Abstract: An image combining viewer transmits a daylight image directly through the viewer, while reflecting at least one wavelength other than visible light towards a sensor. A display for displaying the image received by the sensor in a visible wavelength is reflected by the back surface of the mirror back along the optical path, combining the displayed image with the daylight image so that they appear to be a single image.

Abstract: A unit for an method of analyzing received image data to determine whether the received image data corresponds to a single-view or to multiple views is disclosed. The method comprises: dividing the received image data (200) into a number of structures (1-9) of data elements (224-234); computing a correlation between a first one (1) of the structures of data elements and a second one (2) of the structures of data elements; and establishing that the received image -data corresponds to multiple views on basis of the correlation between the first one of the structures of data elements and the second one of the structures of data elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for viewing an image, in particular a stereo image, comprising a housing that is provided with an image, an optical unit and two viewing orifices. According to the invention, the image is generated by means of an electronically controllable display and the device is provided with elements that permit an external image data unit to supply the display with electronic image data by means of an image memory that is integrated into the housing and/or via an interface in a wireless manner. In addition, the device is equipped with a location determination unit for displaying corresponding mono or stereo images.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium storing instructions of a computer program which when executed by a computer results in performance of steps including inputting a first image and a second image from two cameras of three or more cameras, respectively, transforming the first image to a transformed image, obtaining a degree of similarity D indicating a similarity between an image in a processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the first image, obtaining a degree of similarity P indicating a similarity between an image in the processing region established in the second image and an image in a corresponding processing region established in the transformed image, detecting the obstacle based on the degree of similarity D and the degree of similarity P on a reference plane region, and selecting and outputting either a result of detection of a plurality of the obstacles or a position of an obstacle detected as being the closest to the three or

Abstract: A monitoring system being capable of monitoring the important monitoring region at a low cost is provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include method and apparatuses that may utilize a digital video recording device with a screen control panel, for example, a touch screen control panel, to record digital video data with adjusted light compensation based on a selected object within a scene. For example, a user, using a touch screen control panel, may choose an object within a scene. Based on this selection, the digital video recording device may adjust the backlight compensation settings and camera angle to obtain a better image of the selected object. A user may select an object by touching the image of the object, tracing the selected object, or touching a number of reference points of the object. Then, depending on the user selection, the digital video recording device may take a snapshot, zoom in and take a snapshot, record the scene, or it may lock on the object and readjust and track the object as the object moves, while recording the scene.

Abstract: A burn-in correction system including a display unit equipped with a display panel displaying an image according to input image data, and an imaging unit acquiring imaged image data by imaging the display panel from a viewing side, the system correcting burn-in on the display panel. The system further includes: a lighting unit lighting each pixel constituting the display panel in order under a preset lighting condition; a calculation unit calculating a difference value between luminance of the imaged image data of each pixel lighted by the lighting unit, the imaged image data acquired by imaging each lighted pixel with the imaging unit, and luminance preset in the lighting condition; and a correction unit correcting luminance of each pixel based on the input image data, the correcting performed based on the difference value calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: An image signal corresponding to a moving area of a moving picture is obtained, a color B that has a predetermined relationship with (complementary to) R+G present in color breakup at an edge part of the moving picture corresponding to the obtained image signal is added so as to eliminate the color breakup at the edge part, and then an image signal where the color for eliminating the color breakup at the edge is added is fed to a color display.

Abstract: An image processing method is performed by an image supply device storing image data and an image output device performing image processing with respect to the image data, which are connected via a communication path through which the image data is communicated. A control information item including a script for image processing, which is described by a markup language, is communicated between the image supply device and the image output device. The image data is transmitted to the image output device, based on the script.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital broadcasting reception apparatus for simultaneously capturing a camera image and a digital broadcasting image and a method thereof. The digital broadcasting reception apparatus includes a digital broadcasting reception unit for receiving digital broadcasting data, an image collection unit for collecting images under external control, a collected image processing unit for displaying the collected image with a camera preview screen, an image combination unit for combing the digital broadcasting data with the camera preview screen, and a display unit for displaying a combined result from the image combination unit and a DMB image and a camera image through a multiple-layered overlay structure.

Abstract: Multi-resolution images of a reference image and a target image are generated. Then, whole-range matching is performed on an image of a lower resolution to detect a two-dimensional displacement between the images. Block matching is performed on an image of a higher resolution to detect a displacement at each feature point. The accuracy of motion data is increased by correcting the motion data with an image of a higher resolution by using the previously calculated motion data of the lowest resolution through higher resolutions as an initial value.

Abstract: A technique processes captured data on a device, wherein selected captured data of a given quality resolution is transferred via a communication link to a separate storage location for future availability. A storage protocol may include various storage organization categories. A possible aspect may provide an identifier record to enable future accessibility to selected captured data by one or more authorized parties or approved devices or authorized recipients. In some embodiments the captured data may include both a video data stream and one or more still image frames having different quality characteristics and/or formats. Initial and ongoing coordination as well as correlation may be facilitated between video and still image data derived from related fields of view.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a video signal processing device, which can produce a digital video signal, excellent in image quality, fully utilizing effective picture elements of the imaging element, without performing a special control of an imaging element driving unit. In accordance with a contour correction gain calculated based on a compression ratio detecting signal outputted from an image compressing unit 21, a contour correction unit 22 can carry out a contour correction on a compressed image. Accordingly, an NTSC/PAL encoder 24 can output a preferable video signal, which has been subjected to an appropriate contour correction. Moreover, a digital outputting unit 25 outputs an uncompressed video signal, and therefore can provide a preferable video signal without deteriorating the effective picture elements of an imaging element.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device is provided in which sensitivity is prevented from lowering even when signals of pixels are mixed. The solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of pixel units each of which has a photoelectric conversion element, and is capable of summing signals corresponding to respective outputs of the photoelectric conversion elements of the pixel units. The device includes: a plurality of capacitors, each of which individually accumulates electric charges corresponding to a signal outputted from the associated photoelectric conversion element; and a plurality of MOS transistors which are alternately connected with the associated capacitor. By disconnecting the MOS transistor, the electric charges of the signal outputted from each of the photoelectric conversion elements are accumulated in each associated capacitor, and by conducting the MOS transistors to sum the signals of the pixel units, the capacitors are connected in series.

Abstract: A scene is captured. A two-dimensional matrix comprising a plurality of image detection components is generated according to the captured scene. Each image detection component corresponds to one color component. A plurality of matrixes are generated according to the image detection components. One image detection component and a portion of matrixes are calculated to obtain the missing color components.

Abstract: An integrated station (1) for recording and sending audio and video signals, apt to have remote access to telecommunication networks for carrying out information services and pre-arranged for implementing camera set-ups and for transmitting broadcast-quality audio and video signals.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus including: CCD image pickup device for converting object light into electrical signals; a light cutoff plate; an exposure controlling section for controlling the light cutoff plate and image pickup device to control exposure period of the image pickup device; a dark signal storage section for storing dark signals obtained from the image pickup device in the condition where the incident light is cut off by the light cutoff plate; a subtracting section for subtracting dark signals stored at the storage section from the main exposure image pickup signals obtained at the image pickup device by a main exposure where the light cutoff plate is withdrawn; a defect detecting section for detecting fault pixels from the image pickup signals after the subtraction of dark current components; and a correcting section for correcting the detected fault pixels.

Abstract: A technique for processing at least one bad pixel occurring in an image sensing system is provided. Dynamic bad pixel detection is performed on a plurality of streaming pixels taking from at least one controlled image and value and coordinate information for each bad pixel is subsequently stored as stored bad pixel information. Thereafter, static bad pixel correction may be performed based on the stored bad pixel information. The stored bad pixel information may be verified based on histogram analysis performed on the plurality of streaming pixels. The technique for processing bad pixels in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in suitable circuitry or, more broadly, within devices incorporating image sensing systems.

Abstract: A defective pixel correction method selects, in place of a defective pixel within a pixel part of an image pickup device, a pixel which is of the same color as the defective pixel and is adjacent to the defective pixel, and realizes a pseudo redundancy of the pixels.

Abstract: A signal compensation circuit for correcting DC offsets in an analog manner includes a storage unit, a multiplexer, and an arithmetic unit. The storage unit is used for storing a plurality of offset-correcting signals. The multiplexer includes at least two input ends coupled to the storage unit, each input end used for receiving an offset-correcting signal. The multiplexer includes at least one control end receiving a selector signal for selecting one offset-correcting signal from the plurality of offset-correcting signals received according to the selector signal. A first input end of the arithmetic unit is coupled to an output end of the multiplexer for receiving the selected offset-correcting signal, and a second input end of the arithmetic unit receives an image signal. The arithmetic unit executes a compensation operation based on the analog signals received at the two input ends of the arithmetic unit.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an image signal processor, comprising a receiver, a mixing block, and an adjustment block, is provided. The receiver receives first, second, and third color pixel signals which an imaging device outputs. The mixing block generates first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals. The first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals are generated by mixing the first, second, and third color pixel signals generated by all the first, second, and third color pixels occupying a space of which the area is a second predetermined area whose the center is in agreement with the center of the first, second, and third color mixed pixel areas, respectively. The adjustment block adjusts the signal levels of the first, second, and third color mixed pixel signals based on first, second, and third pixel numbers.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element having an upper surface where an imaging area is formed; a transparent member separated from the semiconductor element by a designated distance and facing the semiconductor element; and a sealing member configured to seal an edge part of the semiconductor element and an edge surface of the transparent member; wherein a groove forming part is formed in the transparent member, the groove forming part being situated at an edge surface side of the transparent member outside of an external edge of the imaging area of the semiconductor element.

Abstract: To provide a solid-state image pickup device which prevents the generation of fixed pattern noise having a correlation in a column direction (or a row direction) caused by non-uniformity of a sampling circuit itself. The solid-state image pickup device includes a sampling circuit for sampling a signal from a photodiode. The sampling circuit includes: a clamp capacitor CCL for transmitting only an AC component of the signal; a sampling capacitor CSH for holding the signal transmitted via the clamp capacitor CCL; and a sampling MOS switch M12 for transmitting the signal to the sampling capacitor CSH or blocking the transmission. A ratio between the clamp capacitor CCL capacity and the sampling capacitor CSH capacity is a fixed value determined by a capacity unique to the sampling MOS switch M12.

Abstract: There is provided an image sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of controlling a camera system having a plurality of solid-state imaging devices is provided. The method includes supplying a horizontal addition control signal and a vertical addition control signal, phases of which are controlled, to the plurality of solid-state imaging devices; selecting pixel column(s) and row(s) of the plurality of solid-state imaging devices in accordance with the horizontal addition control signal and the vertical addition control signal; adding a plurality of pixel signals to each other, the plurality of pixel signals being adjacent to each other in a horizontal direction, in a vertical direction, or in both horizontal and vertical directions, of the selected pixel column(s) and row(s); and processing a luminance signal and a color signal using the added pixel signals and adding a sync signal to the luminance signal and the color signal so as to output a color image signal.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for image sensor leakage and dark current compensation are disclosed. In one implementation, a method is disclosed including accumulating charge on a first hold capacitance of an imaging pixel, and accumulating charge on a second hold capacitance of the pixel in response to the first hold capacitance reaching a predetermined voltage level. Other implementations are disclosed.

Abstract: An imager system is disclosed comprising a image intensifier and a CMOS image sensor. The system provides fast capture speed and high sensitivity.

Abstract: A CMOS image sensor implementing a low noise active reset operation uses control circuitry outside a pixel sensor array and transistors in a pixel sensor as parts of an amplifier that charges a photodiode node. In one configuration, a reference transistor in the control circuit controls a current mirrored to a column line, and each pixel sensor in the corresponding column contains a transistor that acts as half of a differential pair when the row containing the pixel sensor is selected. A 4-transistor pixel sensor can be implemented using only NMOS transistors with PMOS transistors in the control circuitry used to complete an amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state image pick-up device is configured for more effectively reducing dark current of an interlace scanning type of CCD so that electrodes connected to transfer shift gates are sequentially arranged on two adjacent vertical transfer paths and are driven such that signal charges are prevented from staying longer in the vertical transfer path below the electrodes connected to the transfer shift gates. This prevents signal charges from waiting longer for vertical transfer during a horizontal transfer period, thereby reducing dark current otherwise caused in the vertical transfer paths.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a display device configured to display a shot image includes an external monitor output unit configured to output a signal to an external monitor, a switching unit configured to switch a content of a display on the display device, and a control unit configured to, when a content of the display on the display device is switched to an image display by the switching unit, output a signal corresponding to the image display to the external monitor output unit, and when a content of the display on the display device is switched to an information display by the switching unit, output no signal corresponding to the information display to the external monitor output unit.

Abstract: Based on, for example, the image at the start of a movie, a thumbnail image is tentatively generated and is stored in a header file. If a predetermined triggering condition is fulfilled during movie shooting, a thumbnail image is generated from the frame image at the timing that the triggering condition is fulfilled, and the thumbnail image existing in the header file is replaced with the newly generated thumbnail image. The triggering condition is fulfilled, for example, if, after zooming-in, the angle of view has been kept fixed for a predetermined period or longer, or if the focus has been kept locked for a predetermined period.

Abstract: In a solid-state image pickup device, it is difficult to match an optimum incidence angle corresponding to an image height of a pixel array region with light incidence characteristics of a camera lens, thereby causing image quality deterioration due to sensitivity shading. Respective microlenses are disposed in a two-dimensional manner, i.e., in a row and a column directions. In particular, the microlenses are disposed such that each side of a disposition region where the microlenses are disposed has a concave curve with respect to a line connecting adjacent vertexes of the disposition region. In other words, a distance AH (AV) between center points of a pair of facing sides of the disposition region is set to be smaller than a distance BH (BV) between neighboring vertexes of the disposition region.

Abstract: A drive controller is provided and controls the supply of driving pulses in such a way as to make an extension speed and a contraction speed along a direction of a piezoelectric element differ to cause the piezoelectric element to extend and contract, so as to move a lens, the drive controller including an AF evaluation value-measuring device for measuring an AF evaluation value in a driving direction of the lens, a return pulse number-calculating device for calculating a maximum value-presuming position so as to calculate a return pulse number, a reverse movement-control device for returning the lens in a reverse direction, a threshold calculating device for calculating an evaluation value threshold, a measurement and determination means for remeasuring the AF evaluation value and determining whether or not an AF re-evaluation value is equal to or larger than the evaluation value threshold, and an AF evaluation value remeasuring device for remeasuring an AF evaluation value in the reverse direction of the le

Abstract: A method of managing power consumption in a device, such as a video image processing device for processing data from one or more pixels, includes forming a frame of an image. The method further includes determining one or more regions of interest in the image, identifying one or more pixels located in the one or more regions of interest, and processing the one or more identified pixels in a predetermined manner. Power for at least part of the device is switched off if no pixels are identified in a region of interest within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a web cam coupled to a computer system, an in particular to a web cam with an automatic image angle adjustment device responsive to rotation of a housing of the camera. Once a user rotates the housing of the web cam, the web cam will cause electrical contact or disengagement of a conductor relative to a contact, and thereby generate a feedback signal for enabling the computer system to give a counter rotation to an angled image and align the angled image with a display.

Abstract: Provided are a Vestigial Side Band (VSB) Digital Television (DTV) transmitter and receiver based on the Advanced Television System Committee (ATSC) A/53, and a method thereof. The present invention provides 8-VSB DTV transmitter and receiver that can improve reception performance of the receiver by transmitting and receiving robust data mixed with P-2VSB, E-4 VSB, and/or E-8 VSB. The DTV transmitter includes an input means for receiving a digital video data stream including normal data and robust data; an encoding means for coding the digital video data stream into data symbols; and a transmitting means for modulating and transmitting an output signal of the encoding means, wherein the encoding means performs trellis coding on the robust data by mixing and using a plurality of methods.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image processing circuit comprising first memory unit which stores image signal, equalizing circuit which, when there is no movement between two picture signals, outputs average signal between the both signals, second memory unit which stores the average signal, pull-down detecting circuit which outputs pull-down interpolation signal for deinterlacing process from a plurality of frames of the pull-down signals when it is determined that the picture signal is based on the pull-down signals upon receipt of the average signal, an output from the second memory unit, and output from the first memory unit, interpolation signal generating circuit which generates interpolation signal, the outputs from the first and second memory units, and noninterlaced scanning conversion circuit which generates noninterlaced signal by adding the pull-down signals to the output from the second memory unit when the picture signal based on the pull-down signals.

Abstract: Methods for video data conversion, performed by a converter, are provided. An embodiment of the video data conversion method comprises the following steps. Chroma data of a target line is acquired from a first portion of a video stream in a transmission format. Chroma data of a certain number of neighboring lines near the target line is acquired from a second portion of the video stream. New chroma data is calculated from the acquired chroma data of the target line and the neighboring lines. The acquired chroma data of the target line is replaced with the new chroma data of the target line encapsulated into the first portion of the video stream. The modified video stream is transmitted to multiple receiving devices thereby the multiple receiving devices may obtain the video stream in a format used for subsequent process without additional computation.

Abstract: A controlling method of an operation screen for operations of a remote control device, includes the steps of acquiring an attribute of a remote control device, and determining an operation form corresponding to the remote control device from among a plurality of operation forms previously stored based on the acquired attribute of the remote control device. An additional step includes displaying an operation screen related to the determined operation form displayed.

Abstract: A video signal converting device is capable of converting an analog composite signal into a proper digital signal with a small delay even if the analog composite signal contains much jitter. The video signal converting device has a sampling clock output unit for outputting a sampling clock signal having a frequency which is 4n times the frequency of a burst signal contained in the analog composite signal (n represents a positive integer of 2 or greater), and an analog-to-digital converting unit for converting the analog composite signal into a digital signal based on the sampling clock signal output from the sampling clock output unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an enhanced video based surveillance system for use in the surveillance of a zone. The system firstly comprises the step of generating and storing an initial background image (14) of the zone wherein such image is composed of constant background features. Secondly the stored background image is used to partition incoming video images of the zone into segments visually representative of foreground features (16) and background features respectively. Finally foreground features are digitally enhanced (18) relative to the background features in the images, thereby to attract visual attention to such foreground features. The invention further extends to a video motion detection system incorporating the use of stereo calibrated digital cameras.

Abstract: An integration circuit divides a screen, which is composed of an input video signal, into regions, integrates absolute values of inter-field differences that are included the respective regions, and provides an intra-region integration value SDA. A dynamic range calculation circuit divides the screen into regions and calculates a dynamic range SDR of luminance in each of the regions. If the intra-region integration value SDA is greater than a comparison threshold value FDT and if the dynamic range SDR of luminance in each of the regions is greater than a comparison threshold value DCT, the region is determined to be a subtitle region.

Abstract: A television receiver transmits channel information obtained based on a remote control signal from a television remote controller to an image processing device through an HDMI interface section. The image processing device receives the channel information through the HDMI interface section, subjects an image signal obtained from a television broadcasting radio wave corresponding to the channel information to high-quality image processing performed in a high-quality image processing section, and transmits the processed image signal to the television receiver through the HDMI interface section. The television receiver receives high-quality image data through the HDMI interface section, and displays a high-quality image expressed by the high-quality image data on an image display section.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in a receiver apparatus that converts a radio-frequency signal received via an antenna into video and audio signals, there are arranged on a circuit board: a tuner circuit portion that converts the radio-frequency signal received via the antenna into an intermediate-frequency signal, which is to be outputted; a digital demodulating portion that converts the intermediate-frequency signal outputted from the tuner circuit portion into a compressed digital signal, which is to be outputted; a digital circuit portion that converts the compressed digital signal outputted from the digital demodulating portion into digital video and audio signals, which are to be outputted; and a video/audio output circuit that converts the digital video and audio signals outputted from the digital circuit portion into analog video and audio signals. This makes it possible to realize a receiver system provided with a video display apparatus having a simple configuration.

Abstract: An audio/video device is provided. The audio/video device includes a first locking part, a first sound-transmitting unit, a second locking part, a second sound-transmitting unit and an amplifier. The first sound-transmitting unit outputs an audio signal. The second sound-transmitting unit and the first sound-transmitting unit output the same audio signal. The amplifier has a joint part and a speaker unit. The joint part is jointed with the first locking part or the second locking part. When the joint part is jointed with the first locking part, the speaker unit is electrically connected to the first sound-transmitting unit for broadcasting an audio signal. When the joint part is jointed with the second locking part, the speaker unit is electrically connected to the second sound-transmitting unit for broadcasting an audio signal.

Abstract: A television receiver includes a tuner stage, a selective filter stage connected to the tuner stage, and a intermediate-frequency stage connected to the selective filter stage. A field-strength-detection stage is also provided, which generates a field strength signal proportional to the field strength of the received signal. The selective filter stage includes a transfer function that is modifiable by a control signal derived from the field strength signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a TV signal receiving apparatus includes a plurality of tuners which receive TV signals and an auto scan controller. The controller executes an auto scan function of scanning an entire range of a frequency band, which is receivable by said plurality of tuners, by scanning a predetermined unit of a frequency and of detecting a channel viewable at an area located therein at the time of scanning, in parallel by using the plurality of tuners.

Abstract: A television capable of reporting a history of operation by an operator of an appliance is provided. The television is connected to an antenna. The television has main components including an external input unit, a light receiving unit, a user's operation unit, a CPU controlling operation of the television, a tuner, a switch circuit, and a communication IF capable of communicating information via the Internet. The CPU generates information about a user's operation history based on a control signal for an appliance that is received by the light receiving unit, and transmits the information to another information communication apparatus via the communication IF.

Abstract: A voice circuit is arranged on a chassis member. The voice circuit comprises a voice output amplifier and a high-frequency bypass unit. An output terminal of the voice output amplifier is connected to one end of a voice coil in a speaker through an interconnection, and is grounded through a high-frequency bypass unit. The voice output amplifier supplies a voice current to the voice coil through an interconnection. The resonance frequency of the high-frequency bypass unit is set to the same frequency as that of a discharge current flowing in the chassis member. A high-frequency induced current generated in the voice circuit due to the discharge current flowing in the chassis member flows to a ground terminal through the high-frequency bypass unit.

Abstract: A method and system that objectively measures the convergence and focus of a 2 or 3 spatial light modulator (SLM) projection display. The system uses five (5) CCD cameras and a frame grabber to store red, green, and blue (R-G-B) data from selected pixels located in the corners and center of the projector's field-of-view. The horizontal and vertical locations for the R-G-B pixels at each of the five locations is determined and the delta (?) displacement of the green and blue pixels, relative to the reference red pixel, is calculated and used to converge the image. The optical focus of the system is also determined using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The FFT is performed on this same data and a power spectrum summation beyond the first minima is determined. The focus is then adjusted to maximize this value.