Abstract: A positional information outputting device comprising: a display screen; a positional information outputting circuit for outputting the information of a position designated on the display screen; and an output circuit for outputting a display signal for displaying a first image corresponding to a portion of an image, which can be formed with an image signal inputted, on a first area and a second area of the display screen. The positional information outputting circuit outputs, in case the inside of the first area on the display screen is designated, the information on the designated position, but does not output, in case the inside of the second area is designated, the information on the designated position.

Abstract: A controller includes a register storing a group of parameters including a driving-control parameter for controlling a data line driving circuit and a scanning line driving circuit, a parameter controller for updating values of the group of parameters stored in the register and for initializing the values of the group of parameters stored in the register when a reset signal RES is input, and a driving controller for controlling a data line driving circuit and a scanning line driving circuit in accordance with the driving-control parameter stored in the register. The driving controller controls the data line driving circuit and the scanning line driving circuit such that turn-off voltage is applied to a plurality of pixels after the parameter controller updates the values of the group of parameters by the reset signal.

Abstract: A plasma display panel driving apparatus that applies a voltage to a first electrode of a panel capacitor, comprising an inductor, a first switch, a second switch, a reset driver which applies a reset voltage to the first electrode in a reset period, a third switch, and a fourth switch. The plasma display panel driving apparatus forms a switching unit that applies a sustain voltage to Y electrodes in front of a scan IC and reduces a sustain discharging path.

Abstract: Method and system for fine tuning frequency and phase of a sampling clock of analog signals (R, G, B) having digital information, for sampling the analog signals within an optimal sampling period, enabling optimal display by a digital display device (92). Small amount of information from input signals is required for rapidly and accurately determining values of frequency and phase of the sampling clock. After measuring using a measurement system (96) and obtaining pixel values while sweeping phase values of signals using a phase locked loop (PLL) mechanism (48), there is determining values of two parameters, (i) error of an initial frequency value of the sampling clock (Rx clock), proportional to error of an initial phase locked loop (PLL) division factor value, and (ii) phase of the sampling clock, without need for making additional measurements based on these values, using a control unit (94).

Abstract: An entire view volume in a virtual three-dimensional game space to be displayed on a display unit is divided into a front view volume closer to a view point and a back view volume away from the view point. In a first frame of two successive frames, polygons in the back view volume are rendered to generate a back image. In a second frame, with the back image being taken as a background, polygons in a front view volume are rendered to form an entire image. With this, in a portable game machine including a relatively small-sized three-dimensional image processing circuit, polygons more than those that can be generated in one frame by the three-dimensional image processing circuit can be displayed.

Abstract: A method of preparing on a first device object files used for rendering two-dimensional images of threes-dimensional objects on a second device by processing object files containing data defining triangle primitives representing at least one three-dimensional object to determine a rendering order in which the triangle primitives may be rendered for creating a two-dimensional image in which the hidden surfaces are removed. A plurality of planar triangle primitives corresponding to a plurality of surface portions of the at least one object as vertex data are stored on the first device. The method can be used in a mobile phone.

Abstract: An information distribution system configured to deliver various types of content provided by an information distributor to information receivers through a network and transmitting the content to be distributed converted to colors, color values, or color digital values. By converting the content to colors, color values, or color digital values, it is possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted. Due to this, it becomes possible to shorten the time required for distribution of content and to improve practicality. Further, it becomes possible to reduce the distribution costs.

Abstract: An arrangement provides for displaying an object, such as a drawn object, or a database search result, based on a graphical user interface. A first display window is provided for specifying attributes of an object. A second window is provided for spatially inserting anchors for the object, where each anchor specifies a desired characteristic of the object, such as a pose of a face. A third window is provided for the desired object display. The anchors are placed in the second window with the aid of a controlled cursor. Placement of the cursor in the second window also controls the displayed object in the third window, which is developed based on the placement of the cursor in the second window relative to the anchors.

Abstract: A video rewrite technique for rendering a talking head or agent completely simulates a conversation by including a waiting or listening state. Smooth transitions are provided to and from a talking state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program apparatus, implementing techniques for processing digital artwork. In one aspect, the techniques process aggregations of artwork where both the aggregation and at least some of the aggregated artwork have attached styles. The techniques handle various combinations of conditions resulting in applying style elements to the aggregation before or after applying style elements to underlying artwork. In another aspect, the techniques implement editable path objects having multiple attached fills and/or strokes. The techniques provide user interfaces for using the foregoing features.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for thumbnail scaling based on display pane size. A computer-implemented method includes displaying a display pane and an image scaling tool on a display device. The display pane is subject to resizing and is displayed at a current width and height. The image scaling tool has two or more selectable positions. The method includes receiving one or more thumbnails. The method includes designating one of the thumbnails to be a reference thumbnail. The reference thumbnail is an image having a particular aspect ratio. The method includes calculating a maximum display width and height at which the reference thumbnail, without being cropped or having its aspect ratio altered, can fit in the display pane. The method includes calculating, for a first of the selectable positions, a target display width and a target display height, the calculation being based on the maximum display width height of the reference thumbnail.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for production of composite images, videos, or films which exhibit virtual objects. More particularly, techniques and systems for rendering, scaling, and/or locating, virtual objects within composite images, videos, or films employing marker objects as reference objects. In at least one embodiment, a virtual object is rendered by synchronizing a virtual camera with a real camera and, subsequently, synthesizing a canvas featuring the virtual object at a position determined in reference to the position of a detected marker object.

Abstract: An imaging system may include first and second imaging assemblies for synchronously imaging on both sides of a receiver material using directed charged particle or aerosol toner printing methods. The imaging assemblies may in turn each include an imaging member and an intermediate transfer member, and the intermediate transfer member may be a split intermediate transfer member. The imaging system may also use flexible aperture print arrays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the alignment of an image forming device using two thermal heads, wherein the method includes the steps of (a) printing first and second predetermined patterns on the medium by using the first and second thermal heads, respectively, (b) detecting a distance difference of print positions between the first and second thermal heads by using the printed patterns, and (c), based on the detected distance difference, transforming image data printed by the thermal heads to adjust the alignment in subpixel units. Therefore, a distance difference of printing positions of the thermal heads can be compensated by detecting the distance difference between the printing positions of the thermal heads, and moving the target image data by the detected distance difference. As a result, the alignment of the thermal heads can be easily and accurately adjusted.

Abstract: A parametric programmable thermal printer is disclosed. The printer may include a controller that performs functions such as thermal history control and common mode voltage correction. The controller may be implemented in an integrated programmable medium such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Functions performed by the controller may be parameterized, and parameter values may be stored in registers. The controller may be used with a different thermal printer by changing the parameter values and/or reprogramming the programmable medium, and without otherwise redesigning or remanufacturing the controller.

Abstract: A thermal image forming apparatus is provided. The thermal image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including a thermal printhead and a platen that face each other and are elastically biased towards each other; a cassette including a knock-up plate on which a medium is stacked, a pickup roller that picks up the medium from the cassette, and a pickup unit that raises the knock-up plate in a direction in which the medium stacked on the knock-up plate contacts the pickup roller and lowers the knock-up plate in a direction in which the medium is separated from the pickup roller.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that prints an image on a medium, a transporting unit that transports the medium in a first direction and a second direction, which is the opposite to the first direction, and a sensor that is placed a predetermined distance away from the transporting unit in the second direction to detect the medium. The image forming apparatus aligns the print start location of the medium with an image forming line of the image forming unit by detecting an end of the medium in the second direction using the sensor.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, a plurality of light emitting device array units for drawing image data on a photoconductor are arranged in a main scanning direction corresponding to an axial direction of the photoconductor with staggered positioning in a sub-scanning direction. The image forming apparatus includes a ratio setting unit configured to set a ratio of fine size adjustment for finely adjusting a size of the image data, a computing unit configured to compute a displacement of the image data responsive to the ratio of fine size adjustment set by the ratio setting unit, and a fine size adjustment unit configured to change intervals of occurrences of line synchronizing signals in response to the computation by the computing unit.

Abstract: A measuring unit measures a time difference between detections of the optical beams by an optical beam detector arranged on either side of an image carrier with respect to a horizontal scanning direction. A magnification correcting unit determines whether a beam spot position adjustment amount corresponding to each of a plurality of developing colors preset by the sub position correcting unit exceeds a threshold preset for each of the plurality of developing colors, and depending on the result of the determination, performs magnification correction of the image by changing a beam spot position interval on a scanning line in units of a line or lines, or by changing a beam spot position interval on a scanning line in units of pixel.

Abstract: This videoconference system includes plural user's user PCs, a digital camera that is connected to each user PC through a cradle and can take a moving image, a server for a videoconference, and the Internet that connects these user PCs and the server for a videoconference. Each user PC has a program for videoconference for performing a videoconference, and when detecting that the digital camera is mounted on the cradle and is connected to the user PC duplex-communicably, the user PC makes a videoconference possible by automatically booting the above-described program for videoconference, and making moving images, taken with digital cameras of both users who are mutually communication, displayed on display devices of both user PCs.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a parameter of a hostile environment is provided within the interior of a sealed chamber. The chamber has a wall and an access port extending through the wall to the chamber exterior. The monitoring system includes a flexible, generally tubular, elongated housing having a distal end, a proximal end and a interior. The housing is made of a non-porous, corrosive resistant material. The distal end of the housing includes a sealed window and a sensor, which may be a borescope or camera, for sensing a parameter or for capturing an image within the hostile environment. The proximal end of the housing is sealingly secured to the chamber wall at the port so that the interior of the housing is accessible through the port. The interior of the housing includes a transmission media for transmitting an output signal of the sensor from the distal end of the housing to the proximal end of the housing and through the port.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for MPEG compliance testing that designs test bit streams such that every frame of the expected decoded video is known. The test bit stream is generated, decoded and stored as an expected output decoded video. The test bit stream is fed to the device under test where it is decoded. Actual output video is compared with the expected decoded video on a frame-by-frame basis. The test results are indicated by discrepancies, which can be visually examined by human or by computer, through a comparison of the two videos. During generation of the test bit stream, for a given GOP structure, the subsequent P and B frames are determined by varying the selected testing MPEG parameter with the whole range of its possible values, while keeping other parameters constant.

Abstract: A monolithic integrated circuit includes programmable processing circuitry. A printhead interface is connected to the processing circuitry and is configured to receive data from the processing circuitry and to generate control signals to be received by a pagewidth printhead of a printing mechanism. The printhead interface is directly connectable to the pagewidth printhead.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus, capable of selecting arbitrary plural sections in input image data, designating an order of reproduction of the image data of the selected plural sections, comparing the camera operation information relating to the image data of the selected plural sections with a predetermined rule relating to the camera operation information, and issuing predetermined warning information when the camera operation information of the plural sections violates the predetermined rule.

Abstract: A system includes an image sensor and an interface to receive image data from the image sensor. The interface selects between providing at least one synchronization signal to the image sensor and receiving the synchronization signal(s) from the image sensor. The synchronization signal(s) are associated with the communication of the image data from the image sensor.

Abstract: A camera device comprises an optical system driven to a predetermined position upon initialization when a photographing mode has been set, a memory including an area for storing lens information inherent to the optical system, an area for storing a file management program, and a management area which is managed by using the file management program, the area for storing the lens information differing from the management area, and a controller which controls the initialization of the optical system based on the lens information stored in the memory.

Abstract: An audio-visual system is provided for bringing together a local scene and a remote scene. The audio-visual system includes several concatenated audio-visual modules, and feedback control and control means between the various modules. Each audio-visual module comprises an image sensing device and a sound pickup device of the local scene, and an image and sound recovery device of the remote scene in an image plane. The audio-visual modules are connected to a transmission network. The feedback control and control means ensures image and sound quality continuity on the image plane when the people being filmed or recorded pass in front of the various image and sound pickup devices of the scene concerned.

Abstract: An advantageous production system comprises at least a camera producing a raw digital signal and a processing circuit for generating a processed video signal from the raw digital signal. In a control area, at least a camera control interface is able to set at least a parameter in the processing circuit. The processing circuit is located in the control area. An image capturing system for such a production system is also presented.

Abstract: An electronic image sensor is used for evaluating an image. Several individual sensors, each of which is provided with several pixels, are utilized in the electronic image sensor. The pixels of at least one individual electronic image sensor are read out only in part. Individual image sectors are thus effectively masked to reduce the amount of image data to be processed.

Abstract: A digital camera system includes a camera body; a lens mounted to the camera body, and an image processor operatively coupled to the lens. The image processor converts a visual image passing into the lens to a digital format to form a captured digital image. The digital camera system also includes an angle sensor mounted in the camera body. The angle sensor, in the form of a multi-spot focus angle sensor, determines a camera angle position and outputs camera angle position data. A distortion processor operatively coupled to the digital camera receives the camera angle position data obtained from the sensor and the captured digital image from the image processor to selectively remove distortions associated with the camera angle position to form a corrected digital image.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a medium which allow accurate control of an image pickup timing based on a result of image recognition with a simple construction. An image pickup section outputs picked up image data to an image recognition section and a delaying section. The image recognition section performs image recognition for the image data inputted thereto and, when it detects predetermined information from among the image data, outputs a trigger signal to an image fetching section to fetch an image. The delaying section delays the image data inputted thereto from the image recognition section to compensate for a delay corresponding to a time required for the image recognition by the image recognition section and outputs resulting image data to the image fetching section.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, timer 2 starts a time measuring operation when a shutter button is pressed. When a time T1 is measured by timer 2, the image from CCD 1 is output as a background image to a background image buffer 4. In addition, when a time (T1+T2) is measured by timer 2, the image from CCD 1 is output as a normal image to a region extracting portion 5 and image compressing portion 6. The background image mainly refers to an image only including a background. The normal image mainly refers to an image with an object of interest arranged in front of the background.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for enabling a digital photo device to create pictures that contain live images that have been combined with predefined templates in real time, wherein the user selects graphical or effect templates which have been provided by the software developer. Preferably the combination of the templates and subject image will be displayed in real-time so that the user will know exactly how the final product will appear before the image is captured. Preferably, a preview screen will be used to display the combined templates/subject image in real time and the final digital image is similarly captured, calculated, and stored in real time.

Abstract: A telephoto side distortion allowable lens or a wide-angle side distortion allowable lens is used as a zoom lens of a digital camera. Image data photographed by the telephoto side distortion allowable lens is subject to only a telephoto side distortion correction. Image data photographed by the wide-angle side distortion allowable lens is subject to only a wide-angle side distortion correction, in order to shorten the processing time for the distortion correction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of removing fixed pattern noise in a digital image processing apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a controlling unit adjusting a number of image frames of a same image photographed by an imaging device and an exposure time of a shutter, and controlling a movement direction of the imaging device, which photographs the image; and a signal processing unit which median-combines the image frames of the same image photographed by the imaging device during the adjusted exposure time after moving the imaging device. The total photographing time is reduced by skipping a process of photographing a dark image and fixed pattern noise can be effectively removed by median-combining the image frames photographed while physically moving the imaging device between the photographing of consecutive image frames to remove the fixed pattern noise.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device which can reliably correct dark current components that locally occur in an imaging sensor, such as those caused by an FDA. The imaging device includes: a storage unit which pre-stores information representing a relation between one of dark current components and an output signal of an optical black pixel arranged in a predetermined optical black area on an imaging sensor, the dark current components being superimposed on pixel signals of effective pixels, respectively, arranged in a predetermined effective pixel area on the imaging sensor; a dark current obtaining unit which obtains dark current components based on both the information stored in the storage unit and output signal of the optical black pixel; and a correcting unit which corrects the dark current components obtained by the dark current obtaining unit according to the pixel signals.

Abstract: For each current image output from a pixel matrix, the digital words relative to at least one masked line of the matrix are processed to generate a current correction digital code. From this code, a black level compensation signal is generated and applied as an offset control on pixel signal amplification. If the current correct digital code does not differ from the code calculated for a previous image output by a predetermined amount, then the code for the previous image is instead used to generate the black level compensation signal.

Abstract: Techniques for modifying data of an image that can be implemented in a digital camera, video image capturing device and other optical systems are provided to correct for image shading variations appearing in data from a two-dimensional photo-sensor. These variations can be caused by imperfect lenses, non-uniform sensitivity across the photo-sensor, and internal reflections within a housing of the optical system, for example. In order to correct for these variations, a small amount of modification data is stored in a small memory within the camera or other optical system, preferably separate correction data for each primary color. The modification data is generated on the fly, at the same rate as the image data is being acquired, so that the modification takes place without slowing down data transfer from the image sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus processes a video image. The apparatus includes an imaging device, a frame grabber device, and a host computer. The imaging device (20) produces a gray level image representing the video image. The frame grabber device conducts preprocessing functions on the gray level image and produces a plurality of image types from the gray level image. The host computer has a memory for storing the plurality of image types. The plurality of image types are transferred directly from the frame grabber device to the memory of the host computer.

Abstract: A gain characteristic correctable dynamic range enhancement system (DRES) receives input signals from an imager device connected to a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit for receiving the video signal from the CCD imaging device. The dynamic range enhancement system includes a variable gain amplifier (VGA), and a limited bit-width analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which digitizes the analog signal received from the VGA. The output of the ADC is provided to an initial bit range position of a wider bit-width shifter connected to the output of the ADC. The DRES system correctably extends the dynamic range of the imager device, subject to offsets providing linearity corrections at predetermined trip points, subject to determined offset values, to ensure that there are no discontinuities in the system transfer function.

Abstract: In the solid-state image sensor comprising 4-Tr-pixels, TG lines connecting the gate electrodes 28TG of the transfer transistors of the pixel units of the nth row, and select lines connecting the gate electrodes 28SEL of the select transistors of the pixel units of the n+1th row are formed of a common signal line, and the gate electrodes 28TG of the pixels of the nth row and the gate electrodes 28SEL of the pixel units of the n+1th row are formed in one continuous pattern of the same conducting layer. Whereby allowance can be given to layouts of the metal interconnection layers. Accordingly, the floating diffusions FD can be effectively shielded from light. Furthermore, allowance can be given to the area. Accordingly, the floating diffusions FD can have the area increased, whereby the junction leakage can be reduced.

Abstract: An image sensor controller and methods achieve faster image reading speeds by controlling the frequency of image sensor transfer clocks ?1, ?2 in accordance with the particular output period. Such an image sensor controller includes a drive controller that supplies to a transfer section of the image sensor transfer clocks ?1, ?2 whose clock frequency during dummy pixel output periods is faster than it is during an effective pixel output period, or whose clock frequency during non-reading pixel output periods is faster than it is during a reading pixel output period. A pattern selector selects among clock patterns in a table for setting ?1, ?2 according to the output periods of the image sensor. Even when the clock frequency of ?1, ?2 changes, a transfer clock ADCK signal can be supplied at a constant clock frequency to an A/D converter.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes a solid-state image sensor having photosensitive cells and vertical transfer paths. The cells are bidimensionally arranged for converting light incident from a subject via optics to electric charges corresponding to the light to store signal charges. The vertical transfer paths each adjoins the photosensitive cells arranged on a particular column for vertically transferring the signal charges. Before the signal charges are transferred from the cells to the vertical transfer paths, a sweep controller causes unnecessary charges on the vertical transfer paths to be swept out. The sweep controller controls a sweep transfer period necessary for the sweep transfer in dependence upon the amount of the unnecessary charges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital motion picture camera including at least one optoelectronic sensor device for the recording of motion pictures. The sensor device has, in an areal arrangement, a plurality of sensor elements for the generation of a respective received signal in dependence on a light exposure. The camera further has a control device for the controlling of the read-out of the received signals of the sensor elements as well as a digitizing device for the digitizing of the received signals. The camera moreover has an optical viewfinder for the visual observation of the motion pictures to be recorded and a beam deflection device which is interposed in front of the sensor device and by which the reception beam path can be split at least into one recording beam path for the sensor device and one viewfinder beam path for the optical viewfinder.

Abstract: An image sensor module includes a lens member, a resin frame that holds the lens member, a diaphragm formed on the lens member, an image sensor chip that receives light converged by the lens member, and a supporting board upon which the image sensor chip is mounted. The board is fixed to the bottom side of the resin frame. The diaphragm includes an opening for allowing the passage of light, and a light-shielding portion which is entirely held in contact with the lens member. The lens member is glued to the frame so that any additional fixing element such as a lens cap is unnecessary.

Abstract: An image sensor module (X1) includes a housing (1), a lens retainer (2), an image sensor chip (4), a substrate (5) and a lens unit (A, B). The housing (1) is formed with a step portion (1a) for fixing the lens unit (A, B). The lens retainer (2) is fixed to the housing (1) and held in contact with the upper face of the lens unit (A, B). The lens unit (A, B) is pressed against the step portion (1a) of the housing (1) by a biasing force of the lens retainer (2).

Abstract: An optical system for a CMOS sensor includes an aspherical lens with which an exit pupil distance appears short in a central region of an imaging plane and long in a peripheral region of the imaging plane. The aspherical lens functions such that the exit pupil distance monotonously increases from a central region of the imaging plane toward a peripheral region of the imaging plane. In addition, pupil correction is performed in accordance with an exit pupil distance d which satisfies (d1+d2)/2<d<d2, where d1 is the exit pupil distance at the center of the imaging plane and d2 is the exit pupil distance at the edge of the imaging plane.

Abstract: A camera according to the present invention includes a picture-taking lens unit including a picture-taking optical system having a bending optical system which optically bends incident light and an optical finder unit including a finder optical system having a bending optical system which optically bends incident light. A pre-bending optical system and a post-bending optical system in the bending optical system of the optical finder unit are arranged adjacent to a pre-bending optical system and a post-bending optical system in the bending optical system of the picture-taking lens unit, respectively. The body of the camera is therefore decreased in size.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus and method, and an image-pickup control computer program, a photographing optical system is driven, when a plurality of objects are present at different distances in a same detection field of view for identifying an object to be focused, so as to be focused on each of the plurality of objects, and a photographing operation is performed at each position of the photographing optical system driven so as to be focused on each of the plurality of objects.

Abstract: When an object image at a preset position is zoomed in at a target magnification by a zoom lens, the focus point position N of the object image at the zoom position Z1 of the target magnification is calculated. In addition, the mutual relation value (interior division ratio x:y) between the tracking curve I, II and the focus point position is calculated and the position or the focus lens is controlled so that the mutual relation value is kept with respect to the tracking curve when zoom-in is carried out. Accordingly, an object image in focus can be picked up at all times even during zooming.