circuit, a scanning line driving circuit, analog circuit and the like, which are provided for driving an active matrix panel. The inaction control circuit stops the control circuits in a non-refresh period where all scanning lines become non-scanning state and provided between refresh periods for scanning a screen of the active matrix panel. The inaction control circuit also stops driving of the DCK-PLL circuit in the non-refresh period, in addition to stopping driving of the driving circuits.

Abstract: An image display device and an image display panel having a high accuracy of adjusting the sample timing of a video signal and capable of preventing a constant wasteful power consumption and comprising a timing detection circuit for generating a timing detection signal changing from a first level to a second level every time a switch circuit connected to each data line shared by pixels in each column sends a video signal, and the timing detection circuit including at an output terminal of a timing detection signal a means (for example, PMOS) for closing a current path on the first level side and a means (for example, NMOS) for opening a current path on the second level side respectively in synchronization with a video signal sending operation of the switch circuit.

Abstract: A power control apparatus for a display device that measures a power supply voltage and a cathode voltage and adjusts electrical characteristics that deviate from predetermined conditions to satisfy the conditions, thus preventing damage of a panel due to an excessive current and deterioration. The power control apparatus comprises a first power supply line for transmitting a first level of power supply voltage to a pixel; a second power supply line for transmitting a second level of power supply voltage to the pixel; a DC power generator for generating the first level of power supply voltage and the second level of power supply voltage; and an output detecting unit connected to an output of the DC power generator and for measuring a driving current of a display device.

Abstract: The invention provides an input device which includes a gripping part, a pointing part, and at least one depressible part furnished in such a manner that while holding the gripping part by hand, a user may manipulate the pointing and depressible parts with fingertips to perform the same kinds of operations as those of a mouse. The input device may include a rotating and/or a pivoting part and at least one operating element which provide a still wider variety of functions when operated.

Abstract: A pointing device some or all of whose elements are made from capacitive sensors. Such elements may include a rotary motion detector which includes a rotating member and a plurality of fixed capacitive detecting members; a rolling ball with patterned conductive surface and a plurality of fixed capacitive detecting members; capacitive touch sensors or capacitive switches to serve as mouse buttons; and a scrolling wheel, knob, or touch surface built from capacitive sensors. The pointing device further includes a capacitance measuring circuit and processor to measure variations of capacitance on the various capacitive elements and to determine the movement of and other activations of the mouse.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention includes various sensor controls for pointing and control devices. The sensor controls are much easier and require much less physical effort to operate than conventional controls. The sensor controls have built-in feedback-generating means that produce feedback to the user, similar to conventional controls such as micro switches. The built-in feedback-generating means have simpler structure, they are either commercially available or built with a few commonly available simple components, hence, they should be reliable, and inexpensive to produce. The sensor controls of the present invention with built-in feedback-generating means can be used directly in place of the corresponding conventional controls of pointing and control devices, with no or little impact on any other component. A second aspect of the present invention is a pointing and control device incorporating such sensor controls.

Abstract: Operating device such as a mouse for operating a computer or the like. This device consists of a flat bearing surface on which a bulbous part has been arranged. This bulbous part consists of three (curved) surfaces, a surface for the palm of the hand for supporting the metacarpus/carpus, a central surface for supporting the proximal phalanges of the fingers and a distal surface for supporting the medial and distal phalanges. According to the present invention, the distal surface is made at an angle of approximately 75° with respect to the bearing surface. As a result of this angle there is optimum support for the fingers over the entire contour and it is possible to prevent RSI-like phenomena by preventing lifting movements of the fingers, which in the long term give rise to RSI-like phenomena.

Abstract: A thin electronic input device has a film layer, a conducting layer, a covering layer, character display layer, an IC control unit and a connecting unit. The film layer is made of a flexible material. The conducting layer is mounted on the film layer for sensing a human pulse wave. The covering layer is mounted on the conducting layer. The character display layer is mounted on the covering layer; furthermore, the character display layer also has a plurality of keyboard characters printed thereon. The IC control unit is electrically connected to the conducting layer. The connecting unit is electrically connected to the conducting layer. When a user touches the character display layer to provide a human pulse wave, the conducting layer receives a touch signal for inputting information.

Abstract: A method for driving a display is provided which is capable of reducing current consumption. In the method above, a scanning frequency in a self-emissive display is changed based on a display content to be displayed in the self-emissive display.

Abstract: A display panel includes row and column electrodes. Capacitive light-emitting elements are provided at crossing portions of the row and column electrodes. A drive unit drives the display panel in response to an input image signal. The drive unit includes a column electrode driver for applying a pixel data pulse to each of the column electrodes. The pixel data pulse has a pulse voltage corresponding to pixel data derived from the input image signal. The column electrode driver includes a power source circuit for generating a resonance pulse power source voltage having a predetermined resonance amplitude. The power source circuit also applies the. resonance pulse power source voltage to a power source line. The column electrode driver also includes a pixel data pulse generator circuit for selectively connecting the column electrodes with the power source line based on the pixel data, to apply the pixel data pulse to the column electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a configuration utilizing a driven element that is driven by a current. Specifically, there is provided a pixel circuit having a driven element and a current-drive transistor for supplying a current for driving the driven element to a current injection terminal of the driven element, a voltage buffer, a current signal line for supplying a current signal to the pixel circuit, and a wiring for connecting an output of the voltage buffer and a gate electrode of the current drive transistor. The pixel circuit has a switch for controlling connection between the voltage buffer and the gate electrode of the current-drive transistor, and an input terminal of the voltage buffer is connected to the current signal line.

Abstract: A display device includes color display pixels, a driving circuit, and signal lines X1, X2 and X3. The driving circuit is provided with a reference gray scale signal circuit, a digital-to-analog conversion circuit and a signal supply circuit. The signal supply circuits provides signal lines X1, X2 and X3 with analog signals as video signals when reference gray scale signals are outputted in accordance with color characteristics of the pixels. The signal supply circuit also provides signal lines X1, X2 and X3 with preliminary analog video signals converted in response to the reference gray scale signals corresponding to color characteristics of other pixels when video signals are supplied to other signal lines during each horizontal scanning period.

Abstract: Surface drawing is described as a medium which provides direct control over the creation of a wide range of intricate shapes. Surfaces are created by moving a hand, instrumented with a special glove, through space in a semi-immersive 3D display and interaction environment. Intricate forms can be created using intuitive motions. The design space can be freely explored during the modeling process without the need to plan the construction of the final shape. In particular it supports unconstrained erasing and buildup of new geometry. An incremental Cookie Cutter algorithm, a construction method for triangulated meshes is described which allows the user to freely grow, join, and erase surfaces based on hand motions.

Abstract: The invention provides a simulation system and method having an image generating function that can visualize the behavior of an object of analysis in real time. The behavior of the object of analysis is divided into a plurality of subspaces, and is visualized as subspace images by an MP method by performing simulation computations for the respective subspaces at nodes 431 to 438. The subspace images are sent to a pipelined composer 44 where the images are blended together by considering occlusion relationships determined by reference to a viewpoint by a BSP method. The resulting composited image is corrected for distortion at a server 40 by using a texture mapping function, and is displayed on a display apparatus 41.

Abstract: A system and method for terrain rendering using a limited memory footprint is presented. A system and method to perform vertical ray terrain rendering by using a terrain data subset for image point value calculations. Terrain data is segmented into terrain data subsets whereby the terrain data subsets are processed in parallel. A bottom view ray intersects the terrain data to provide a memory footprint starting point. In addition, environmental visibility settings provide a memory footprint ending point. The memory footprint starting point, the memory footprint ending point, and vertical ray adjacent data points define a terrain data subset that corresponds to a particular vertical ray. The terrain data subset includes height and color information which are used for vertical ray coherence terrain rendering.

Abstract: A configuration is presented that enables viewing a plurality of data objects situated in a virtual space as the visual field defined in the virtual space is changed smoothly; and that at the same time enables: supplemental information in connection with displayed data objects to be displayed; information in connection with displayed data objects to be displayed in more detail; means for dialogue with a user to be provided in situations where required; and application programs linked to the display of information and associated with that information to be executed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to automatically segment 3D and higher-dimensional images into two subsets without user intervention, with no topological restriction on the solution, and in such a way that the solution is an optimal in a precisely defined optimization criterion, including an exactly defined degree of smoothness. A minimum-cut algorithm is used on a graph devised so that the optimization criterion translates into the minimization of the graph cut. The minimum cut thus found is interpreted as the segmentation with desired property.

Abstract: A human body is three-dimensionally reproduced to create a computer-rendered model. The model is dynamically manipulable to adjust or customize the dimensions of the model to specified measurements. Computer renderings of garments are stored in the computer. The model may be “clothed” with one or more garments, the representation of a garment being accurately adjusted to reflect its fit on a model of the model's particular dimensions. The computer will accurately represent the specific dimensions of the items of clothing in relation to the customized dimensions of the virtual mannequin. The virtual mannequin may be rotated and may be animated to thereby model the clothing and observe the interaction of the clothing with the environment. Once satisfied to the accuracy/appropriateness of the clothing, the computer can output appropriate dimensional, color, and related coordinates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calculating a modification of a geometrical shape by applying an inverse modification function to an array representing the shape. An array representing the geometrical shape is defined on a multi-dimensional space. A modification function is used to modify the geometrical shape. A user or a programmed computer can select the modification function. The computer applies an inverse of the modification function to the array. The computer deduces a change in the geometrical shape from the modified array. An advantage of the system and method is the ability to compute shape changes in certain situations where a direct computation is cumbersome or otherwise inconvenient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for culling an object database in a graphics processing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises encoding per-object parameters and culling parameters. The per-object parameters are encoded in texture format thereby creating at least one per-object texture containing the encoded per-object parameters. Next, a fragment program used in a fragment processor of the GPU is optionally updated. The updated fragment program embodies a culling operation. A polygon is then rendered, wherein the rendering step includes per-fragment operations. During the per-fragment operations, the updated fragment program is executed. The culling operation embodied therein (i) accesses the culling parameter, (ii) samples the per-object textures, and (iii) produces cull results for a set of database objects. In this fashion, the fragment processor in the GPU is leveraged to perform computationally intensive culling operations.

Abstract: A curved surface image processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention that can render an object at higher speed and in higher quality by performing image processing using NURBS data includes: a data input unit 101 for receiving NURBS data; a coordinate transformation unit 102 for performing coordinate transformation on NURBS data; an animation control unit 103 for controlling animation data of each frame to be rendered; a data transformation unit 104 for transforming NURBS data into rational Bezier data; a patch division unit 105 for subdividing a rational Bezier surface patch; a normal determination unit 106 for calculating normals of control points of a divided surface patch; a perspective transformation unit 107 for performing perspective transformation on a divided surface patch; and a rendering unit 108 for rendering a surface patch.

Abstract: A method for rendering an image with high resolution lighting characteristics is provided. The method initiates with generating a texture map associated with the image. The texture map is defined by texels. Then, a value representing a lighting characteristic for each of the texels is calculated. Next, the value is stored. Then, a coordinate space of the texture map is associated with a display screen coordinate space. Next, the image is rendered on a display screen using the stored value. A method for incorporating the lighting characteristics of an image into a texture map is also provided. A computing device and integrated circuit both configured to present real time shadowing effects are also provided.

Abstract: A method for calculating a lighting function for an object to be rendered using a basis function is provided. The method includes calculating a transfer function approximation of the lighting function through a stream processor. A method for presenting lighting characteristics associated with a display object in real-time and a method for determining secondary illumination features for an object to be displayed are also provided. A computer readable medium and a computing device having a graphics processing unit capable of determining lighting characteristics for an object in real time are also included.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting and displaying multiple data in graphical form. A universal, objective, and quantifiable measuring presentation tool provides a quick graphic display of multiple data (e.g., parameters, functions, or metrics) under study. This data could be achievement, performance, accomplishment, or any other information that needs to be quantifiably and objectively measured and displayed using a number of user-defined criteria. The display provides for easy, quantifiable and objective visually graphic comparison among various entities whose parameters are being viewed.

Abstract: A computer system generates a symmetrical graphical image representative of a personal profile of a subject. Personal attributes of the subject are acquired through an assessment tool. The personal attributes are acquired through website and stored on a computer system. The personal attributes are converted to graphical elements. The graphical elements use formatting features such as shape, dimensions, size, orientation, color, line width, line continuity, angle, and shading to indicate relative importance of the personal attributes to the personal profile of the subject. The graphical elements are arranged to form a symmetrical graphical image as a visual representation of the personal profile of the subject. The graphical elements are located in relative positions and with consideration of relative importance to the personal profile of the subject. The graphical image is symmetrical and multi-layered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging an output display includes a message hook application capable of receiving a magnification event indicator, wherein the magnification event indicator includes a magnification factor. The method and apparatus further includes a character generator coupled to the message hook application wherein the character generator receives a text call from the message hook application. The character generator thereupon generates a magnified character set including a plurality of characters enlarged by the magnification factor. A display driver is coupled to the message hook application and the character generator, wherein the display driver receives the character set at the magnified font size and caches the character set. A direct draw surface is coupled to the display driver such that the direct draw surface receive one or more of the characters enlarged by the magnification factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides data processing technology for making two or more processing units cooperate with one another such that output data from respective groups of processing units (GSM) are merged by a respective sub-MG (merger), data from the sub-MGs are merged by a main MG, and the merged output data are displayed on a display unit. Each GSM initiates drawing processing assigned thereto in response to the reception of a drawing enable signal and, after execution of the processing, outputs a drawing end signal. The GSMs to which the drawing enable signal is to be sent, and the GSMs from which the drawing end signal is to be received, are set for each application. A main SYNC sends the drawing enable signal to corresponding GSMs in the order of setting for an application in response to the reception of a processing request from the application, while it receives the drawing end signal from the corresponding GSMs so that the processing results of the GSMs will be displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for developing and executing applications include using an extended version of the model-view-controller (MVC) paradigm. The techniques include a model for an application, the model including multiple model elements, at least one view for presenting data from the model, the view including multiple user interface (UI) elements, and at least one controller for manipulating the model and the view. The techniques also include a structure for storing application data for at least one storage area relating to the controller, the structure defined by multiple elements and directed relationships coupling the elements, at least one of the elements associated with a routine for retrieving and manipulating application data. A binding exists between one of the UI elements and one of the structure elements.

Abstract: A method for graphically displaying on a display device, a musical note in a range of notes within an octave, in a range of octaves. The method including, determining the display attributes of a reference octave selected from the range of octaves, receiving a musical note, generating a representation of the received musical note using a note position of the received note in an octave and a relative octave position to the reference octave, and sending the representation for graphical display. A system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hardware implemented method for interpolating missing colors is provided. In this method, the missing colors of a raw image received from an image capture device are interpolated using a first interpolation algorithm if the raw image is to be displayed on a display panel. It should be appreciated that the raw image is obtained through a color filter array. However, if the raw image is destined for output to a host, the missing colors of the raw image are interpolated using a second interpolation algorithm. An apparatus and a display controller for interpolating missing colors are also described.

Abstract: A main CPU extracts a contour and a contour candidate, which are visually important parts of an image to be rendered, according to, for example, polygon data representing an image of one frame. Further, a GPU performs rendering on data stored in a graphic memory according to the polygon data representing the image. Moreover, the GPU performs antialiasing on the contour and contour candidate extracted by the main CPU. Then, the GPU overwrites data representing the antialiased contour and contour candidate onto the data representing the image stored in the graphic memory.

Abstract: A display system and method are provided for a vehicle that includes a processor and a display. The processor is adapted to receive terrain data and navigation data operable, in response thereto, to supply one or more image rendering display commands. The display device is coupled to receive the image rendering display commands and operable, in response thereto, to simultaneously render (i) a perspective view image representative of the terrain data and the navigation data and (ii) one or more terrain-tracing lines.

Abstract: A graphics system readily activates and deactivates layers of a multi-layer source image. Image data, such as a multi-layered integrated circuit (“IC”) design, is generated for a multi-layer source image. A pyramid of image tiles defines “on” and “off” states for elements that represent the source image. A bit plane identifies values for the elements for each layer of the source image. Mask image data is generated to zero image data associated with at least one layer of the bit plane. The graphics system generates pixel data from the mask image data, and renders the pixel data on an output display.

Abstract: When the combination of the image signal and contents each having various aspect ratios is displayed on the display with various aspect ratios, an image display device that generates a proper display screen with simple operation or automatically is provided.

Abstract: Accurate drawing without position displacement is performed irrespective of different aspect ratios on the transmission side of drawing information and on the reception side. In a drawing apparatus 50, a normalized coordinate transformation section 62 transforms normalized coordinates (x3, y3) transmitted via a network into rear coordinates (x2, y3) in accordance with an inverse function g1?1 of a function g1 for normalizing an aspect ratio of an image displayed on a display, and a rear coordinate transformation section 63 transforms the rear coordinates (x2, y2) into front coordinates (x1, y1) in accordance with an inverse function f1?1 of a function f1 corresponding to the aspect ratio of the image. A drawing section 67 draws an image on the screen of the display in accordance with the front coordinates (x1, y1). The invention is applicable, for example, to an application sharing drawing information.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a lookup table having a set of entries, each entry capable of maintaining a value. The apparatus also includes a DDA (Differential Digital Analyzer) table having a set of entries, each entry capable of maintaining a value and each entry of the DDA table corresponding to an entry of the lookup table. The apparatus further includes a first multiplexing unit having a set of inputs, each input corresponding to and coupled to an entry of the DDA table. The first multiplexing unit also having a control input, the control input causing the first multiplexing unit to route one of the inputs of the set of inputs to an output. Additionally, the apparatus includes a comparison block having logic suitable for comparing each entry of the lookup table to a comparison value.

Abstract: Raster Output Scanner (ROS) shutter system capable of blocking and unblocking harmful radiation selectably, semi-automatically or automatically. The system and uses thereof can be applied to various fields including scanners and printers.

Abstract: A heating element of a thermal head has a first electrode layer formed on a glaze layer and a second electrode layer formed opposite to the first electrode layer. A first insulation layer is formed on the first electrode layer to expose both ends of the first electrode layer in a transporting direction of a recording paper. A third electrode layer is formed on the first insulation layer to expose both ends of the first insulation layer in the transporting direction, and a heating resistor layer is formed across the first to the third electrode layers and the first insulation layer. A protective layer is formed covering the first to the third electrode layers, the first insulation layer, and the heating resistor layer. A system controller selectively applies the current to among the first, the second and the third electrode layers based on the image data to record.

Abstract: A method of labeling an object includes selectively applying focused energy to thermally conductive pads on the object to create a label on the object. The conductive pads are disposed adjacent to a thermochromic layer.

Abstract: In a pixel clock creation method and device, a high frequency clock is created. A scanning time needed to scan a predetermined scanning length is detected in accuracy of half a period of the high frequency clock to output a detection value indicating the detected scanning time. The detection value and a predetermined target value are compared to output a comparison result. A phase data is created based on the comparison result. A pixel clock whose phase is controlled based on both the high frequency clock and the phase data is created.

Abstract: The image recording method and apparatus are used to record an image formed by a group of light source elements disposed in a two-dimensional manner corresponding to recording pixels on a recording medium. In the image recording method and apparatus, an image recording position on the recording medium by the group of light source elements is moved in a direction that contains a component in at least one of two-dimensional disposing directions of the group of light source elements during the recording while modulating, in response to the movement, each recording pixel of the group of light source elements in accordance with an image to be recorded to thereby record the image on the recording medium. The image recording position is moved in accordance with a set magnification for changing the resolution par recording pixel of the group of light source elements.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a memory which stores test pattern data. The test pattern data are configured for detecting a density of image data formed on a photo conductor. The image forming apparatus includes a laser unit which forms a plurality of test patterns on the photo conductor by utilizing A plurality of first laser powers based on test pattern data stored in the memory. The image forming apparatus includes a detector which illuminates each test pattern formed on the photo conductor by the plurality of the first laser powers, receives each light intensity reflected by the test patterns and provides output values corresponding to each received light intensity. The output values define a range of output values. The image forming apparatus includes a controller which compares each output value with a first predetermined value. The controller determines a laser power to be used based on the first value, when the first predetermined value falls within the range of the output values.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided including, a camera head for transmitting image data to a camera control unit, a camera control unit for receiving and processing the image data into a usable format, and a storage device accessible by the camera control unit. The retrieved program executes on the camera control unit for enabling the camera control unit to process image data.

Abstract: In an automatic camera calibration method in a system comprising a plurality of cameras, the automatic camera calibration method is characterized in that for each of the cameras, the estimated values of the position and posture of the camera are updated on the basis of observation information shared with the surrounding cameras and the estimated values of the respective current positions and postures of the surrounding cameras. An example of the observation information is the two-dimensional coordinate value of an image to be observed on an image plane of the camera and the size of the image to be observed.

Abstract: A system wherein already-existing computing and memory resources in an electronic camera are used to process an image for printing. Rather than duplicating, in printers, computing and memory resources that are already in digital cameras, significant computing and memory resources need exist only in the camera. A digital camera can support many different printers, each with its own set of parameters such as for example print size, pixel size, colorimetry, sensitometry, and artifacts compensation. Printer parameters are uploaded from the printer to the camera to provide a basis for image processing specific to the associated printer; whereby compensation may be done for variations in the printer characteristics which may occur as a result of printer manufacturing variations, and further so that compensation may be done for different media types which may be installed in the printer.

Abstract: A digital camera delays the capture of a digital image after image capture has been requested until the motion of the digital camera satisfies a motion criterion. The digital camera thereby reduces image blur that would otherwise occur due to camera motion.

Abstract: A photographing apparatus capable of photographing still pictures and motion pictures has an image stabilizing feature arranged so as to achieve an appropriate image stabilization characteristic in response to a photography start switch which is turned on and off, and depending upon whether a still picture is photographed or a motion picture is photographed, thereby achieving the optimum image stabilization characteristic for each photographic mode.