Abstract: A reproduction apparatus includes: an enlarging processing unit for enlarging a desired area of an image displayed on a screen; and a control unit for changing operation characteristics of the enlarging processing means in accordance with whether the image is a moving image or a still image. The reproduction enlarging range can be quickly shifted during moving image reproduction, and can be finely shifted during moving image reproduction stop.

Abstract: An image extracting apparatus includes an image database in which a plurality of images are stored, a detecting portion which detects the orientation of a subject in an image, and an extracting portion which extracts an image including a subject in a predetermined orientation from the image database based on the result of the detection by the detecting portion.

Abstract: An imaging device is provided for reproducing light incident thereto as an image. The image device included a photodetector adapted to translate incident light of an image to a representative electronic signal. A white balance control configures the white balance of the representative electronic signal in accordance with a white balance gain value. A selector interface is operably linked to the white balance control. The selector interface selects among a plurality of predetermined values to set the white balance gain value in accordance with an imaging application. An adjustment interface adjusts the selected value of the plurality of predetermined values. A display of the imaging device provides information of the set value.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus such as a video camera has the capability of automatic white balance control whereby the white balance is quickly adjusted for any object even just after an operator has turned on a power supply. An image pickup element converts an optical image of an object into an electrical image signal. The image signal is applied to a signal processing circuit and separated into a luminance signal and color signals. The separated color signals or the R and B signals are amplified by gain control circuits under the control of the correction signals supplied by a correction signal computing part, and then applied to a color-difference signal forming circuit which in turn produces color-difference signals (R-Y) and (B-Y). An encoder circuit generates a television signal in the standard form from the above color-difference signals and the luminance signal.

Abstract: A digital camera provided with an optical zoom function and an electronic zoom function. In accordance with a specified photographic magnification, a magnification setting section selects a first magnification from a plurality of fixed magnification values which has been set in advance and sets the optical zoom function thereto, and sets a second magnification at the electronic zoom function such that, when the optical zoom function and the electronic zoom function are combined, an image of the specified photographic magnification is obtained. A settable range of magnifications that can be provided by the optical zoom function is constituted by a plurality of sub-regions which form portions of that range. For each sub-region, one magnification value included in that sub-region is selected in advance to serve as the fixed magnification.

Abstract: Bayer data is captured by a CCD and is store in a memory. Image data is read out from the memory in units of nine lines starting with (4n+1)-th (n: integer) line. YUV data of one pixel is formed based on 5×5 pixels in the read Bayer data. Thus, the YUV data is formed in units of five lines. The YUV data is enlarged by a pixel number converting unit.

Abstract: A device for outputting video signal includes a magnification alteration processing section that alters the magnification of image data expanded in frame memory in such a manner that the number of pixels in the frame memory and the number of pixels of the display area of a display section are equal. The device further includes a control section for deciding whether or not the magnification alteration processing of the image data by the magnification alteration processing section is to be executed when the image data is being converted into video signals.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes a CCD which picks up an image of a subject, and a front end process or which corrects data for the picked-up image by a light quantity distribution correction table for correcting the data for the picked-up image based on a light quantity distribution when the image is photographed using a flash.

Abstract: A TDI sensor includes a first readout register and a plurality of sensor columns. The first readout register includes a plurality of first readout register elements. A first sensor column includes a photogate and a diode photodetector at an end. The diode photodetector is either a photodiode or a pinned photodiode. The photogate is coupled through the diode photodetector and from there through a transfer gate to a corresponding readout register element.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprises, on a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of sensor sections for storing a signal charge commensurate with a quantity of reception light, a charge transfer section for transferring and outputting the signal charge of the sensor sections, and an output section for converting the signal charge transferred by the charge transfer section into an imaging signal for output. A current controller is provided to cut off or reduce a current flowing to the output section in a signal storage period of the sensor section. This cuts off or reduces the current flowing to the output section in a signal storage period of the sensor section, and hence suppresses the amount of the current flowing to the output section in the signal storage period. Thus, wasteful consumption power is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: An image pickup device designed to always ensure improved facility with which an object is recognized even in a manual exposure control mode. The image pickup device includes an exposure control device capable of being selectively set in one of an automatic mode and a manual mode, and an operating member for starting processing and storage of an image signal. In this image pickup device, to achieve the above-mentioned effect, an image obtained in the automatic mode is displayed immediately before the operation of the operating member even in a case where photographing is performed in the manual mode.

Abstract: A focal plane shutter apparatus is constructed by a light shielding blade, a fitting pin attached to the blade and an arm which is slidably engaged with the fitting pin to open or close the blade. A surface hardness of the fitting pin is higher than that of the arm. Concretely, the surface hardness of the arm is Hv300 to 600, and the surface hardness of the fitting pin is Hv450 to 1000. The arm and the fitting pin are subjected to chemical polishing treatment. Furthermore, the fitting pin is plated with nickel, chromium, palladium or rhodium. The fitting pin and arm have a substantially equal material hardness, or the material hardness of the fitting pin is higher. As the case may be, the fitting pin or arm may be plated with gold. Such an arrangement can suppress generation and accumulation of abrasion powder in the focal plane shutter apparatus assembled into a digital camera.

Abstract: An information signal processor that is well suitable for use in conversion of an SD signal into an HD signal. The pixel data set corresponding to an objective position in the HD signal is extracted selectively from the SD signal. Class CL to which pixel data set of the objective position belongs is then obtained using the pixel data set. A coefficient production circuit produces coefficient data sets Wi for each class based on coefficient seed data sets and values of picture quality adjusting parameters h and v. A tap selection circuit selectively extracts the data sets xi from the SD signal and then, a calculation circuit produces the pixel data sets of the objective position in the HD signal using the data sets xi and the coefficient data sets Wi. It is thus possible to save on the storage capacity of the memory.

Abstract: An image signal format detection apparatus and method. The image signal format detection apparatus includes a first summed absolute difference (SAD) value calculation unit for calculating, from a previous field, a current field, and a next field of a time-consecutive image signal, a first SAD value with reference to pixel values of the current field and the previous field. A second SAD value calculation unit calculates a second SAD value with reference to pixel values of the current field and the next field. A pattern generation unit generates a detection pattern based on a result of a comparison of the first and second SAD values,; and a pattern analysis unit stores the detection pattern by field, compares the stored detection pattern of a series of fields with a predetermined verification pattern, and determines whether the image signal is an image signal produced in 2:2 pull-down.

Abstract: An audio/video system (100) is capable of introducing variable amounts of delay into a signal path so as to properly synchronize two signals, such a video signal and a corresponding audio signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, the audio/video system (100) includes first circuitry (50) for applying a first delay to a first digital signal. Second circuitry (80) applies a variable second delay to a second digital signal to time align the second digital signal relative to the first digital signal. The second circuitry (80) includes an addressable memory (84) for selectively storing the second digital signal and for outputting the second digital signal on a first-in, first-out basis to apply the variable second delay to the second digital signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and video portions of a media program signal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal. The apparatus comprises a voice detector for detecting an audio event in the audio portion of the media program signal, a timer for measuring the timing interval from the audio event to a subsequent video synchronization pulse in the video portion of the media program signal, and a processor for storing the timing interval in a third portion of the media program signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes an interactive computer system which provides television schedule information and displays an action pop-up listing actions which can be scheduled. In the preferred embodiment, a memory stores a computer program, image data, and received data. This data includes the television schedule information. A processor uses the computer program to organize the television schedule information into a desired format, display an action pop-up for a chosen program, and schedule an action listed in the pop-up when selected by the user. Icons are listed in various displays indicating actions scheduled for associated programs.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for adjusting the colors of the on-screen display graphics to match the colors of the video with which the OSD graphics are to be combined. In one aspect, a selected one of a plurality of OSD color palettes (103, 105) is used to produce graphics for a selected one of a plurality of signal sources. As such, the appropriately formatted palette is used to produce graphics for a similarly formatted input signal, i.e., an analog source would be combined with graphics produced from a palette having Y, PI, PQ formatted signals. Consequently, the color compensation matrices would properly compensate both the graphics and the video from each source. In another aspect, a desired one of a plurality of matrices (107, 109) operates on the OSD signal source to match the OSD colorimetry with the input signal colorimetry.

Abstract: To present a broadcasting system of data broadcast capable of changing the screen display in a receiver, by displaying selectively the broadcast contents of plural channels on a receiving screen of digital satellite broadcasting of one channel, and selecting desired broadcast contents from plural on-air channels by viewer's local command operation. It is realized by broadcasting a reception screen 1 and a program Pr for controlling the sound suited to this screen 1 to a receiver Tv by using data broadcasting band in television broadcasting, and also broadcasting images of one channel of program and broadcast contents of plural programs used in data broadcast in the sound broadcasting band usually in combination to the receiver Tv, and, at the receiver Tv, selecting one desired program from the combined image and sound mixed signals of plural programs by the program Pr already received, and displaying on the screen 1 of the receiver Tv and delivering the sound of this screen.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data to a receiver comprises the steps of transmitting a pre-conditioning signal to the receiver, and beginning to transmit at least one data packet to the receiver within a given period after beginning transmission of the pre-conditioning signal. The preconditioning signal is separate from a leader of the data packet to be transmitted.

Abstract: A television (10) for use in a home cinema or surround sound system is provided with an additional audio input (58) for a center audio channel signal from a multi-channel surround sound receiver/amplifier (38). Through system control logic, a control and switching stage (28) within the television couples (72) the televisions internal audio channel signal processing and amplifier stages (GTV,ATV) in parallel to the input (58) when in the surround sound mode, at the same time disabling the audio signal path from the televisions tuner (60) to the audio signal processors (GTV,ATV) and setting (74) the volume level on all channels to a predetermined level to allow volume control (63) from the remote source (38). A home cinema system featuring such a television configuration is also described.

Abstract: An illumination optical system includes a light source for emitting a plurality of different colors of light, a plurality of rotating optical scanners, and a plurality of scanning lenses. Each of the optical scanners has a reflecting surface that is formed helically around a cylindrical body. The different colors of light enter the respective reflecting surfaces in the direction parallel to the rotation axis, are reflected therefrom, and pass through the scanning lenses, so that each color of light is magnified and then scans the region to be illuminated sequentially. This makes it possible to provide an illumination optical system that can improve scanning linearity, lower noise because of its reduced wind resistance, and achieve reduction in the cost and power consumption.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and fabricating method, wherein at least two storage capacitors disposed between the gate line and the capacitor electrode making the same potential as the gate line are provided, whereby the capacitance of the entire storage capacitor is enlarged due to a parallel connection of the capacitors, so that flicker and cross talk can be reduced to improve picture quality.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device has a pixel electrode layer formed between a first data bus line and a second bus line. A first space between the first data bus line and the periphery of the pixel electrode layer is different from a second space between the second data bus line and the periphery of the pixel electrode layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device having a side backlight unit that minimizes or eliminates extraneous bright lines on the LCD panel. The side backlight unit includes a lamp reflector and lamp disposed on a light incident side surface of a light guide plate. A light reflection layer is formed on the inner surface of the lamp reflector, and a transparent protective layer is formed on the reflection layer. The transparent protective layer has a thickness less than 5 micrometers. The lamp reflector has arm portions that sandwich the light guide plate on the front and back surfaces at the lamp side of the light guide plate. A light transmission region between the arm portions of the lamp reflector and the front and back surfaces of the light guide plate has a thickness less than 5 micrometers.

Abstract: A surface light source device includes a light source body having an internal space. A partition wall is disposed in the internal space of the light source body to divide the internal space into a plurality of discharge spaces. The partition wall has end portions that make contact with inner surface of the light source body. The partition wall has a throughhole, through which the discharge spaces are connected to each other. The light source body includes a voltage applying part that applies a voltage to the discharge space to generate plasma in the discharge space. A barrier is disposed adjacent to the throughhole to restrict a flow of the plasma generated from a discharge gas through the throughhole. The barrier screens the throughhole to restrict the flow of the plasma through the throughhole. Therefore, uniformity of luminance of the surface light source device is improved.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a lower substrate, an upper substrate positioned parallel with the lower substrate, and a plurality of pixel units between the lower substrate and the upper substrate. Each pixel unit includes an upper transparent electrode, a liquid crystal layer, a lower transparent electrode, and a color filter with recess structures.

Abstract: A method for producing a color filter includes forming a resinous black matrix on a substrate, and bonding a color film to the substrate and the resinous black matrix. The edge of the matrix is made thinner than an adjoining portion of the matrix to reduce or eliminate foaming and discoloration.

Abstract: An LCD comprising a first substrate having an inner surface and an outer surface; a green color filter formed on the outer surface of the first substrate; red, green, and blue color filters formed on the inner surface of the first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate and having an inner surface and an outer surface; a pixel electrode formed on the inner surface of the second substrate; a common electrode formed on the inner surface of one of the first and second substrates; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate is provided. By this structure, a green light having nigh color purity is produced. The manufacturing method of an LCD is simplified by replacing the black matrix with the overlapped color filters.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device having a pixel, including red, green, blue and white sub-pixels, the device includes: red, green and blue color filters on a substrate, the red, green and blue color filters corresponding to the red, green and blue sub-pixels, respectively; an overcoat layer on a surface of the substrate in the white sub-pixel and also on the red, green and blue color filters; a planarization pattern on the overcoat layer corresponding to the white sub-pixel; and a column spacer on the overcoat layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer interposed between opposing substrates. One of the substrates includes a conductive black matrix layer formed within a display region and formed in non-display region of the device. A black matrix island formed at the same time as the black matrix layer is isolated from the black matrix layer in the non-display region. A color filter layer of red, green and blue color filters is formed in the display region. A common electrode is formed on the black matrix layer and on the black matrix island. The common electrode formed on the black matrix island is insulated from the black matrix island by an insulator. Silver dots in the non-display region are respectively connected with the black matrix layer and the common electrode on the black matrix island.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device include: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, the first and second substrate including pixel regions; a first alignment layer on the first substrate; a black matrix on the second substrate; a first sloped side of the black matrix that is less steep than a second sloped side of the black matrix; a color filter layer on the black matrix; a second alignment layer on the color filter layer; a liquid crystal material interposed between the first and second alignment layers; and a rubbing direction of the second alignment layer corresponding to a first direction from the first sloped side to the second sloped side.

Abstract: With an object of providing a transflective type liquid crystal display device having a transparent electrode of an uneven structure formed without particularly increasing steps, in fabricating the transflective type liquid crystal display device, a amorphous transparent conductive film is formed on a substrate, a crystalline portion is formed in the amorphous transparent conductive film to thereby form the transparent conductive film including the crystalline portion, a amorphous portion is removed at a film surface of the transparent conductive film including the crystalline portion to thereby form the transparent conductive film having an uneven shape formed by a remaining crystalline portion at a film surface and a reflecting electrode having the uneven shape is formed by forming a reflective conductive film above the transparent electrode having the uneven shape.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display comprises a first substrate 2 including a gate bus line 12a, a data bus line 28, a thin film transistor 18 formed near an intersection between the gate bus line 12a and the data bus line 28, and a pixel electrode 52 including a transmission electrode 32a electrically connected to the thin film transistor 18 and a reflection electrode 48b electrically connected to the transmission electrode 32a; a second substrate 4 opposed to the first substrate 2 and including an opposed electrode 68 opposed to the pixel electrode 52; and a liquid crystal layer 6 sealed between the first substrate 2 and the second substrate 4. The reflection electrode 48b is formed over another gate bus line 12b which is different from the gate bus line 12a, with an insulation layer 40 formed therebetween. The decrease of a voltage applied between the reflection electrode 48b and the opposed electrode 68 can be prevented while the space which can be not used as the transmission region can be utilized.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a plurality of picture element regions for displaying an image. Each of the plurality of picture element regions includes a transmission region in which an image is displayed in a transmission mode by using light that is coming from the side of the first substrate, and a reflection region in which an image is displayed in a reflection mode by using light that is coming from the side of the second substrate. The height of a surface of the second substrate on the side closer to the liquid crystal layer in the reflection region is greater than that in the transmission region, while the height of a surface of the first substrate on the side closer to the liquid crystal layer in the reflection region is substantially equal to that in the transmission region.

Abstract: A multi-domain LCD device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed in which the process steps can be simplified and picture quality can be improved. The multi-domain LCD device includes first and second substrates, data and gate lines on the first substrate in first and second directions to define a plurality of pixel regions, a pixel electrode in each pixel region, having at least one slit pattern, a dielectric frame within the pixel regions on the second substrate to define a plurality of domains, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A ferroelectric liquid crystal display having alignment films with different surface polarities. The alignment films induce an internal electric field through the liquid crystal. Because of the induced internal electric field, initial liquid crystal alignment, and subsequent liquid crystal alignments, can be performed without an externally applied electric field.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a wide viewing angle and easily manufactured. The liquid crystal display comprises an upper substrate and a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal material disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. The liquid crystal display has a conductive protrusion disposed on the surface of the upper substrate opposing to the lower substrate. The conductive protrusion is disposed over a scanning electrode line or a signal electrode line and has the same potential as that of the upper electrode. As another structure, each of pixel electrodes on the lower substrate has a smaller area than that of a common electrode on the upper substrate and is covered by the common electrode, and each of the pixel electrodes comprises an electrode portion having approximately symmetrical shape.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device comprising electrodes of the one side formed on the pixel regions on the surface of one of the substrates arranged facing each other with the liquid crystals interposed therebetween and on the side of the liquid crystals, and electrodes of the other side formed on at least the pixel regions on the surface of the other substrate on the side of the liquid crystals, wherein each electrode of the one side has a shape of a plurality of circular patterns or patterns close to circles that are arranged in contact with each other, whereby a region where the electrode of the one side is not formed is surrounded by the circular patterns or patterns close to circles of an odd number of three or more, and projections are formed on the surface of the other substrate on the side of the liquid crystals at portions facing nearly the centers of the circular patterns or the patterns close to circles.

Abstract: An electro-optical device and an electronic apparatus are provided with reduced wiring resistance. A second wiring pattern for connecting an upper wiring connected to a mounting terminal to a first inter-substrate conducting terminal includes a base electrode. An inorganic insulating film is not attached to the sides of the base electrode. As a result, the upper wiring on each side of the base electrode and the first inter-substrate conducting terminal are electrically connected to the base electrode through the sides. The path from the mounting terminal to the first inter-substrate conducting terminal is formed in the order of upper wiring, one side of the base electrode, base electrode, the other side of the base electrode, and then the first inter-substrate conducting terminal. The second wiring pattern uses the base electrode formed of a metal film to sharply reduce wiring resistance.

Abstract: To solve the problem, when the inside of an exposure apparatus is placed under vacuum, of a gas being emitted from a resin tube provided in the exposure apparatus, and a component of the gas adhering to and being deposited on the surface of an optical element, so that the optical performances of the optical element and the exposure apparatus are deteriorated, the exposure apparatus is provided with means for controlling the surface temperature of the resin tube in the exposure apparatus up to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is cooling technology in one aspect of which is a cooling system for cooling an optical member including a material having a linear expansion coefficient that becomes equal to zero at a predetermined temperature, the cooling system including a temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of a detection-subject portion of the optical member, a cooling unit for cooling a cooling-subject portion of the optical member, and a control unit for controlling the cooling unit on the basis of the detection by the temperature detecting unit.

Abstract: A laser apparatus that includes a laser light generation section, an optical amplification section, a wavelength conversion section and a suppressing section is provided. The laser light generation section includes a single wavelength oscillatory laser and generates pulsed light having a single wavelength within a wavelength range ranging from about 1.51 to 1.59 ?m. The optical amplification section includes an optical fiber amplifier and is optically connected to the laser light generation section to amplify the pulsed light. The wavelength conversion section includes a nonlinear optical crystal and is optically connected to the optical amplification section to perform wavelength conversion of the amplified pulsed light into ultraviolet light. The suppressing section suppresses expansion of a wavelength width of light originated in a nonlinear effect of an optical element between the single wavelength oscillatory laser and the wavelength conversion section.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus including a pulse light source, an exposure unit which exposes a substrate to a pattern with light from the pulse light source, a determination unit which determines necessity of maintenance for the pulse light source based on a pulse rate of the pulse light source within a predetermined period of time, and a decision unit which decides a timing of the maintenance based on a determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: An object holding apparatus including a chuck for holding an object, a holder configured to hold the chuck, a generator provided in the holder and configured to generate a field related to an attraction force, a member provided in the chuck and configured to be attracted by the generator in accordance with the field, and a support configured to support one of the generator and the member. The support is configured to allow the one to move toward the other and away from the other, and the support includes a leaf spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for recording three-dimensional distance-measuring images of an object surface by measuring light propagation time using a short-term integrated photodetector. For starting a light-induced pulse on the transmission side, a trigger signal is produced that is at the same time used on the receiving side for opening at least one integration window for receiving back-scattered light-induced pulses with a predetermined time delay. A predetermined event such as a maximum or a zero crossing is detected which, by its interval relative to the integration windows, determines a trigger delay. The trigger delay is correlated with the light propagation time and allows calculation of the object point distance d.

Abstract: For use in verifying the identity of a user, an identity verifier comprising an optical fingerprint sensor coupled to an ID (identification) card reader. In one embodiment of the present invention, the optical fingerprint sensor includes a light source on a PCB assembly, a diffuser that receives light from the light source, a right angle prism that receives light from the diffuser, a collimating lens that receives light from the prism, a first mirror that receives light from the collimating lens, a second mirror that receives light from the first mirror, a third mirror that receives light from the second mirror, an imaging lens that receives light from the third mirror, and an image sensor on the same PCB assembly as the light source that receives light from the imaging lens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for absolute, high-speed measurement of a diameter of an optical fiber and for detecting defects in the fiber, comprising two complementary signal processing systems including first and second sensors and first and second processing boards wherein angular calibration of the sensors is performed by directly deducing the absolute diameter of the fiber from the equations (4) and (7): f(n,?)=sin(?/2)+[n2+1?2*n*cos(?/2)]1/2 ??(4) M=[A/(B+?)]*[1+Sin2{N(D,?)*?+?}], ??(7) in which n represents N1 index of a substance, ? is a measurement angle, D is outer diameter, A is a signal amplitude in volts, B is a measurement angle, and M is a signal amplitude.

Abstract: A method of measuring polarization mode dispersion of an optical fiber includes inputting linearly polarized pulse light into an optical fiber, separating the input linearly polarized light from backscattered light from the optical fiber, detecting a light intensity of the backscattered light as time series data since the generation of the pulse light, calculating a fluctuation of the detected light intensity in the time series data, and evaluating polarization mode dispersion in the optical fiber, based on the calculated fluctuation value.