Abstract: A semiconductor chip provided with a light-sensitive device portion having a plurality of light-sensitive devices arranged linearly in the longer side direction, and a read-out circuit cell portion having read-out circuit cells arranged linearly in the longer side direction, each corresponding to one light-sensitive device, has a common signal line for a signal output and a common signal line for a reference output, that are a pair of signal lines, formed in a conductor portion lying between the read-out circuit cell portion and a logic circuit portion in such a way that they extend in the longer side direction while exchanging their positions in the shorter side direction every predetermined length.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device, including: a plurality of photoelectric conversion blocks each including a photoelectric conversion element, photoelectric conversion element resetting means for supplying an initialization potential to the photoelectric conversion element to reset the photoelectric conversion element, and transfer means for transferring a voltage of the photoelectric conversion element, in which the photoelectric conversion element resetting means resets the photoelectric conversion element every time the voltage of the photoelectric conversion element is transferred and for a standby period, during a reading period. Therefore, it is possible to perform accurate image reading by reducing the influence of a foreign matter adhered to a light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion device.

Abstract: Provided is a MOS image sensor IC in which: conductors for potential fixation, each fixed to the same potential, surround a plurality of pixel regions; the conductors for potential fixation are each formed in a narrow shape in the pixel regions, and are electrically connected to each other so that the conductors have the potential of a silicon substrate. Accordingly, each potential of the entire pixel regions, which are formed under a protective film when a protective film is formed, is made constant, thereby obtaining a uniform thickness and quality of the protective film, which can suppress a variation in photoelectric conversion characteristic of pixels.

Abstract: A CCD type solid-state image sensor (CCD) and an image pickup apparatus of this invention have an image pickup unit and a charge multiplier mounted, as separated from each other, on a packaging board, thereby reducing an influence of one of the image pickup unit and the charge multiplier on the other. Consequently, an improvement in yield is realized. With the image pickup unit and the charge multiplier mounted, as separated from each other, on the packaging board, the CCD type solid-state image sensor (CCD) and the image pickup apparatus are highly versatile also when a design change is made in one of the image pickup unit and the charge multiplier.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solid-state image-pickup device and a driving method thereof, more particularly, the present invention relates to a solid-state image-pickup device comprising a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors; and a plurality of transfer registers for transferring signal charges from said sensors of said sensor array, wherein an accumulation gate for reading out signal charges from said sensors at the same time, accumulating said signal charges and allocating said signal charges to said transfer registers is provided between said sensor array and said transfer registers. As a result, it is possible to provide a solid-state image-pickup device capable of producing a good signal output by eliminating variations in sensitivity from sensor to sensor and a deviation in signal-charge fetching between sensors and to provide a method of driving the solid-state image-pickup device.

Abstract: A camera device includes an image acquisition unit, an image storage unit, an image display unit adapted to display for projecting images in accordance with image information stored in the image storage unit or directly from the image acquisition unit, a light source unit adapted to provide a light source when the image display unit displaying images; a camera lens adapted to magnify images, and a switch management unit adapted to manage the image display unit, the light source and the camera lens; wherein the images are projected through the camera lens. A method for showing images in a camera device include: obtaining image information via a lens of a camera device, and displaying the image information with illumination of a light source to project images corresponding to the image information through the lens for showing. Further, a mobile phone having a projecting function is provided.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit for outputting an electronic subject image, a metering unit for computing a metering value from the subject image, a brightness distribution chart generation unit for generating a brightness distribution chart from the subject image, and a display unit for overlaying the brightness distribution chart on the subject image and displaying them, and provides the brightness distribution chart for the display unit in various styles.

Abstract: A method for displaying a photograph on a digital picture frame comprising the steps of: retrieving a digital image file containing the picture from a digital storage media device; detecting an orientation of the photograph; and displaying the image on the digital picture frame in the correct orientation on a display unit of the digital picture frame.

Abstract: A method of controlling a digital photographing apparatus that can easily determine a quality of a photographed image from an image displayed on a display panel included in the digital photographing apparatus, and the digital photographing apparatus using the method. The method includes: performing photographing operation in two or more photographing modes to obtain photographed images in response to a single activation of a shutter button; and displaying simultaneously: (1) a plurality of first images obtained by reducing the photographed images or by reducing the photographed images that are corrected, and (2) a plurality of second images that correspond to parts of the first images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a feature detection circuit adapted to detect a feature portion of an object from a sensed image; a blur amount detection circuit adapted to detect a blur amount, during image sensing, of a device adapted to obtain the sensed image; a display unit adapted to display the sensed image, and display a frame surrounding the feature portion of the object in the displayed sensed image; and a calculation circuit adapted to set a position, in the sensed image, of the frame surrounding the feature portion of the object, wherein the calculation circuit calculates, on the basis of the blur amount, a moving amount of the frame whose position in the sensed image is set on the basis of the feature portion detected by the feature detection circuit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micro-module for capturing images having an imager and at least one lens, includes manufacturing at least one imager on a first plate of a semiconductor material, producing at least one optical zone to form a lens in at least one second plate of a transparent material, and of assembling the first and second plates so that the imager can receive light through the optical zone.

Abstract: A camera (10) with an automatic daytime/nighttime feature includes a lens (16) for focusing an image, an image capture element (14) for capturing a digital representation of the image focused by the lens, the image capture element (14) operable to capture images in both the visible light and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, and a filter (18) for preventing passage of substantially all electromagnetic waves within the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. An actuator (20) moves the filter (18) between a first position wherein the filter (18) is at least partially interposed between the lens (16) and the image capture element (14), and a second position wherein the filter (18) is not interposed between the lens (16) and the image capture element (14). A controller (44) automatically causes the filter (18) to be moved between the first position and the second position at times of day indicated by instructions received via an interface (46).

Abstract: An imaging apparatus that images a photographic subject using an imaging device includes: a signal processing means for performing signal processing on an image signal of the photographic subject imaged by the imaging device and generating an exposure control signal; a photoelectric conversion device that detects an amount of light indicating the brightness under an environment where the brightness changes periodically; and a timing generating means for receiving the exposure control signal from the signal processing means when the amount of light detected by the photoelectric conversion device reaches a predetermined value set beforehand and generating a timing signal for start of exposure and then supplying the timing signal to the imaging device.

Abstract: Maximum and minimum aperture sizes are regulated with regard to a diaphragm in order to secure predetermined optical capability in an optical unit which includes a taking lens and the diaphragm. In a normal taking, the diaphragm is used within a normal taking range from the maximum to the minimum aperture sizes. In the present invention, an aperture size which is larger than the maximum size and a size which is smaller than the minimum size (extra aperture size or extra small size) are respectively set at outside the range that secures the capability. The aperture sizes of the diaphragm at outside the specified range are used at least for one of the following: automatic exposure (AE) adjustment, auto focus (AF) adjustment, electronic zoom, displaying a moving image, taking for recording the moving image, and taking under a low resolution by thinning out pixels.

Abstract: Maximum and minimum aperture sizes are regulated with regard to a diaphragm in order to secure predetermined optical capability in an optical unit which includes a taking lens and the diaphragm. In a normal taking, the diaphragm is used within a normal taking range from the maximum to the minimum aperture sizes. In the present invention, an aperture size which is larger than the maximum size and a size which is smaller than the minimum size (extra aperture size or extra small size) are respectively set at outside the range that secures the capability. The aperture sizes of the diaphragm at outside the specified range are used at least for one of the following: automatic exposure (AE) adjustment, auto focus (AF) adjustment, electronic zoom, displaying a moving image, taking for recording the moving image, and taking under a low resolution by thinning out pixels.

Abstract: Maximum and minimum aperture sizes are regulated with regard to a diaphragm in order to secure predetermined optical capability in an optical unit which includes a taking lens and the diaphragm. In a normal taking, the diaphragm is used within a normal taking range from the maximum to the minimum aperture sizes. In the present invention, an aperture size which is larger than the maximum size and a size which is smaller than the minimum size (extra aperture size or extra small size) are respectively set at outside the range that secures the capability. The aperture sizes of the diaphragm at outside the specified range are used at least for one of the following: automatic exposure (AE) adjustment, auto focus (AF) adjustment, electronic zoom, displaying a moving image, taking for recording the moving image, and taking under a low resolution by thinning out pixels.

Abstract: Maximum and minimum aperture sizes are regulated with regard to a diaphragm in order to secure predetermined optical capability in an optical unit which includes a taking lens and the diaphragm. In a normal taking, the diaphragm is used within a normal taking range from the maximum to the minimum aperture sizes. In the present invention, an aperture size which is larger than the maximum size and a size which is smaller than the minimum size (extra aperture size or extra small size) are respectively set at outside the range that secures the capability. The aperture sizes of the diaphragm at outside the specified range are used at least for one of the following: automatic exposure (AE) adjustment, auto focus (AF) adjustment, electronic zoom, displaying a moving image, taking for recording the moving image, and taking under a low resolution by thinning out pixels.

Abstract: Maximum and minimum aperture sizes are regulated with regard to a diaphragm in order to secure predetermined optical capability in an optical unit which includes a taking lens and the diaphragm. In a normal taking, the diaphragm is used within a normal taking range from the maximum to the minimum aperture sizes. In the present invention, an aperture size which is larger than the maximum size and a size which is smaller than the minimum size (extra aperture size or extra small size) are respectively set at outside the range that secures the capability. The aperture sizes of the diaphragm at outside the specified range are used at least for one of the following: automatic exposure (AE) adjustment, auto focus (AF) adjustment, electronic zoom, displaying a moving image, taking for recording the moving image, and taking under a low resolution by thinning out pixels.

Abstract: A compact and miniature optical navigation device integrates an illumination channel and an imaging channel into single piece. The present invention integrates the optical system, the mechanical system, and the electrical system into a small form factor device. The compact and miniature optical navigation device includes a photo-imaging element, a housing, and a first substrate. The photo-imaging element comprises an imaging channel and an illumination channel. The housing includes an aperture stop and an alignment element. The aperture stop and the housing are integrated into one piece and the alignment element is part of the housing. The first substrate includes a light source and a sensor. The light source and the sensor are located on the same surface of the first substrate. The light emitted from the light source passes through the illumination channel, reflected from the navigating surface and forms the image on the sensor.

Abstract: A bands-free portable digital video camera device having an independent digital image capturing device and an independent central processing device wireless connected to the digital image capturing device. The digital image capturing device is used to shoot pictures and then transmit image data of the pictures to the central processing device wireless connected to storage and display. Since the digital video camera is consisted of two independent parts, each part can be made to a small product to directly wear on a user's body to shoot pictures or films. Therefore, the user uses the portable digital video camera device without the user's hand or hands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display device which has a display unit on a main body, comprising a cover member that can be deformed into a first shape for covering the display unit and a second shape for forming a grip in order to solve the problems in the conventional cameras. The problem is such that the size of the camera becomes large by the size of the grip, which impairs portability of the camera because the conventional camera provides a fixed grip on the camera body on which a display unit with a large screen is mounted. In addition, another conventional camera has a space for accommodating the cover members within the grip, so that the size of the grip becomes accordingly large and thus the camera itself becomes large.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a video signal processing device including, first and second input terminals, a size changer configured to change an image size of an image to be displayed based on a video signal input from the second input terminal, a mixer configured to mix a video signal input from the first input terminal with a video signal that has passed through the size changer, and an output terminal configured to output a video signal arising from mixing by the mixer.

Abstract: Data intended to be displayed on a higher resolution display such as a non-interlaced display used as a computer monitor may be converted for display on a lower resolution display such as an interlaced display. The conversion may be done in a way that preserves the intended frame format while enhancing readability. For example, in one embodiment, the frames intended for non-interlaced display may be preserved in size for display in the same frame format on a lower resolution interlaced display. Local magnification may be selectively implemented for particular regions to enhance the readability of those regions. Upon selection, such local magnification may provide pixel loss and color corrections in addition to local magnification. In this way the frame format may be preserved while enhancing readability.

Abstract: In a method for detecting the cadence of a sequence of images, each pixel in each current field in the sequence of images is compared to at least one pixel in at least one previous field. A pixel motion phase value is assigned to each pixel in the field as a function of the result of that comparison. For each block of pixels in the current field, a block motion phase value is determined from the motion phase values of the pixels in the block. The current field is segmented into at least one region, with each region comprising a whole number of blocks, as a function of at least the determined block motion phase values. A region motion phase value is assigned to each region, based on the block motion phase values for the blocks in the region.

Abstract: An image resolution conversion method and apparatus based on a projection onto convex sets (POCS) method are provided. The image resolution conversion method comprises detecting an edge region and a direction of the edge region in an input low-resolution image frame in order to generate an edge map and edge direction information, generating a directional point spread function based on the edge map and the edge direction information, interpolating the input low-resolution image frame into a high-resolution image frame, generating a residual term based on the input low-resolution image frame, the high-resolution image frame, and the directional point spread function, and renewing the high-resolution image frame according to a result of comparing the residual term with a threshold.

Abstract: A filter-combiner for combining television signals from adjacent channels. The combiner has two inputs that respectively receive first and second TV signals from different channels, and provides a combined output signal at an output of the combiner. The combiner includes a circulator having at least three ports, including first and second input ports and an output port serving as the combiner output. The combiner has sharp tuned filtering means interposed between the combiner input and the first input of the circulator tuned to pass the first signal while reflecting substantially all of the second signal. The second port of the circulator receives the second signal and supplies same to the filter where it is reflected back into the second port and exits from the circulator along with the first signal at the output port as the combined output signal.

Abstract: A display control apparatus controls a multi-view display apparatus that displays separate pictures for a plurality of viewing directions on a single screen. The display control apparatus includes a control unit that controls an output of the pictures based on a relationship between the pictures.

Abstract: A phase lock loop including a time-to-digital converter, a period counter, a phase accumulator, a comparator, and an output unit is disclosed. The time-to-digital converter outputs a detected phase error based on the timing difference between a reference clock signal and an output clock signal. The period counter increases a first accumulative value in each period of the output clock signal. The phase accumulator increases a second accumulative value in each period of the reference clock signal and outputs the second accumulative value as an estimative phase error between the reference clock signal and the output clock signal in next period. The comparator outputs a frequency correction signal according to the detected phase error, the first accumulative value, and the estimative phase error. The output unit provides the output clock signal and adjusts its frequency according to the frequency correction signal.

Abstract: A method of providing an external input list using item grouping and a video apparatus adopting the same are disclosed. The video apparatus includes a combination unit combining an image to be displayed with specified information, and a control unit creating an external input list including at least one external input group item to which at least one external input item is subordinate as a lower item, and controlling the combination unit to combine the image to be displayed with the created external input list. Accordingly, more simplified external input list is provided to a user and the user can select the external input more quickly and conveniently.

Abstract: A display system, a TV receiver, and a method for reminding a schedule are provided. The display system comprises a display, a TV receiver, and a controller. The display comprises a first screen and a second screen. The TV receiver, configured to receive a first source and a second source, comprises a memory for storing a schedule of the second source, a time provider for providing time, a control processor for comparing the schedule with a predetermined period of time based on the time and for generating a control signal according to the comparison, and an interface for outputting the second source to the second screen in response to the control signal while outputting the first source to the first screen. The controller inputs a signal to the control processor, wherein the signal is related to a time reminder for the second source and the predetermined period of time. When the time comes, the display system visually reminds the viewer of the desired program.

Abstract: A PIP (Picture In Picture) processing apparatus processes a main image and a secondary image and includes a scaling circuit, a memory circuit, a first selecting circuit and a processing circuit. The scaling circuit scales down the secondary image to output a scaled-down secondary image. The memory circuit stores the main image and the scaled-down secondary image. The first selecting circuit is connected with a controlling circuit to receive an image selecting signal, and is connected with the memory circuit to select the scaled-down secondary image or the main image as an output according to the image selecting signal. The processing circuit is connected with the first selecting circuit to process the main image or the scaled-down image.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for presenting at least one reference line on an electronic viewfinder. The system generally comprises an image capturing device and an electronic display; both operatively coupled to a processor. The processor may be configured to receive image data from the image capturing means and display that data on the electronic display so that the electronic display operates as an electronic viewfinder. The processor can be configured to also display one or more reference lines overlaying the image displayed on the viewfinder. The reference lines may be alterable by the user so that the user can better use the reference lines to help the user properly position the image capturing device when the user is capturing or preparing to capture an image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noise reduction apparatus and method thereof. The noise reduction apparatus includes a first detecting logic, a second detecting logic, a first noise filtering logic, a second noise filtering logic, and an output logic. The first detecting logic detects if a video signal has a first noise characteristic. The second detecting logic detects if the video signal has a second noise characteristic. The first noise filtering logic performs a first noise filtering process upon the video signal to generate a first filtered signal. The second noise filtering logic performs a second noise filtering process upon the video signal to generate a second filtered signal. The output logic receives the first filtered signal and the second filtered signal, and references detection results provided by the first detecting logic and the second detecting logic when generating an output signal.

Abstract: A method and system for mastering and distributing enhanced color space content for different display devices (target color space) having display capabilities beyond that of CRT color space. The content creator(s) establishes base or reference color space and enhanced color space data for each target color space. The enhanced color space data is stored as metadata and transmitted over an enhanced color channel separately from the base/reference color space. Both the base/reference data and metadata are encoded before transmission and decoded on the consumer side either by a separate decoder or a display device having an integrated decoder. In other aspects of the invention, auxiliary data relating to the target color space, such as, for example, brightness, luminance, contrast and other display settings can be transmitted over the enhanced color channel and decoded to control the target color space settings (i.e., display settings).

Abstract: A circuit module for a digital television receiver is formed by multi-layering a decoder LSI including a CPU and a decoder, a decoder layer substrate including a CA interface circuit, a demodulation function layer substrate including a demodulator, and an extension function layer substrate including a communication controller. The demodulation function layer substrate and the extension function layer substrate can be selectively multi-layered to the decoder layer substrate in response to a broadcasting system of a digital television signal or a type of a CA module.

Abstract: The present invention relates an RF tuner module that comprises one or more standard RF connectors. As, relative big, standard RF connectors are widely in use but at the same time there is a pressure to make products smaller an RF tuner module design is size constrained. The invention describes a measure to make an RF tuner module, with a standard RF-connector, smaller by extending one of the shielding sides of the RF tuner in order to facilitate a proper mounting of the RF connector to the RF tuner module.

Abstract: There are provided a single package television tuning apparatus and a television receiver including the apparatus. The apparatus includes: a printed circuit board; a switching part installed on the printed circuit board and selecting one of a first radio frequency signal and a second radio frequency signal inputted; a tuner part installed on the printed circuit board and down-converting one of the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal, the one selected by the switching part; first and second input connectors receiving the first radio frequency signal and the second radio frequency signal; and a chassis supporting the first and second input connectors, covering the printed circuit board, the switching part, and the tuner part, and electrically connected to grounds of the switching part and the tuner part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a noise intolerant device, e.g., a phase-lock loop of a tuner within a television receiver, from source of noise. In one embodiment, the apparatus isolates a phase-lock loop integrated circuit (IC) from the bus, by providing an isolation buffer that allows the receiver to only pass data to the tuner's phase-lock loop IC when a tune command is issued by a processor. When not being tuned, the IIC lines to the tuner are held HIGH by a buffer until needed again to perform the tuning function. This allows the demodulation circuitry to use a setting for a carrier tracking-loop that optimizes bit error rate performance.

Abstract: A method of displaying images includes performing geometric processing and photometric processing on a plurality of image frames, thereby generating a plurality of processed image frames, projecting the plurality of processed image frames on a non-planar display surface with at least one projector, wherein the geometric processing includes applying a first plurality of meshes to the plurality of image frames, wherein the first plurality of meshes defines 2D mappings between the display surface and the at least one projector.

Abstract: One form of the present invention provides a method of displaying multiple image streams that includes providing a first plurality of image streams, processing the plurality of image streams, thereby generating at least one processed image stream, and projecting the at least one processed image stream onto a non-planar surface with at least one projector, thereby generating a plurality of different projected image streams at a corresponding plurality of different positions on the non-planar surface.

Abstract: A rear projection imaging system with an image warping distortion correction system using a camera and processing unit to generate a warping map that corrects for image distortion. The warping map is generated in an iterative process by displaying a known pattern on a viewing screen and, through the use of a camera, having a microprocessor determine the location and shape of the pattern on the screen. The microprocessor then compares the displayed image to the original reference image, calculates the distortion effects present in the projection optics, and generates a warping map.

Abstract: Provided is a digital image storage device integrated with an LCD monitor such that image processing and storage functions and Internet and TV functions are integrated in a stand alone type. The digital image storage device includes an image processor (13), a memory (14) and a HDD (15), which are required for processing and storing images, in addition to an LCD panel (10), a back light (11), and LCD driver (12), which are components of a conventional LCD monitor. A video signal of a wired camera (1) and a video signal of a wireless camera (2) through a wireless transceiver (2?) are converted into digital signals through an image pre-processor (16) and then input to the image processor (13).

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided that includes an optical display, a display controller for presenting display data to the optical display in order to display the display data; and an accelerometer operatively coupled to the display controller. The display controller presents the display data to the optical display as a function of motion of the portable electronic device as sensed by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A method performed by a processing system includes determining at least first and second distances between a first pixel location having a first pixel value in a first image frame and first and second edges of the first image frame, respectively, and determining a first factor that is proportional to a first product of the first and the second distances and configured to attenuate the first pixel value in response to the first pixel value being displayed by a first projector on a display screen such that the first pixel value overlaps with a second pixel value displayed by a second projector.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) and a driving method thereof are provided.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel having scan lines, data lines and pixel units is provided. The scan lines and the data lines crisscross each other on a substrate. Each pixel unit is electrically connected to one of the scan lines and one of the data lines. Each pixel unit includes an active device, a liquid crystal capacitor and a storage capacitor. The active device is disposed on the substrate. The liquid crystal capacitor is electrically connected to the active device. The storage capacitor is electrically connected to the liquid crystal capacitor. The capacitances of the storage capacitors decrease inward from the two sides of the liquid crystal display panel. The capacitance is varied in such a way that the voltage difference of the liquid crystal in the positive and the negative frame at the same brightness level is equalized to prevent the liquid crystal display panel from flickering.

Abstract: A gate line is formed on a substrate, and a gate insulating layer is formed thereon. A data line is formed on the gate insulating layer, and a passivation layer is formed on the data line. The passivation layer has an opening exposing the gate insulating layer. A pixel electrode is formed on the passivation layer and it overlaps the data line and the passivation layer.

Abstract: A pixel structure of a flat panel display for arrangement on a substrate. The pixel structure comprises a storage capacitor, a thin film transistor (TFT) and a data line formed on the substrate. The storage capacitor is disposed on the substrate, comprising a lower metal layer, an upper metal layer and a capacitor dielectric layer disposed therebetween. The TFT is disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the storage capacitor, comprising an active layer, a gate electrode, and a gate dielectric layer disposed therebetween. The data line is disposed on the substrate, electrically connected to the thin film transistor and insulated from the substrate. The upper metal layer and the gate electrode are formed by the same metal layer and the lower metal layer and the data line are formed by the same metal layer. The invention also discloses a method for fabricating the pixel structure.

Abstract: A display device includes a thin film transistor (TFT) substrate, a countering substrate facing the TFT substrate, a sealant, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the TFT substrate and the countering substrate. The TFT substrate includes a substrate having a display area and a peripheral area, a first TFT formed in the peripheral area and including a semiconductor layer and a resistive contact member formed on the semiconductor layer, a light blocking semiconductor pattern, a second TFT formed in the display area and including a gate electrode. The sealant couples the TFT substrate to the countering substrate, and covers the first TFT.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device partially or substantially blocks light from a light source from exciting a semiconductor layer. The LCD device includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a light-shielding layer, and a light source. The light source directs light toward a lower surface of the substrate. The light-shielding layer is formed between the substrate and the semiconductor layer. Some or all of the light directed towards the semiconductor layer by the light source is blocked by the light-shielding layer.