Abstract: An image sensor comprising a matrix of solid-state light sensor elements each representing a unit pixel, which is capable of reading out sensor signals from respective pixels in a time series by sequentially selecting pixels on a line-by-line basis and sequentially selecting pixels in a selected line, wherein each pixel line is divided into a plurality of blocks with each block composed of the same specified number of pixels and a first scanning means sequentially reads pixel sensor signals on the block-by-block basis starting from the first block and a second scanning means reads pixel sensor signals of the readout block. The image sensor thus constructed can achieve high speed scanning of respective pixels with a minimal increase in power consumption.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor comprises a photodiode providing a photodiode output current indicative of an intensity of light incident the photodiode and an integrator circuit electrically coupled to the photodiode. The integrator circuit is configured to provide a pixel voltage representing an integration of the photodiode output current when the photodiode is exposed to light and dark leakage current through the photodiode when the photodiode is not exposed to light. The integrator circuit is configured to set a reverse bias voltage on the photodiode and respond to at least one control input to set the reverse bias voltage to a first level. The active pixel sensor comprises a feedback loop configured to receive the pixel voltage and control the integrator circuit to adjust the reverse bias voltage to substantially reduce the dark leakage current through the photodiode to a desired level.

Abstract: An analog circuit includes a pulse control circuit for outputting pulse signals for operating component circuits based on reference pulse signals for driving an image sensor, a noise reduction circuit that is operated in accordance with a pulse signal of a horizontal drive frequency output from the pulse control circuit to reduce noise present in image signals output from the image sensor, a gain variable amplifier for adjusting an amplitude of signals output by the noise reduction circuit, an AD converter for converting the output signals of the gain variable amplifier into digital signals and output these digital signals, a clamp circuit that is operated in accordance with a pulse signal at a horizontal drive frequency output from the pulse control circuit to perform feedback control of the digital signals output by the AD converter, and a frequency-dependent bias circuit that supplies a current amount corresponding to the frequency of at least one kind of pulse signal from among the reference pulse signals

Abstract: An image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in at least two sub-arrays; first and second delay areas respectively connected to each sub-array for respectively receiving charge from the sub-array; wherein a pitch of the first delay area is different from the second delay area and at least two readout mechanisms for respectively receiving the charge from the delay areas, wherein a same line from the first and second sub-arrays is received by each delay area at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A folding-type mobile terminal is provided with a camera that is capable of accurately imaging an object. This is accomplished by mounting the camera such that a viewing direction of the display of the terminal is substantially parallel to a camera imaging direction.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus capable of generating a mirror image of a captured image and superimposing character patterns on the mirror image. The image capture apparatus includes an image capture device and a display device. The display device is rotatably coupled to the image capture device such that the display device can rotate between a normal position and self-portrait position. When in the self-portrait position, the display device displays a mirror image of the captured image, a superimposed character pattern, and an operation condition pattern. Furthermore, the image capture apparatus includes operation devices that are inhibited from operating by a user when in the self-portrait mode.

Abstract: In an imaging apparatus in which a plurality of sample images are stored, image data acquired by an imaging unit and a sample image used during imaging are displayed simultaneously on a monitor. Thus, a user is allowed to know a directory where image data is to be saved while imaging an object. Furthermore, operation of the imaging unit can be set based on data associated with the sample image. Accordingly, even a user who is not accustomed to operating the imaging apparatus is allowed to image an object with a setting suitable for the status of the object.

Abstract: In a portable terminal having a photographic function for receiving photographic light from a camera subject and obtaining image data, the portable terminal comprises an optical member receiving photographic light from the camera subject, and a cover member mounted on a slidable basis. The cover member selectively opens and shuts to cover said optical member in accordance with a sliding operation. The cover member has a mirror on a surface of the cover member.

Abstract: The present digital camera system includes interchangeable lens barrels, and a digital camera having a first camera body to which the interchangeable lens barrel can be attached or another digital camera having a second camera body. The first camera body contains a first image pickup element having a reference pixel pitch and a first optical LPF (low pass filter). The second camera body contains a second image pickup element having a pixel pitch different from the reference pixel pitch, a second optical LPF and a compensating optical element. The compensating optical element is a glass plate having no double refraction characteristic for compensating an amount of the change in optical path length due to the decrease in thickness of the second optical LPF with respect to the first optical LPF. The present digital camera system allows the replacement of an interchangeable lens without generating various kinds of aberration among camera bodies having different pixel pitches.

Abstract: A camera module includes a gradient index lens on a spacer plate attached over an array of pixel sensors and associated micro lenses. The spacer plate and gradient index lens can be formed at the wafer level during the manufacture of multiple camera modules. A process for manufacturing the camera modules thus provides tolerances and yields provided by wafer processing techniques rather than mechanical assembly.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus having a multifunction lens and a method for capturing an image are disclosed. The multifunction lens has an imaging lens portion adapted to focus a scene onto an image sensor array and a luminance channel portion adapted to channel luminance of the scene onto a luminance photo detector. Due to a single piece design of the multifunction lens of the present invention, compared to the prior art built-in luminance metering system, the costs of manufacture are decreased, bulk to the imaging system is decreased, and reliability of the imaging system is increased.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a camera module of the present invention includes forming a bump on each electrode portion of an imaging element. Next, a through hole is formed in a substrate. The imaging element is then mounted on a first side of the substrate having at least one bump such that a light receiving portion of the imaging element receives light via the through-hole of the substrate. A periphery of the imaging element is sealed to the substrate. Next, a lens unit is mounted on a second side of the substrate.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus performs a focusing operation quickly and includes a light splitting unit which splits a light flux from an image-taking lens into a plurality of light fluxes, a view finder optical system observing an object image formed by the light flux from the lens, an image pickup element which photoelectrically converts the object image to an electrical signal and a focus detector detecting the focusing state of the lens according to a phase difference detector. Here, the light splitting unit changes between a first state for directing the light flux to the view finder optical system and the focus detector, a second state for directing the light flux to the image pickup element and the focus detector, and a third state in which the light flux is directed only to the image pickup element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system in which, while high image quality is maintained with the influence of diffraction minimized, the quantity of light is controlled, and which enables the length of the zoom lens to be cut down. The imaging system comprises a zoom lens comprising a plurality of lens groups G1 and G2 wherein the spacing between individual lens groups is varied to vary a focal length and an aperture stop located in an optical path for limiting at least an axial light beam diameter, and an electronic image pickup device I located on the image side of the zoom lens. The aperture stop has a fixed shape, and a filter S2 for performing light quantity control by varying transmittance is located on an optical axis of a space located at a position different from that of a space in which the aperture stop is located.

Abstract: A portable camera-phone has a strobe consisting of LEDs emitting light with a determined quantity of light emission, as an auxiliary light source for image pick-up of an object by a camera. In an image pick-up mode, the light emission quantity is adjusted repeatedly until a total exposure value matches an optimal exposure value, based on a difference between a total exposure value of an image signal output from the camera with the light emission quantity determined last time and a total exposure value when emission is OFF. Therefore, in the image pick-up mode, two reference values are used for determining the light emission quantity to have the total exposure value match the optimal exposure value, and hence the light emission quantity can be determined with high accuracy. As a result, an optimal exposure level can be obtained with high accuracy.

Abstract: This invention makes it possible to execute photography with a sufficient red-eye relaxation effect. To do this, in this invention, the amount of a red eye is detected on the basis of a signal obtained by reading an object image under light projection by a light projection unit. The light projection by the light projection unit is controlled on the basis of the detection result.

Abstract: A digital camera system comprises a digital camera and a cradle unit, which are electrically connected via a connector and a connection terminal. The cradle unit is provided with an operation-code generator and a light emitter. When an external display mode is selected by operating an operational section of the digital camera, the operation-code generator generates an operation code as an analog signal. This analog signal is sent to the light emitter. Upon receiving the analog signal, the light emitter emits an infrared signal of the operation code toward a TV monitor to change the TV monitor into an external input condition.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus with a laser-framing viewfinder includes a housing, a laser source installed inside the housing for generating a laser beam, a first lens installed inside the housing for diverging the laser beam, a framing mask for masking the laser beam diverged by the first lens to form a laser-framing viewfinder, and a camera lens installed in the housing for capturing an object in the laser-framing viewfinder.

Abstract: A video signal output apparatus is provided. Video format information that can be displayed on a video display apparatus is detected by an I/O unit from an input data. A comparing unit compares the detected video formats with video formats that can be converted by a converting unit, and then common video formats are set as selectable video formats and output as menu video. A user sees the menu video and selects a video format. Simultaneously with the converted digital video data, video format information is also inserted into the output data and then outputted. Accordingly, the video display apparatus switches the video format of the screen. The user can select a most suitable video format from the menu screen by only connecting the apparatuses, and then the video format of the video display image apparatus is also switched automatically.

Abstract: A method interpolating pixel values includes calculating a difference value between pixel values corresponding to a first display pixel on a first display line and a second display pixel on a second display line, the first and second display pixels defining a possible edge angle of an object on a display. Another difference value is calculated between pixel values corresponding to a third display pixel of the first display line and a fourth display pixel of the second display line, the third and fourth display pixels defining a second angle on the display.

Abstract: A method for processing video signals for a video signal processing apparatus is provided which is capable of processing and displaying a plurality of video signals through different paths. The method includes the steps of standardizing the respective video signals being processed through the different paths, and performing a white balance adjustment on the basis of a specified one of the plurality of video signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for correcting color mixing errors, which lets a color display device adopt a virtual material quantity concept and use at least one set of predetermined virtual primary colors to analyze mixed color signal values displayed on the color display device and establish a corresponding material characteristic functions between color control signal values and corresponding virtual control signal values, and eventually establish nonlinear color correction functions between a series of known control signal values corresponding to desired color signal values of the color display device, in such a way that when the color display device performs a video color conversion, the control signal values actually entered into the color display device are corrected to the corresponding target control signal values for allowing the color display device to display desired color signal values.

Abstract: An entertainment system includes a digital television connected to a number of audio/video input devices. The television and at least two of the input devices support analog legacy communication schemes. The television is adapted to uniquely identify the analog output channels from each of the input devices. Uniquely identifying the analog output channels from each input device enables the television to automatically select the correct device output from among the numerous possibilities. This automation relieves the user of having to manually select the correct analog channel.

Abstract: A television tuner contains a mixer 1 to which a television signal or an FM broadcast signal is input and outputs an intermediate frequency signal based on the television signal or an intermediate frequency signal based on the FM broadcast signal, an intermediate frequency tuning circuit 2 for tuning to the intermediate frequency signals, and an intermediate frequency amplifier 3 for amplifying the intermediate frequency signal output form the intermediate frequency tuning circuit. The intermediate frequency tuning circuit 2 and the intermediate frequency amplifier 3 are connected to each other via switch diodes 4 and 5, the switch diodes are turned ON upon receiving the television signal and turned OFF upon receiving the FM broadcast signal.

Abstract: An integrated tuner is programmable to optimize its components for either analog signal reception or digital signal reception. Power to the components is increased for analog operation and decreased for digital operation. The tuner also includes a selectable and integrated low noise amplifier that may be selected for single-signal reception and bypassed for multi-signal reception.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving an image display device using a DMD are provided. The apparatus includes a color wheel, an optical sensor, a delay time determining unit, and a control unit. The color wheel includes a plurality of color filters and index marks formed at positions corresponding to boundary lines between the color filters, and the optical sensor detects the index marks during rotation of the color wheel and outputs detection signals. The delay time determining unit determines a delay time corresponding to a minimum margin required in a conversion of a color image signal according to the detection signal inputted from the optical sensor, and the control unit controls a DMD based on the detection signals and the delay time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display panel comprising a circuit structure, which comprises at least one data line and a pixel electrode. There is a dummy data line provided between the pixel electrode and the data line, wherein the data line has at least two protrusions extending to the corresponding position of the dummy data line. When the data line is disconnected, repair can be made by welding the protrusions and the dummy data line by laser, and thus no extra circuit is needed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel, a driver printed circuit board, a backlight assembly and a receiving container. The driver printed circuit board is electrically connected to the liquid crystal display panel to provide the liquid crystal display panel with the image date. The backlight assembly is disposed under the liquid crystal display panel. The receiving container has front side and back side. The front side supports the backlight assembly. First and second protrusion portions are formed on a backside to support the driver printed circuit board, such that the driver printed circuit board is spaced apart from the backside of the receiving container. Thus, a work for lifting up the data PCB to insert the digitizer into between the data PCB and the receiving container is not required, so that productivity is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device including an array substrate, a color filter substrate and a liquid crystal layer therebetween. The array substrate having a display region and non-display regions includes a plurality of gate lines transversely arranged in the display region; a plurality of data lines arranged perpendicular to the plurality of gate lines in the display region; a plurality of pixel electrodes, each pixel electrode disposed in a pixel region defined by each pair of gate lines and data lines; and a plurality of thin film transistors in crossover points of the plurality of gate lines and data lines, each thin film transistor connected to each pixel electrode.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display having a high luminance and a high contrast and a fabrication method thereof. To achieve the above object, a liquid crystal display of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel for displaying an image by changing transmittance of a display light and one or more structures (151), (152) for dividing a pixel (103) of the liquid crystal panel into a plurality of domains (391), in which at least part of the structure (151) is constituted by a light-transmitting portion (151B) and a light-non-transmitting portion (151A).

Abstract: A transflective film is provided on an inner or outer side of a liquid crystal display panel having opposing electrodes provided between a pair of substrates with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween and a plurality of pixels defined by the opposing electrodes. A plurality of minute concave portions or minute convex portions are formed on the surface of the transflective film. A plurality of apertures for transmitting the light from an illumination device on a back surface of the liquid crystal display panel to the dot region corresponding to each dot included in each of the pixels is formed. The plurality of apertures are arranged in the dot region and the interval between the adjacent apertures is smaller than the resolution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmissive and reflective type LCD. In the LCD, a second substrate faces a first substrate. A liquid crystal layer is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first polarizing plate is formed on an outer surface of the first substrate. A second polarizing plate is formed on an outer surface of the second substrate. A backlight is arranged for irradiating incident light onto the polarizing plate. A transparent transflective film is arranged between the first polarizing plate and the backlight for partially reflecting and partially transmitting the incident light. The transparent transflective film includes at least a first layer and a second layer, the first and second layers having different refractivity indexes from each other and are alternatively stacked.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (2) includes: a first substrate (20); a second substrate (22); a liquid crystal layer (21) between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a plurality of pixel regions each defined by respective pixel electrodes (224) and a common electrode (222), for application of a voltage to the liquid crystal layer and formation of a fringe electric field at each pixel region. Each pixel region includes a transmissive region (R) and a reflective region (T). A thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the transmissive region is greater than a thickness of the liquid crystal layer in the reflective region.

Abstract: An IPS liquid crystal display (200) includes a first substrate (21) and a second substrate (22) opposite to each other, and a twisted nematic liquid crystal layer (25) sandwiched between the first and second substrates. A first polarizer (23) is disposed at an outer surface of the first substrate, and a second polarizer (24) is disposed at an outer surface of the second substrate. Polarizing axes of the first and second polarizers are parallel to each other. A plurality of pixel electrodes (27) and common electrodes (26) are disposed at the second substrate. A first alignment film (213) is disposed at an inner surface of the first substrate, and a second alignment film (224) is disposed at an inner surface of the second substrate. The first alignment film maintains a rubbing angle of approximately 90° relative to the second alignment film.

Abstract: A method of forming an alignment layer in a liquid crystal display includes depositing an alignment layer material on a substrate; rubbing the alignment layer material to impart an alignment direction onto the alignment layer material; and irradiating a non-polarized ultraviolet light onto the alignment layer material having the alignment direction to form an alignment layer.

Abstract: An IPS-LC panel includes first and second substrates, and a liquid crystal interposed therebetween. The first substrate includes common and pixel electrodes that are spaced apart from each other. Each of the common and pixel electrodes includes a zigzag pattern having a plurality of indentations and protrusions. The zigzag pattern increases an electric field level applied between the common and pixel electrodes.

Abstract: An IPS liquid crystal display (200) of a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate (201), a second substrate (202), and liquid crystal molecules interposed therebetween. A plurality of gate lines (211) and data lines (212) are formed at the first substrate, thereby defining a plurality of pixel regions. A pixel electrode (233), a common electrode (243) and a TFT (220) are provided in each pixel region, the pixel electrode and the common electrode having a same curved shape. Because the pixel and common electrodes of have a same curved shape with smooth bends, when a voltage is applied, disclination of the liquid crystal molecules does not occur, and the contrast ratio of the IPS LCD is unimpaired. Furthermore, the electric field generated by them is a smooth continuum of multiple domains, and the IPS LCD provides equally fine visual performance at various different viewing angles.

Abstract: Structures, devices, systems and methods of using fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display (LCD) in which the electrodes have a trapezoidal structure. The disclosed fringe field switching mode LCD includes common electrodes and pixel electrodes arranged on a back substrate to produce a fringe field. Each electrode is comprised of alternating sections of main bone and trapezoidal electrode.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an LCD device includes providing first and second substrates and has a contact hole exposing a portion of the source and drain regions formed by removing a portion of the first and second insulation layers and removing the second insulation layer of the upper portion of the pixel electrode. The method also includes forming a third conductive layer on the first substrate; forming source and drain electrodes electrically connected to the source and drain regions through the contact hole by patterning the third conductive layer and exposing the second conductive layer of the upper portion of the pixel electrode; and forming a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: An LCD panel of high resolution (with decreased pixel pitch) and a method for manufacturing the same. In the LCD panel, the even numbered data lines are formed only up to the cell region of a substrate and then extended up to the pad region using conductive patterns. With the use of refracted conductive patterns, the even numbered data pads could be extended from the even numbered data lines and arranged parallel to the odd-numbered data pads along the longitudinal direction of odd-numbered data lines, thereby decreasing the pitch. Instead of using the conductive patterns, the even numbered data lines may be made longer than the odd numbered data lines in the pad region and may be refracted appropriately to arrange the even numbered data pads in parallel to the odd numbered data pads along the longitudinal direction of the odd numbered data lines.

Abstract: There is explained a fabrication method of a liquid crystal display panel capable of simplifying a substrate structure and a fabrication process. The fabrication method comprises the steps of: forming a thin film transistor formed at every region arranged by the intersection structure of a gate line and a data line formed on a substrate, a pixel electrode, and a substrate including a plurality of thin film transistor array substrate having a gate pad part including a gate pad connected to the gate line and a data pad part including a data pad connected to the data line; arranging a cutting-off plate on a rest region of the substrate except for the pad part; and exposing the gate pad of the pad part and the data pad protection electrode by a etching process using the cutting-off plate.

Abstract: A plurality of gate driver boards are bonded to a first side of a TFT substrate, and a wiring board made of a flexible printed wiring board is bonded between the gate driver boards. Then, a wiring disposed on the wiring board provides connection between adjacent gate driver boards. In the same manner, a plurality of data driver boards are bonded to a second side of the TFT substrate, and a wiring board made of a flexible printed wiring board is bonded between the data driver boards. Then, a wiring disposed on the wiring board provides connection between adjacent data driver boards.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel includes a black matrix formed of a resin material, formed at a predetermined region extended from one end portion of a first substrate and at a boundary region of pixel areas; a color filter formed so as to correspond to the pixel areas; a seal pattern formed at an upper surface of the black matrix; and a second substrate attached to the first substrate by the seal pattern.

Abstract: A fabrication system for a liquid crystal display device includes an alignment layer line for forming an alignment layer on a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate and the second substrate being separately supplied thereto, a spacer scattering line for scattering spacers on one of the first substrate and the second substrate, a sealant coating line for coating a sealant material on one of the first substrate and the second substrate, an assembling line for bonding the first and second substrates together, a cutting line for separating the bonded first and second substrates into a plurality of liquid crystal display cells, and a liquid crystal layer line for injecting liquid crystal material into each of the liquid crystal display cells, wherein the alignment layer line, the spacer scattering line, the sealant coating line, the assembling line, the cutting line, and the liquid crystal line are positioned along a single fabrication line.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display has a gate line structure for serving as a storage electrode and a black matrix and performing a repair function. In the liquid crystal display, a gate dummy pattern is formed in such a manner to be extended in the vertical direction from the gate line and to overlap with the data line and the pixel electrode. The gate dummy pattern branches from the gate line, overlaps the edge of a pixel, serves a storage electrode and a black matrix, and permits repair upon breakage of a data line.

Abstract: A system for providing closed-caption text in a movie theater wherein the caption information is only visible to those patrons wishing to view the text, comprising a projector projecting a plurality of light applications onto a predetermined strip of light in a viewing area, encoding the caption text so that it will only be viewed within the predetermined strip of light in the viewing area and decoding the encoded text so that it will be viewed only by those patrons wishing to view the text.

Abstract: In an immersion lithography apparatus, ultrasonic waves are used to atomize liquid on a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for the removal of a deposition on an optical element of an apparatus including the optical element includes providing an H2 containing gas in at least part of the apparatus includes producing hydrogen radicals from H2 from the H2 containing gas; and bringing the optical element with deposition into contact with at least part of the hydrogen radicals and removing at least part of the deposition. Further, a method for the protection of an optical element of an apparatus including the optical element includes providing a cap layer to the optical element by a deposition process; and during or after use of the apparatus, removing at least part of the cap layer from the optical element in a removal process as described above. The methods can be applied in a lithographic apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for correcting optical aberrations in a maskless lithography system. Adjusters move individual spatial light modulators (SLMs) in an SLM array so that the surface of the SLM array deviates from a flat plane. The deviation compensates for aberrations in the lithography system, such as total focus deviation. In an embodiment, an individual SLM can be tilted, bent, and/or have its elevation changed. Multiple SLMs in the SLM array can move in different ways depending on the compensation to be made. The adjusters can be either actively or passively controlled. The method may be performed only during initial setup of the maskless lithography system, periodically as needed for maintenance of the lithography system, or prior to each exposure in the lithography system.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of acquiring airborne objects utilizing a reverse logic algorithm. The system includes an optics component for detecting the intensity of light from a light source as well as determining the location of the light source. In addition, the system includes a computing system to determine sources of light, which fall below a specified light intensity threshold. The portion of the sky where the light intensity falls below the threshold is determined to be airborne objects. The airborne objects can be tracked by velocity and direction as desired by the acquisition system.