Abstract: A data-playing controller includes a register for storing a plurality of control parameters, a first-in-first-out buffer (FIFO) for storing data, and a control circuit capable of accessing a memory dynamically. The register can be electrically connected to a data-playing device. The control circuit can store the control parameters via the FIFO to the memory first, and then transfer the control parameters stored in the memory via the FIFO to the register during a synchronizing blank period.

Abstract: A real-time digital engraving technique gives the appearance of traditional copperplate engraving. The present system accepts a 3D mesh comprising vertex data and applies a novel algorithm to generate a digital engraving image based on the mesh. The present method works on any 3D model, generates the resulting image in real-time, allows the user to dynamically change views, and does not require user intervention.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for programmable pixel processing in a computer graphics pipeline. In one embodiment of the present invention, arbitrary texture filtering is applied via a programmable shader.

Abstract: A car navigation device displays a map by using display colors included in a first color pallet when the speed of a vehicle traveling is lower than a predetermined value and displays the map by using display colors included in a second color pallet having a group of display colors of contrasts higher than those of the group of display colors of the first color pallet when the speed of the vehicle traveling is greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A timekeeping system and method is provided for enabling users to graphically represent one or more activities, as well as the time that has been allocated to each. A graphical display uniquely identifies activities or events based on different visual indicators (e.g., colors), as well as a dimension (e.g., length, area, etc.) that visually represents the duration of the activities or events. At least one dimension of the visual indicator changes in real time to represent the elapsed time of an activity. A report module comprising a report generator and report editor is provided to enable users to account for and summarize the time that has been spent on various activities.

Abstract: A special effect device by which a new special picture effect is to be implemented in accordance with a read address control system. The device includes an address signal generating unit which generates a readout address signal for picture signals stored in a frame buffer so tat the picture signals stored in the frame buffer will be output to each of a plurality of corresponding triangular areas of a preset size fractionated from the picture Signals stored in the frame buffer.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) displaying a viewport includes a panning control region defined within an outer boundary of the viewport within the GUI. The panning control region includes multiple segments, each of the multiple segments corresponding to a panning direction, wherein a panning rate is indicated by a level of translucency of the multiple segments. A panning available region defined along the outer boundary of the viewport within the GUI is included. The panning available region indicates whether a source image extends beyond an edge of the viewport, and the panning available region is a subset of the panning control region. A method for panning an image through a viewport and a computing device are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic wall map design and printing system enables a user to select or specify the size, coverage area and detail level of a wall map and to customize the wall map based on the user's needs via a fully automated electronic interface. For ease of viewing during the creation of the wall map, the design and printing system displays the wall map being designed on the electronic user interface at a first detail level or resolution that is less than the level of detail or resolution used to print the wall map. However, the user may use the electronic interface to view portions of the wall map on the user interface at the same level of detail to be actually printed on the wall map to thereby enable the user to assure that the level of detail to be printed on the wall map is adequate for the user's purposes without making the wall map, as printed, hard to read. Once the user has designed the wall map by selecting the size, coverage area, and other customizable features such as titles, specialized icons, etc.

Abstract: A graphics rendering system (400) and method (500) are disclosed for forming object groups from input objects (431 through 438). The graphics rendering system (400) comprises an number of detection schemes (421 to 423), a managing module (410) and a rendering module (405). Each detection scheme (421 to 423) has a priority and an associated object group type, and is operative to detect whether an object forms part of an object group of the associated object group type. The managing module (410) passes data describing a received input object to at least one of the detection schemes (421 to 423), and receives notification from the detection scheme(s) whether the object forms part of the object group(s). The managing module (410) then determines whether one or more of the object groups are completely formed, where at least partly formed object groups form a list.

Abstract: An augmented reality system includes a video source, and a database. The video source resides at a location and produces an image. At least one encoded marker resides within the image. A marker detector is coupled to the video source and is adapted to derive encoded data from the marker residing within the image. A localization processor is adapted to receive data from the marker detector and to generate data regarding location and orientation of the marker. The localization processor retrieves information from the database that is related to the location and orientation of the marker. The localization processor makes the information retrieved from the database available to a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image acquisition and viewing system that employs a fish-eye lens and an imager, such as, a CCD array, to obtain a wide angle image, e.g., an image of a hemispherical field of view. The system of the invention further includes a primary display for displaying the image, and a secondary display for presenting a perspective-corrected view of a selected portion of the image. A processor effects correction of a selected portion of the image for distortions introduced by the fish-eye lens by utilizing methods according to the teachings of the invention. The processor further effects the display of the image and its perspective-corrected portion thereof on the primary and the secondary displays, respectively. Moreover, the processor effects the display of a graphical object on the first display to delineate the portion that is presented on the secondary display.

Abstract: This invention provides systems and methods that allow a user to change the size of a background used with a graphics-based user interface. This enables tailored background sizes based on user preference and allowable conditions, which are particularly useful with display devices having a large display area. By custom sizing a background to current conditions, a user may navigate an image among obstacles at a receiving surface and obstacles along a projection path between a projection lens and receiving surface. In addition, a user may customize the background size on a large LCD screen according to more suitable dimensions for an image used in the background or to a personal preference, thereby creating a personalized look and feel for the graphics-based user interface. One embodiment of the present invention defines a usable area for a graphics-based user interface according to the current size of the background.

Abstract: A three-color pixel element for a display comprises a blue emitter disposed at the origin of a rectangular coordinate system having four quadrants, a pair of red emitters and a pair of green emitters spaced apart from the blue emitter and symmetrically disposed about the origin of the rectangular coordinate system in a first and second pair of opposing quadrants.

Abstract: An abrasive cleaning strip is a functional component of a media roll incorporated into the media strip as a header or a trailer. The abrasive cleaning strip is a plastic film coated with 1200 grit aluminum oxide particles. By including the cleaning strip on the media roll, users are provided with automatic print head cleaning. The media can be thermal transfer media, direct thermal media, or linerless thermal media.

Abstract: A housing, formed as a desktop computer or wall-hung display, includes a display screen, a data receiver for receiving audio and video data transmitted from an external device via a public switched telephone network, and a data separator that separates the received data into separated audio data and separated video data. The separated audio data is coupled to a speaker and the separated video data is displayed on the display screen. The housing includes a short range transceiver that couples audio and video data to the separator and a slot for receiving a memory card that supplies audio and video data to the separator. The housing includes an image sensor and microphone for supplying video and audio signals to a combiner that supplies combined audio and video signals to the network, transceiver and card.

Abstract: To determine the visual range of, in particular, a driver in a motor vehicle, a contrast ((c(x1), c(x2)) is measured from at least two measuring positions (x1, x2) of a measuring device situated at different distances from the object, and the ratio of the measured contrast values is converted to a visual range (?), using the difference of the distances of the measuring positions from the object.

Abstract: A technique to automatically detect intruders in a restricted area. The technique detects the intruders position in real time from digital camera images (both visible and infrared) and presents it to an operator. The operator aids in locating, identifying and assessing the potential threat of an intruder are provided. The approach can be structured for a wide range of mission deployment ranging from a simple jungle trail, an oil refinery, to an entire airfield.

Abstract: Calibration for a camera is achieved by receiving images of a calibration object whose geometry is one-dimension in space. The received images show the calibration object in several distinct positions. Calibration for the camera is then calculated based on the received images of the calibration object.

Abstract: In an image capture apparatus, the data rate of image data output from the image capture device is changed by calculating a first data rate of the image data according to a first size of a variable display area that displays the image data. Information indicating the calculated first data rate is sent to the image capture apparatus. The size of the variable display area is changed to a second size responsive to a user command and a second data rate of the image data is calculated according to the second size. Information indicating the calculated second data rate is sent to image capture device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for parallel processing data and to a camera system comprising such a device. The camera system (1) comprises a sensor matrix (2), a data converter (3), a DSP (4), a central controller (5), a data buffer (7) and a processor matrix (11) consisting of processors (12). The sensor matrix (2) converts incident electromagnetic radiation into pixel signals. The data converter (3) converts the pixel signals into data. The arrows (6) and (8) diagrammatically indicate the transport of pixel signals and data. The data buffer (7) is physically divided into a part (7A) and a part (7B) and functionally divided into an I/O register (9) and a memory bank (10). The central controller (5) co-ordinates the different tasks. The processors (12) and the data buffer (7) have data ports (13) and further data ports (14) with inputs and outputs which are mutually connected in an electrically conducting manner using the connections (15).

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CCD operating with accumulation mode clocking for capturing an electronic representation of an image; and two or more clocks operatively and respectively connected to each phase of the two or more phases for initiating flushing of excess current, wherein, to initiate flushing, a time the clocks are at a high level are substantially the same, and a time the clocks are at a low level can be selected at any duration between a minimum width at which dark current starts to substantially increase and twice its normal operating duration during image readout and for reducing power consumption while retaining minimum dark current and for having a substantially uniform dark field.

Abstract: An electronic camera according to the present invention includes: an image-capturing element that outputs image-capturing signals; a shutter device that allows subject light pass through to the image-capturing element or shields the image-capturing element from the subject light; an image-capturing circuit that engages the image-capturing element in an image-capturing operations over a predetermined length of time to output to a first image-capturing signal while the subject light is allowed to pass through to the image-capturing element and also engages the image-capturing element in an image-capturing operation over a predetermined length of time while the image-capturing element is shielded from the subject light; a signal correction circuit that executes a signal correction by subtracting the second image-capturing signal from the first image-capturing signal; and a control circuit that controls the image-capturing circuit so as to set an upper limit to the length of the image-capturing operation executed

Abstract: A sensor for color and depth information capture is disclosed. A filter passes selected wavelengths according to a predetermined pattern to the sensor. The sensor measures light intensities passed by the filter. In one embodiment, the wavelengths passed by the filter correspond to red, green, blue and infrared light. The intensity values can be used for interpolation operations to provide intensity values for areas not captured by the sensor. For example, in an area corresponding to a pixel for which an intensity of red light is captured, interpolation operations using neighboring intensity values can be used to provide an estimation of blue, green and infrared intensities. Red, green and blue intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide visible color image information. Infrared intensity values, whether captured or interpolated, are used to provide depth and/or surface texture information.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a MOS-type solid-state image pickup device having a photoelectric conversion unit, a transfer MOS transistor, a gate electrode disposed on an insulating film and a semiconductor substrate on which the photoelectric conversion unit and the transfer MOS transistor are disposed, includes a first step of forming a second semiconductor region by ion implanting an impurity of a second conductivity type at a first angle with a first energy using the gate electrode as a mask, and a second step of forming a fifth semiconductor region by ion implanting an impurity of the second conductivity type at a second angle with a second energy using the gate electrode as a mask. A fourth semiconductor region is formed by ion implanting an impurity of the second conductivity type.

Abstract: An image sensor is disclosed that prevents a photoelectrically-converted signal from being corrupted during a readout operation. The image sensor includes a line-selection line located on an upper side of a pixel relative to a top to bottom scan direction and disposed across the pixel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top to bottom scanning direction. A signal reset line is located on a lower side of the pixel relative to a top to bottom scan direction and is disposed across the pixel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top to bottom scanning direction. The line-selection line and the signal-reset line are disposed above and below a photoelectric conversion portion of the pixel.

Abstract: Techniques for use with image sensors include transferring a signal level from an active sensor pixel to a readout circuit, performing a flushed reset of the pixel, and isolating the pixel from the readout circuit during resetting of the pixel.

Abstract: An imaging array having one or more columns of pixels is disclosed. Each pixel includes a photodiode including first and second terminals, a local reset circuit for connecting the first terminal to a column reset line; and a buffer circuit for selectively connecting the first terminal to a column bit line in response to a word select signal. Each column also includes a column reset circuit having an operational amplifier and a low-pass filter. The operational amplifier has a first input connected to the column bit line for that column and a second input connected to a reset signal generator that generates a reset signal during a reset cycle. The output of the operational amplifier is connected to the column reset line during the reset cycle. In one embodiment, the gain of the operational amplifier and the passband of the low-pass filter are varied during the reset cycle.

Abstract: The present invention implements an automated blank time function, which calculates a horizontal and/or a vertical blank time for a desired integration time and window size. Input data and control signals for predetermined integration time and window size are provided to a register interface, which generates configuration signals. The configuration signals are applied to machines, which generate reset control signals and read control signals from the configuration signals for controlling the imager.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensor for a solid-state image pickup apparatus includes photosensitive cells each having a photosensitive area divided into a main region and a subregion. The subregion is extended to include the position of a virtual pixel. A light-screening layer is formed with optical openings corresponding to the main and subregions, so that light is incident not only to the main region or actual pixel but also to the subregion at the position of the virtual pixel. Spatial information is therefore available even at the position of the virtual pixel in the form of a signal charge.

Abstract: A digital camera has a plurality of shooting modes such as a day scenic shooting mode, a night scenic shooting mode and a person shooting mode and displays a composition assist frame selected from a plurality of composition assist frames on a liquid crystal monitor to assist composition. If a user sets the person shooting mode by a mode dial, one or more composition assist frames that are suitable for a person shooting are extracted from the plurality of the composition assist frames, and the user selects one of the extracted composition assist frames by a left key and a right key of a cross key. Therefore, the appropriate composition assist frame can be automatically or easily selected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital camera in which the start-up time which is from when a power source is turned on until the digital camera is in a state in which photographing is possible is short. A DC motor and a stepping motor are driven simultaneously. A cord plate which is provided in advance at an outer circumferential surface of a rotating cylinder is detected. Then, the stepping motor is driven to move the focus lens by a movement amount corresponding to a detected range of the cord plate. When the setting of various types of components necessary for photographing other than the lens groups has finished, even if the zoom lens groups (forward lens group and backward lens group) are moving to their home positions, the digital camera is in a state in which photographing is possible.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for motion-vector-aided interpolation of a pixel in an intermediate image lying temporally or spatially between first and second images, motion vectors are assigned to the pixel to be interpolated, one pixel in each image being assigned to each vector. Video information values (e.g., luminance or chrominance values) are determined based on the video information values of pixels assigned to the motion vectors. A further video information value is generated by mixing certain of the video information values, and other video information values form a value interval, the mathematical position of the further video information value being determined relative to the interval boundaries. The video information value to be interpolated is determined depending on the position of the further video information value relative to the interval boundaries.

Abstract: A system and method that scales interlaced video fields with different sizes in a deinterlacer. The deinterlacer may expect video fields of a certain size. The input to the system may be a video stream of interlaced content, with fields having different sizes depending on the video content. The method scales the input video fields to the appropriate size expected by the deinterlacer. The expected size of the fields may be programmable. The method may provide an output with the expected size of black pixels in the absence of an input to the system.

Abstract: A method and system for performing fuzzy logic based de-interlacing on film source fields that might be mixed with video on film. An embodiment of the invention comprises an adaptive de-interlacer by weighing between merge operation and interpolation operation in the case of occurring video on film motion object. A weighing factor is generated from video on film pattern based on fuzzy logic inference rules. This weighing factor specifies the weighting between merging and interpolating in assigning the pixel values of the progressive display output.

Abstract: Synchronous signal overlapping and outputting means and sound signal transmitting means of a signal transmitter transmit any color signal which synchronous signals overlapped and the other color signals, and a sound signal on which polarity information of the synchronous signals was added through four signal lines to a signal receiver, respectively. Synchronous signal recovering and outputting means of the signal receiver recovers the synchronous signals on the basis of the synchronous signals separated from the color signal with the polarity information and outputs the signals to an image output unit. Then, it is possible to output sounds together with images inputted from the image inputting source from the image outputting unit with only four signal lines.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a PLL (90), which may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware, which comprises a sync detector (92) adapted to output a phase error (152), a vertical sync discrete time oscillator (DTO) block (98) adapted to output a vertical sync DTO (130) based on the phase error (152), and an output logic (100) adapted to detect a vertical sync based on the vertical sync DTO (130).

Abstract: A system identifies video data to be encoded as well as multiple display regions associated with a particular video display type. Each of the multiple display regions is associated with a different portion of an image associated with the video data. The video data is encoded such that the encoded video data includes information regarding the multiple display regions. Each of the multiple display regions has an associated display region identifier. Additionally, the system may identify an active region of the video data. The active region may be located anywhere within an image associated with the video data. The video data is encoded such that the encoded video data includes information regarding the active region.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of 3-dimensional (3D) comb filter video decoder. The composite video signal is sampled to obtain multiple sampling data FmPx,y, which represents the yth pixel of the Xth line in the mth frame, in which m, x, y are positive integer. After using Fm+1Px,y, FmPx,y, Fm?1Px,y, and Fm?2Px,y to judge whether the composite video signal is the motion state or the still state. The motion detection is based on the composite video signal without separation of luma and chroma. As a result, the motion detection can be precisely judged.

Abstract: A tuner is controlled to manage noise and distortion levels in a video signal. The tuner recovers an RF modulated video signal. A video demodulator provides a baseband video signal from the recovered RF modulated video signal. At least one of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and intermodulation distortion (IMD) is determined for the baseband video signal. An AGC attack point of the tuner is dynamically controlled in response to the SNR and/or IMD in order to improve the video quality.

Abstract: A broadband integrated receiver for receiving input signals and outputting composite video and audio signals is disclosed. The receiver employs an up-conversion mixer and a down-conversion mixer in series to produce an intermediate signal. An intermediate filter between the mixers performs coarse channel selection. The down-conversion mixer may be an image rejection mixer to provide additional filtering.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display element which has the high speed response and the high contrast and a display device employing the same are provided. In a display device employing a reflection type liquid crystal light valve, a retardation of a retardation plate which is provided between a polarizing element such as a polarizing beam splitter and the reflection type liquid crystal light valve is generally made ¼ of the wavelength of the incident light, and an optical axis (a slow axis or a fast axis) of the retardation plate and the polarizing direction of the incident polarized light are shifted from each other by slightly larger than 0 degree in order to arrange such optical elements.

Abstract: A stereoscopic imaging assembly for converting true visual images of a real-life subject to a stereoscopic image includes a display and an analyzer. The display is preferably a liquid crystal display, which includes first image pixels, second image pixels, and a polarizer. The first image pixels are responsive to a first electronic image of a first true visual image and the second image pixels are responsive to a second electronic image of a second true visual image. The polarizer has a first polarization material, which enables transmission of light of a first polarity, while blocking light of a second polarity, thereby transmitting a first polarized image having a first polarity. A second polarization material enables transmission of light of the second polarity, while blocking light of the first polarity, thereby transmitting a second polarized image having a second polarity.

Abstract: A flexible video display apparatus and a method for making the same. The flexible video display comprises a silicon layer containing at least a portion of the control and display circuitry, a display layer, and a flexible layer. Other layers, such as an insulating layer for dielectric isolation of the semiconducting devices, may be added. To make the flexible video display, display and control circuitry are formed in a silicon-on-insulator wafer. A polymer layer is then formed on the wafer and electrically conductive portions are formed to interconnect the polymer portions to the control electronics, thereby forming the display. Next, a flexible layer is formed on the display layer and patterned if desired. A handle wafer is then bonded to the topside of the wafer so that the backside can be partially removed by mechanical, chemical, or chemical-mechanical means. Finally, the handle wafer is removed leaving the flexible display.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal panel, a bottom cover having a plurality of lamps installed thereabove, a reflection sheet for reflecting the light generated from the lamps and a main support having openings in which the lamps are inserted, an extension part extending from the openings, and a supporting member for supporting the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: In a game machine in which a display device is arranged at a portion of a surface in which nails are driven, the nails are driven also in the display device.

Abstract: A subtractive display device comprising picture elements having sub-pixels, each sub-pixel comprising a stack of switchable layers (5,25) or components and a color filter part (21).

Abstract: An optical display device. The device includes a substrate having a source of light, the light from the source of light including a plurality of primary colors. The device also includes a modulation array comprising a plurality of modulation elements arranged to modulate light received from the source of light, each of the modulation elements comprising a portion of a liquid crystal layer. The device also includes a reflective color filter array having a plurality of color filters, each of the plurality of color filters arranged to correspond to a respective element of the modulation array, each of the plurality of color filters transmitting light having one of the primary colors and reflecting light of the remaining light having other of the primary colors back to the substrate, the reflective color filter array arranged relative to the substrate such that there are no layers which substantially absorb light of the primary colors between the substrate and the reflective color filter array.

Abstract: A display device displays images with reduced glare from external incident light. The device includes a back light located on a bottom surface of the display device to provide internal light. Moreover, the device includes an internal circular X-polarizer located external to the back light to circularly polarize internal light. In addition, the device includes a mirror to reflect external incident light. Furthermore, the device includes a liquid crystal display located external to the mirror and the internal circular X-polarizer to display images. The device also includes an external circular X-polarizer located external to the liquid crystal display to circularly polarize external incident light, and absorb reflected external incident light and polarized internal light.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device including a reflecting layer with projections and depressions having azimuthal anisotropies on reflection intensity formed on a surface thereof, for reflecting incident light, and a liquid crystal layer provided on the reflecting layer. The liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned such that an angle formed between an azimuth ? in which the reflection intensity is maximum and a director azimuth L for the liquid crystal molecules is not less than 45° nor greater than 90°.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device includes forming a gate pad on a substrate, forming an electrode and a data pad, forming a passivation layer on the electrode and data pad, etching the passivation layer to form first, second, and third contact holes for exposing the electrode, gate pad, and data pad, forming a transparent electrode and simultaneously forming a gate pad electrode and a data pad electrode connected to the gate pad and the data pad through the second and third contact holes, forming a barrier metal layer and a reflective layer on the transparent electrode and the pad electrodes, annealing the reflective layer for preventing lifting of the reflective layer, and patterning the reflective layer and the barrier metal layer to form a reflective electrode and a barrier metal layer pattern on the transparent electrode, wherein the barrier metal layer pattern and the reflective electrode are formed only on the transparent electrode excluding the first contact hole.