Abstract: A printing device that includes a platen for supporting an imaging member during a printing operation and at least one print head subassembly for direct thermal printing on the imaging member. The print head subassembly can be configured to be movable independently of the platen for printing on a first surface of the imaging member in a first transport path and on a second surface of the imaging member in a second transport path. Alternatively, the printing device can include two print head subassemblies, each positioned to print on a different side of the imaging member. The position of the print line of the print head in each printing position is offset from a dead center alignment with respect to a platen.

Abstract: Provided is an exposure head, including: an array substrate having a plurality of organic EL elements arranged in an array on one face; and a plurality of circuit chips having a circuit for driving the organic EL element, and in which the forming face of the circuit is serially arranged along the extending direction of the array substrate so as to face one face of the array substrate; wherein the plurality of circuit chips are mutually serially connected by providing a pair of wiring groups for each mutual boundary location of the circuit chips on one face of the array substrate and outside the arrangement area of the organic EL element, bump-bonding one of the adjacent circuit chips to one end of the pair of wiring groups, and bump-bonding the other adjacent circuit chip to the other end of the pair of wiring groups.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs for adjusting marking data for use with alternately stacked multi-thickness media. The systems, methods, and programs input marking data and determine an orientation of sheets of the multi-thickness media that is alternated within a stack. The systems, methods, and programs adjust, for each sheet whose orientation is not consistent with the marking data, the marking data for that sheet such that the marking data for that sheet is consistent with the orientation of that sheet.

Abstract: In embodiments, light from a light guide is used to generate a signal.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing the recordings of two video cameras which are operated in parallel for the three-dimensional representation of an image sequence includes fading a light signal into the image area of the two cameras and simultaneously recording the light signal by both cameras. Playback of the recordings are synchronized using the recorded signals. The two video cameras may be two digitally recording video recorders.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preventing image sticking of a video display appliance and method thereof that can effectively remove a black display region appearing on a border part of a display screen of the video display appliance when an image sticking function is performed. The apparatus includes a control unit for outputting a control signal for zooming an input video signal at a predetermined zooming rate and performing the image-sticking prevention function if an image-sticking prevention mode is set, and a video processing unit for zooming the video signal at the predetermined zooming rate and processing the zoomed video signal to display the zoomed video signal on a display screen according to the control signal from the control unit.

Abstract: A method for efficiently categorizing images on a computer system is disclosed. A series of related images that are to be categorized are ordered by time of capture, and category levels for input of category information by a user are displayed. The category levels include a highest-category level and a lowest-category level, where the highest-category level has a low frequency of data change between the series of related images, and the lowest-category level has a high frequency of data change between the series of images. A first image is then categorized by allowing the user to enter highest-category level data and lowest-category level data. A next image in the series is then categorized by leaving the highest-category level data unchanged, and automatically selecting the lowest-category level data for reentry by the user, thereby eliminating the need for the user to reenter the highest-category level data.

Abstract: Since cable external equipment has the advantage over radio external equipment, data is transferred through a cable when active cable external equipment exists, and data is automatically transferred to radio external equipment when active cable external equipment does not exist.

Abstract: A system for producing photographic prints includes a digital camera, having a memory configured for storing images, and a stand-alone printer. The printer includes a docking port and control devices. The docking port is configured to mechanically receive the digital camera. The control devices are configured to allow selection of an image from the memory of the digital camera, and to initiate printing thereof by the printer. The system and method allow a user to deliver an image captured by the digital camera, either as a hard-copy print or as an electronic file, using controls of the printer device.

Abstract: A system and a method for optically communicating information between a display and a camera that is observing the display. In general, the transmission of information is unidirectional in a direction from the display to the camera. The display transmits information to the camera that is observing the display by displaying a series of symbols and images (such as an alphabet) on the display. Information (such as a network address of the display or camera) may be transmitted to the camera without any prior shared knowledge between the two. The present invention also is capable of determining a spatial location (or pose) of the display (relative to a camera observing the display) by observing a pattern presented on the display and using well-known correlation techniques.

Abstract: A method for generating a presentation of a region-of-interest in an image of a scene. The method includes the steps of capturing the image of the scene with a first camera and displaying the image of the scene on a display screen; selecting the region-of-interest within the image of the scene with a cursor and a pointing device; controlling a second camera to capture an image of a region of the scene corresponding to the region-of-interest; inserting the image of the region into the region-of-interest in the image of the scene to generate the presentation; and, displaying the presentation on the display screen.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imaging system for multiple view imaging. Multiple view imaging comprises, but is not limited to, stereoscopic imaging. The imaging system for multiple view imaging comprises at least two video processing devices, each of the video processing devices being for displaying a video image on one or more display devices. Each video processing device receives at least a first sequence of image frames comprising at least second sequence of image frames and a third sequence of image frames, the at least second and third sequences being for generating at least first and second video images, respectively. Each video processing device outputs at least a fourth sequence of image frames, the fourth sequences being for generating at least one of the first or second video images, the fourth sequences of image frames from the first and second video processing devices being asynchronous with respect to each other.

Abstract: A photographed image composing apparatus includes a CPU and an imaging unit. In this photographed image composing apparatus, an operator photographs an object's face in at least two partial images successively while aligning a predetermined region of the face with an imaging index displayed on a display, and boundary processing between partial images is performed and a montage image is produced. In the boundary processing, pixel data adjacent to a boundary line is extracted from a first image on one side of the boundary line and a second image on the other side of the boundary line, as first basic pixel data and second basic pixel data, respectively. Then, the pixel data of the first image and the second image are mixed with the second basic pixel data and the first basic pixel data in a pixel row that corresponds to the relevant pixel, respectively, based on previously stored mixing ratios in accordance with the distance from the boundary line.

Abstract: By setting an area for displaying OSD data, a high-intensity part of this area is highlighted and an area which is not to be highlighted is set. Also, by performing translucent display of the OSD data and natural-image data, an area which is not to be highlighted can be set.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to reduce image sensing errors due to wrong white balance control using wrong color temperature information in an image sensing device capable of performing white balance control using a color image signal from an image sensing device. In order to attain the above object, when the color in the vicinity of the locus of a blackbody cannot be extracted in detection of a color temperature in a color image signal, color temperature information is corrected on the basis of a piece of color temperature information output from a calorimetric sensor, thereby controlling the white balance of a color image signal output from an image sensing element. The number of achromatic data extracted from the color image signal is counted. The color temperature is calculated by weighting a color temperature obtained from the color image signal and that obtained from the colorimetric sensor in accordance with the count, thereby performing white balance control.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus comprises an image pickup unit including a plurality of photoelectric conversion units for picking up an image of an object; and a filter, arranged on the image pickup unit, for reducing a light amount that causes a flicker.

Abstract: A photographic image is divided into a central area and a surrounding area, and video signals for the central and surrounding areas are integrated by an area integrator circuit. When an operator of video camera attached to a notebook personal computer is to photograph himself/herself with an imager of the video camera pointing toward the operator, a control microcomputer causes the integration result for the former to be multiplied by a larger weighting before both are summed. The control microcomputer generates exposure information according to the result, and compares the exposure level indicated by this information with the reference level to control an electronic shutter of an imaging device and the gain of an amplifier circuit so that the exposure level matches the reference level. Thus, the exposure of the video camera can be adjusted to an appropriate level. If the imager points towards an object on the opposite side of the operator, exposure control is performed as usual.

Abstract: In image-data recording processing performed when a video output conforms to the PAL system, a display-signal processing section receives image data having a frame rate of 30 Hz recorded in a memory, through a bus, converts the image data to image data having an NTSC frame rate of 29.97 Hz by a frame-rate conversion method in which thinning out is performed according to the ratio of frame rates, and outputs it to a display section and a codec-IC interface. The display-signal processing section also converts to image data having a PAL frame rate of 25 Hz, and outputs it to a video-output interface. In other words, image data is processed at a frame rate not related to the output, and then converted to image data having a frame rate suited for the output, and output. This invention can be used in digital cameras.

Abstract: A camera installed in a wireless terminal comprises a first electronic zooming means to operate by hardware and a second electronic zooming means to operate by software. The first electronic zooming means quickly select one of several pictures with predetermined scale factor. The second electronic zooming means zoom in or out a picture in small steps. An operator can quickly display a picture of desired scale factor by these two means. Further, in a foldable type terminal with a magnetic sensor, a picture with desired scale factor can be displayed by adjusting an angle between a first housing and a second housing.

Abstract: Providing a signal processing method for image synthesis with reduced computation load, a signal processor circuit for image synthesis with reduced computation load which allows manufacturing at a low production cost, and imaging apparatus which uses the signal processing method and the signal processor circuit. The signal processor circuit includes: a table storage area for storing an LUT; a table overwriting section for overwriting an LUT written into the table storage area with another LUT; and an arithmetic operation section for performing arithmetic operation on a first digital signal or a second digital signal based on the LUT written into the table storage area each time an LUT is written into the table storage area and synthesizing the first digital signal and the second digital signal.

Abstract: A multilayer deposition multipixel image pickup device comprising a pixel unit, wherein the pixel unit comprises: a plurality of electromagnetic absorption layers being capable of absorbing electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths and performing photoelectric conversion; at least one pair of electrodes that sandwich each of electromagnetic absorption layers; a charge transfer and charge read part; and a plurality of contact parts that couple at least one of the electrodes and the charge transfer and charge read part, wherein a length between outermost surfaces of ones among electrodes of the pixel unit is smaller than a pixel size that is a circle-equivalent diameter of the same area as a first electromagnetic absorption layer of the electromagnetic absorption layers, the first electromagnetic absorption layer having a largest area in said plurality of electromagnetic absorption layers.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor (APS) that includes circuitry to eliminate artifacts in digital images. The APS includes a comparator for comparing a signal level from a pixel to an adjusted saturation voltage to determine if the pixel is saturated. If the pixel is saturated, the signal output from the pixel is replaced with an analog voltage having a maximum value corresponding to a brightest pixel in the image.

Abstract: The video signal processor of the present invention comprises a CCD for storing an inputted image by converting it into an electric charge through photoelectrical conversion to be stored by each field and then outputting the stored electric charge by each field; a shutter pulse generator for supplying a shutter pulse which adjusts storage time of the electric charge in the CCD; and a variable controller for variably controlling adjusting amount of electric charge storage time by the shutter pulse by a field unit.

Abstract: A still image is photographed by a still image photographing operation performed during a moving-image photographing operation and a moving image is photographed during the moving-image photographing operation. The still image is recorded together with link information indicating the moving image to be linked with and the moving image is recorded together with link information indicating the still image to be linked with. Further, a timing information is recorded for indicating a photographing time when the still-image photographing operation is performed during the moving-image photographing operation. In an operation for reproducing the moving image, when a still image is prepared to be linked with the moving image, a still image mark M1 is displayed during a period from five seconds before to five seconds after the photographing timing. Upon manipulation during such period, the still image is displayed.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to increase the precision and speed of autofocusing operation.

Abstract: An auto focus lens for digital cameras comprises a coil base, a lens barrel, and an elastic component. The coil base which has a coil wounded around in a specific direction and which has an accommodation hole whose bottom is provided with a stopper. The surface of the lens barrel is distributed with a permanent magnet and the lens barrel is rotatably installed inside the accommodation hole. One of the lens barrel's ends has a guide surface, slant and close to the stopper. The elastic component presses against the other end of the lens barrel so that the guide surface touches the stopper permanently. When the coil is provided with an electric current, a magnetic force is generated to repel the permanent magnet on the lens barrel. The lens barrel thus rotates up and down according to the design of the guide surface, and thereby the focal length of the camera is changed.

Abstract: An image acquiring apparatus includes a pixel shifting section which changes the relative position between luminous flux incident on an imaging element and the imaging element to a plurality of specific positions, an imaging section which photographs in at least one of a plurality of specific positions including an initial position, an image creating section which creates a high-resolution new image based on at least one item of image data photographed by the imaging section, and a display control section which displays at least one image photographed by the imaging section before the high-resolution new image has been created.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biaxially rotatable camera lens module. The module comprises a cylindrical lens housing with a lens, a first axial rotatable dial mounted on one end of the cylindrical lens housing and rotating the lens about a first pivot axis, a second axial rotatable dial mounted on the other end of the cylindrical lens housing and rotating the lens within a predetermined angle about a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis, a gear mechanism for transforming a rotating motion of the second axial rotatable dial into a linear motion, and a cam mechanism for transforming a linear motion of the gear mechanism into a rotating motion and rotating the lens about the first pivot axis.

Abstract: Techniques for performing panoramic scaling are disclosed that reduce visible distortion in a panoramic image. Further, techniques for performing combined YC adjustment and color conversion are disclosed that reduce the size and power requirements of video manipulation hardware by reducing the number of logic gates and memory buffers required when YC adjustment and color conversion are implemented as separate operations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for correcting the frequency characteristics of a carrier chrominance signal, which, by use of the correcting signal for the frequency characteristic involved in a vertical blanking interval, determine whether the frequency characteristics of the carrier chrominance signal are distorted and correct the frequency characteristics. A band pass filter is used which determines a degree of the frequency characteristic distortion of the carrier chrominance signal band from the correcting signal for the frequency characteristic, and has a gain in accordance with the determined result. If the frequency characteristic of the carrier chrominance signal involved in the input composite video signal is distorted by the frequency characteristics and so on of the analog broadcasting radio channel and the broadcasting receiver, the distortion is corrected whereby a stable reproduction of the color signal is possible irrespective of the broadcasting channels and the broadcasting receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for transposing data. The apparatus includes a pair of line memories, a pair of memories and output units. The line memories horizontally read image data a frame of which is composed of K×L byte data (row length: K bytes, column length: L bytes), and alternately storing data arrays each having a K×N byte size (N?2). The memories alternately reads the image data from the line memories on an N-byte-at-a-time basis and each store a data array corresponding to one frame. The output units vertically address the data arrays stored in the memories on an N-byte-at-a-time basis and output the addressed data arrays.

Abstract: A processor-based system may be operated in an effectively “always on” condition. The system may transition from a lower power consumption state to a higher power consumption state in response to the first operation of a power button. In response to a second operation of the power button, the system transitions from the higher power consumption state to the lower power consumption state. However, unless the system is unplugged, the system remains in a power consuming state even when the power button is repeatedly operated.

Abstract: A driving circuit for display elements, comprises a modulation circuit that outputs a modulating signal to be applied to wiring to which display elements are connected; and an output circuit that serializes modulation data including height value data for determining a height value of at least part of waveform of the modulating signal and pulse width data for determining a pulse width of at least part of waveform of the modulating signal so that the modulation data can be transmitted to the modulation circuit by transmission paths, the number of which is smaller than the number of bits of the modulation data, and outputs the serialized modulation data.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a control circuit for outputting a timing signal for determining a predetermined time period and a clock signal counted to determine the length of a modulation signal. The display apparatus is capable of switching between a first state in which a first timing signal and a first clock signal are output, and a second state in which a second timing signal and a second clock signal are output. The first time period is shorter than the second time period, wherein the first time period is the predetermined time period determined by the first timing signal and the second time period is the predetermined time period determined by the second timing signal. The frequency of the first clock signal is higher than the frequency of the second clock signal.

Abstract: An LCD TV includes a housing, an LCD screen panel disposed on the front side of the housing, a first mirror disposed on the back side of the housing and a projection-based backlight system disposed in a lower cabinet of the housing, wherein the projection-based backlight system provides polarized light for the LCD screen panel through the first mirror. The projection-based backlight system can provide uniformly polarized light and increase polarization efficiency as well as be easily achieved by using low-cost optical components.

Abstract: An LCD TV includes a housing, an LCD screen panel disposed on the front side of the housing, a first mirror disposed on the back side of the housing and a projection-based backlight system disposed in a lower cabinet of the housing, wherein the projection-based backlight system provides polarized light for the LCD screen panel through the first mirror. The projection-based backlight system can provide uniformly polarized light and increase polarization efficiency as well as be easily achieved by using low-cost optical components.

Abstract: A display system for stereoscopic displaying of images includes a pair of wide viewing angle displays arranged at an angle to each other, each display providing respective images formed by plane polarized light. A beam combiner is located between the displays such that the beam combiner transmits light from one display and reflects light from the other display, whereby the transmitted and reflected light are provided via the beam combiner in substantially the same direction. One of the wide viewing angle displays has a substantially vertical polarization and the other of the wide viewing angle displays has a substantially horizontal polarization. The display system provides for stereoscopic display of high-resolution images with wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles.

Abstract: Device for transmitting light at variable intensity, the device including a front variable polarizer, polarizing incoming light at a first selected polarization level, in a first direction and a rear variable polarizer, optically coupled with the front variable polarizer, polarizing light exiting the front variable polarizer at a second selected polarization level, in a second direction, wherein the first selected polarization level and the second selected polarization level are substantially zero, when no substantial electric power is applied respectively, to the front variable polarizer and the rear variable polarizer.

Abstract: An liquid crystal display device includes a source line between first and second drain lines, a first and second gate lines between the first drain line and the source line and between the second drain line and the source line, a plurality of first and second drain electrodes extending from the first and second drain lines, and a plurality of first and second source electrodes extending in first and second directions from the source line, wherein the plurality of first source electrodes are alternated with the plurality of first drain electrodes on the first gate line, and the plurality of second source electrodes are alternated with the plurality of second drain electrodes on the second gate line.

Abstract: Provided is a method for fabricating a liquid crystal panel, comprising: coating a thermal sensitive adhesive on an outer surface of a plastic substrate; attaching a glass substrate on the thermal sensitive adhesive; performing a liquid crystal cell process on an inner surface of the plastic substrate; and separating the glass substrate from the plastic substrate.

Abstract: In a display panel, a plurality of pixel sections are arranged in the form of a matrix. Each of the pixel sections includes a pixel for displaying an image for the left eye and a pixel for displaying an image for the right eye. Lenticular lens having repeated convex surfaces is disposed in front of the display panel to deflect the light emitted from each pixel in the horizontal direction from the pixel for displaying the image for the left eye to the pixel for displaying the image for the right eye in each pixel section. Reflection plate reflects the exterior light toward the display panel and has surface projections on the surface. In this case, the focal distance f of the lens is different from the distance H between the surface of the reflection plate and the apex of the lens.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and module is provided. The LCD panel comprises a thin film transistor (TFT) array substrate, a color filter substrate, a liquid crystal layer, an upper polarizing plate and a lower polarizing plate. The color filter substrate is disposed over the TFT array substrate, and the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the TFT array substrate and the color filter substrate. In addition, the upper polarizing plate is disposed over the color filter substrate. Moreover, the lower polarizing plate is disposed over the TFT array substrate, and the lower polarizing plate includes, for example, a polarizer and a light scattering layer disposed over a surface of the polarizer.

Abstract: To provide a color filter substrate and transflective type electro-optical device capable of ensuring both brightness of reflective display and saturation of transmissive display. Also, to reduce the difference in color between reflective display and transmissive display. A reflective layer 211 having openings 211a is formed on a substrate 201, and subsequently, a transmissive layer 214 is partially formed, and upon these is formed a color filter 212 having colored layers 212r, 212g, and 212b. Thick portions 212TH provided to non-formation regions of the transmissive layer 214 are formed to the colored layer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and inspection method thereof. The LCD panel includes a first substrate having a reflective material layer formed on a first side of the first substrate; a second substrate having a black matrix formed on a first side of the second substrate, the first side of the second substrate face on to the first side of the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein the second substrate has at least one inspection area allowing light to pass to the first side of the first substrate. The inspection method includes: passing light through the inspection area to the first side of the first substrate; and inspecting cell process parameters of the LCD panel through light reflected from the first side of the first substrate.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite the first substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a lower substrate, a first buffer layer formed on the lower substrate and a first alignment layer formed on the first buffer layer. The first buffer layer includes a polymer-like carbon and the first alignment layer includes a diamond-like carbon thin film containing fluorine. The second substrate includes an upper substrate, a second buffer layer formed on the upper substrate and a second alignment layer formed on the second buffer layer. The second buffer layer includes the polymer-like carbon thin film and the second alignment layer includes the diamond-like carbon thin film containing fluorine. The liquid crystal display panel has improved light transmittance and a low probability of separation between the alignment layer and the substrate.

Abstract: A main object of the invention is to provide a phase difference layer laminated body which has a very high freedom in orienting molecules of its phase difference layer, and which is manufactured with ease. To achieve the above object, the invention provides a phase difference layer laminated body including a base material having orientability, and a phase difference layer made of a liquid crystal material that can form a nematic phase and formed in a pattern on the base material such as to have refractive index anisotropy.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflection type liquid crystal device, and a projection type display and electronic equipment in which display defects caused by disclination are reduced, minimized or prevented from being produced for a highly fine liquid crystal display with a space between pixels made to be narrow to make it possible to provide a high-contrast and bright display. A liquid crystal device includes a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate, and a first electrode and a second electrode formed on a face of the above-described second substrate on a side of the above-described liquid crystal layer. The above-described first electrode and the above-described second electrode are formed so that an electric field substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate with respect to the above-described liquid crystal layer can be applied thereto.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device with a planar counter electrode formed on the first substrate in each pixel region, a pixel electrode formed on the counter electrode by way of an insulation layer, the pixel electrode formed of a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode in the pixel region, the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode have a large number of slits which are arranged in parallel in the electrodes and the extending direction of the slits is different from both extending directions of the gate lines and the drain lines, and the neighboring sides of the first and the second pixel electrodes are arranged to be parallel to each other, and a portion between the neighboring sides of the first and the second pixel electrodes is positioned above the counter electrode.

Abstract: An auxiliary plate (10) is fixed to a rear plane of a housing for fixedly holding a lamp unit (6) having a plurality of lamps. In the auxiliary plate (10), a convex portion and a concave portion are combined. The convex portion has a space between the housing and itself, which is formed by protruding a sheet metal, and the concave portion contacts with the housing by denting the sheet metal. In the auxiliary plate 10, an area for mounting a board vulnerable to heat is formed with the convex portion and an air layer performs as heat insulation. The convex and concave portions are arrayed in a direction where heated air easily flows in another area. Thus, rigidity can be remarkably increased compared to a flat-shaped sheet metal, and heat generated by a backlight is effectively dissipated, as well as a temperature rise and an occurrence of a temperature gradient are suppressed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a crystal device includes applying substantially simultaneously a first light that is absorbed by a crystal plate and excites an energy level of a substance constituting the crystal plate from a ground state to a first excited state, and a second light that excites the energy level of the substance constituting the crystal plate from the first excited state to a second excited state to generate an ablation, thereby forming one or more grooves in a predetermined pattern on the crystal plate.