Abstract: A system and method for processing a gray level in a display device performs a random error diffusion operation on the video data using a first random coefficient value and a random dithering operation on the error-diffused video data using a second random coefficient value.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for clipping graphics primitives are described. In one embodiment, a graphics processing apparatus includes a clipping unit that is configured to issue an initial set of outputs based on execution of a set of clipping operations. The graphics processing apparatus also includes a control unit that is connected to the clipping unit. The control unit is configured to preserve an initial execution state of the clipping unit in response to an initial command for context switching, and the initial execution state is preserved based on a number of the initial set of outputs.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a method of reconciling and merging differences between displayed electronic diagrams. After differences between corresponding areas of the two electronic diagrams are detected, the software provides a mechanism for merging different attributes between the diagrams. Alternatively, the second diagram may receive all of the differences identified from the first diagram. Distinctions are made between graphical and functional attributes noted as differences between the two diagrams prior to the merge operation. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention enables the user to specify which type of attribute differences should be merged (i.e., graphical differences, functional differences, both graphical and functional, or only selected differences).

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to manipulate an image transformation over time. A source image is selected from a first frame and a destination image is selected from a second frame. A first animation axis that defines a first two-dimensional transformation of the source image over time and a second animation axis that defines a second two-dimensional transformation of the destination image over time are both determined. The transformation of the source image to the destination image is manipulated by manipulating the second axis. Further, input from a user may be accepted for adjusting a coarseness of a lattice structure that controls an accuracy and affect of points with respect to each other during the transformation process. Lastly, the correspondence or mapping between sample points on the source and destination images may be manipulated over time.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises: a predicted information storage section which stores predicted information that indicates an operation content predicted for an image of a target operation; a predicted image generating portion which generates a predicted image which corresponds to the image of the target operation based on a predicted information; a control section which detects whether input operation content matches the operation contents in the predicted information; and a display control section which displays a predicted image generated by the predicted image generating portion when the control section detects the matching of the operation contents.

Abstract: A display apparatus displaying gray scale by using a subfield method has a gain control circuit, a sub gain control circuit, and an error diffusion circuit. The gain control circuit has the number of gray scale levels of an input signal and outputting a first intermediate image signal with a first number of gray scale levels, and the sub gain control circuit receives the first intermediate image signal, compresses the number of gray scale levels of the first intermediate image signal, and outputs a second intermediate image signal with a second number of gray scale levels. The error diffusion circuit receives the second intermediate image signal and increase the number of gray scale levels by simulating additional gray scale levels through error diffusion.

Abstract: A display system comprises a display panel having a plurality of subpixels, a first look-up table (LUT) configured to provide gamma adjustment signals to input image data, an image processor configured to receive the gamma adjusted input image data for processing, a demultiplexer configured to receive and demultiplex the processed image data from the image processor, and second and third LUTs configured to receive the demultiplexed image data from the demultiplexer. The second and third LUTs correct fixed noise patterns in the demultiplexed image data. The system further comprises a multiplexer configured to receive and multiplex image data from the second and third LUTs, a driver configured to receive the multiplexed image data from the multiplexer and provide driving image data, and fourth and fifth LUTs receive the driving image data from the driver. The fourth and fifth LUTs adjust the driving image data for display on the panel.

Abstract: A printer is provided with a printing means for effecting printing on a sheet material, and a temporary stocking mechanism for temporarily stocking the sheet material on which printing is effected. The temporary stocking mechanism is provided with a temporary stocking member having a cylindrical take-up space in which the sheet material is taken up, for temporarily stocking the sheet material on which printing is effected by a printing means, a take-up roller provided in the take-up space, for taking up the sheet material, a driving means for rotationally driving the take-up roller, and a press-contact means for bringing a peripheral surface of the take-up roller into press contact with an inner peripheral surface of the temporary stocking member.

Abstract: A head unit (200) and a sensor unit (300) are freely Rotatably mounted in a printer main body (100). A rod-shaped portion (320) is projectingly provided to the tip portion of the sensor unit (300), and a first catching portion is provided to the rod-shaped portion (320). Furthermore, a first fixing member (220) is provided to the tip portion of the head unit (200), and the first fixing member (220) is freely detachably fitted to the first catching portion.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied on a computer-readable medium are provided for calibrating a laser power in an optical disc drive. In one embodiment, a range of reflectivity of an optical disc in the optical disc drive is established. A calibration pattern of marked segments is written to the optical disc and the reflectivity of the marked segments is measured. An average reflectivity is generated for each one of a plurality of laser power settings within the range of reflectivity, thereby obtaining a curve that depicts the average reflectivity with respect to the laser power settings. The laser power setting at a knee of the curve is identified and a slope of the curve at a position on the curve where the average reflectivity decreases as the laser power settings increase is determined. The laser power setting is calculated that results in a predefined darkness based upon the laser power setting at the knee and based upon the slope.

Abstract: A method for printing an image on a disc medium, which includes determining which section of a non-image inner section or a non-image outer section requires a longer processing time on a label side of the disc medium, and printing the image starting from an outermost circumference of a print area if the non-image inner section requires the longer processing time.

Abstract: A light source device includes a light-emitting unit having a plurality of light-emitting elements, a first optical unit that substantially collimates beams emitted from the light-emitting elements in a first direction, and a second optical unit that condenses the emitted beams substantially collimated by the first optical unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing a period of time required for obtaining an image output, in the case of changing the image forming operation from a monochromatic image formation to a color image formation during execution of the image forming operation. A plurality of image forming units form images and overlap images the formed images onto a transfer material. A preparation for image formation is started in a first mode in which image formation is carried out by the plurality of image forming units while image formation is being carried out in a second mode in which image formation is carried out by at least one of the image forming units. The image formation is carried out in the first mode after the image formation in the second mode is completed.

Abstract: A system and method of determining an operating state of a consumer electronic device allows a computer to control the consumer electronic device without user input. The system includes an image detection device for obtaining in image of the consumer electronic device. The image detection device can be a camera, or other sensor such as a photocell(s). A processor, or personal computer, is coupled to the image detection device for extracting information from a consumer electronic device display image. The processor generates control instructions for the consumer electronic device, and provides the control instructions to an infrared transmitter for transmitting the control instructions to the consumer electronic device.

Abstract: A display device for capturing and displaying images along a single optical axis. The device includes a display panel having a front side and a back side, said display panel capable of being placed in a first display state which allows displaying of an image on said front side for viewing of an image and a second transmissive state wherein said display panel becomes substantially transmissive so as to allow capture of an image of an object positioned in front of said front side of said display panel. An image capture device is provided for capturing said objective image through said display panel when said display device is in the second transmissive state.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus uses an image storage memory capable of storing image data of one or more examinations and records the image data on a recording medium. In response to a redisplay command, it judges whether the image size for a connected electronic scope matches the image size of the data in the image storage memory. If no match is found, the electronic endoscope apparatus changes the clock signal generated by a timing generator to the one suitable for the image size in the image storage memory and redisplays the image data read out of the image storage memory using the clock signal with this frequency on the monitor screen. This makes it possible to redisplay images of a finished examination easily in a constant screen display size.

Abstract: A light weight vehicle adapted to conduct and assist cleaning and video inspections of sewer lines. The vehicle is configured to be light and maneuverable. The vehicle is equipped with inspection cameras and support equipment that are positioned such that the operator can conduct the inspection from inside the vehicle. The vehicle may also include a telescoping camera boom that enables an operator to inspect the inside of manholes. The vehicles includes sides and a roof that provides protection for the operators, equipment, and paperwork.

Abstract: There are provided a measuring method and a measuring system which enable creation of a measurement route with ease to thereby enable three-dimensional measurement to be quickly performed even if an object to be measured has a complicated shape or configuration. An object to be measured is shot. A plurality of images obtained by the shooting are combined together to generate a combined image of the object. A measuring region of the generated combined image is designated. A measurement path measuring program is created by inputting parameters for creating a measurement path. The designated measuring region is measured along the measurement path according to the created measurement path measuring program.

Abstract: A feature amount of an inter-mobile unit relative movement are detected as an observation amount by an observation amount detecting section 26, time series of the observation amounts are stored as an observation series into a storage section 27 to calculate a similarity of the observation series to a predetermined collision observation series by a classification section 28. A determination section 29 determines to be a collision accident if, in a case where the similarity is larger than a predetermined value, a mobile unit associated with the similarity is at rest in a stoppage prohibition area set in a storage section 30 and another mobile unit is moving, and to be a mobile unit failure if collision determination conditions except for the similarity are met.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an alpha matte for a video is presented. A set of videos is acquired by an array of cameras. A centrally located camera in the array is designated as a reference camera and acquires a reference video. A foreground depth plane is selected from the set of videos. A trimap is determined from variances of pixel intensities in each image. Variances of the intensities of pixels labeled as background and pixels labeled as foreground are extrapolated to the pixels labeled as unknown in the trimap. Means of the intensities of the pixels labeled as background are extrapolated to the pixels labeled as unknown to determine an alpha matte for the reference video.

Abstract: An optical detector is provided. The optical detector allows an auto-convergence control to be effectively made by cutting off external light incident to an optical sensor for use in the auto-convergence of a projection TV. The optical detector includes optical sensors and external light cut-off units. The optical sensors are positioned in an inside of the projection TV to receive test signals. The external light cut-off units are protruded to a direction to which the test signals are incident.

Abstract: An image shifting apparatus may capture multiple frames of an image, with each frame offset by a sub-pixel offset distance. After capture, the various sub-pixel offset images may be registered together and analyzed using known resolution enhancement algorithms. Super resolution algorithms, for example. may take the various frames and perform edge identification and peak extraction routines to improve the resolution of high frequency data within an image. The image shifting apparatus may include an actuation controlled optical compensator within the imaging system that may be adjusted to create a sub-pixel offset image of an original reference image. The optical compensator may be an image-stabilizing element, for example, capable of forming sub-pixel shifts in an image plane.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal comprises a camera unit (34) and a main CPU. In the camera unit (34), a processing system including a color conversion circuit (66) and an image compression circuit (68) generates high-resolution compressed still image data based on interpolated image data of a photographed object. Also, a processing system including an image decompression circuit (74), a color conversion circuit (72), and a thinning-out circuit (70) generates low-resolution decompressed still image data based on the high-resolution compressed still image data. The main CPU activates an image compression circuit (68) when a release key is operated, and activates an image decompression circuit (74) when generation of the compressed still image data is completed. The low-resolution decompressed image data generated by activation of the image decompression circuit (74) is obtained by the main CPU from the camera unit and written into a VRAM. As a result, a decompressed image is displayed on an LCD.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image sensing unit. After photographing of an image of a face, for example, a characteristic data selection menu is displayed for addition of a characteristic to the face image. The characteristic data selection menu offers a plurality of characteristics expressed by words, for example. A user selects by word(s) a characteristic to be added to the face image. The face image is modified on basis of an image modification pattern corresponding to the selected characteristic data. The image modification pattern data is set with a relative increasing/decreasing value with respect to color data (RGB) of each pixel of the face image. Then, displayed is a final face image which has been modified according to a plurality of image modification patterns corresponding to the plurality of selected characteristic data, for example.

Abstract: An image sensor has improved functions so as to automatically eliminate a flicker noise. For the purpose, the image sensor includes a pixel array for capturing information about an image provided from the outside and having N pixel rows and M pixel columns for maximizing a feature of reacting to light, wherein M and N are integers, respectively, a flicker noise detective pixel unit containing X pixel rows, which has a form extended from the N pixel rows of the pixel array, and M pixel columns, wherein each pair of X pixel rows has an identical exposure time and X is an even number, and a flicker noise for controlling an exposure point for the flicker noise detective pixel unit and detecting the flicker noise by using outputs of the flicker noise detective pixel unit.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus includes an image sensing unit and a key data control unit. The image sensing unit generates image data of a sensed image. The key data control unit (a) generates key data if a user turns on the power of the image sensing apparatus, and (b) erases the key data from the image sensing apparatus if a user turns off the power of the image sensing apparatus. The key data is used to generate authentication data. The authentication data is used to authenticate whether the image data is altered.

Abstract: An external program supplied from an external unit in order to process an image sensed by a camera is prevented from causing a malfunction in the camera. An external program supplied by an personal computer is stored in an EEPROM of the camera. The external program contains version information giving the version of the camera that is capable of using the external program, the name of the program for control, and parameter information corresponding to the program name. A CPU compares each of these items of information with corresponding information that has been set in the camera, thereby determining whether the external program is capable of being used. If the external program cannot be used by the camera, a warning display is presented on a display unit.

Abstract: The sizes of images obtained by electronic zoom processing are rendered constant to a certain degree. To accomplish this, an image within a zoom area is enlarged or reduced to the size of a super-extended graphics array (SXGA), and the resulting image data is recorded on a memory card, if the zoom area has a size near that of the SXGA. The image within the zoom area is recorded on the memory card upon being enlarged or reduced to the size of a super VGA (SVGA) if the zoom area has a size near that of the SVGA. The image within the zoom area is recorded on the memory card upon being enlarged or reduced to the size of a VGA if the zoom area has a size near that of the VGA. Thus, when images represented by image data recorded on the memory card are zoomed, the sizes of the zoomed images are limited.

Abstract: A device for the FPN correction of image signals which are generated by image cells of an image sensor comprises a discriminator for determining in which value range out of at least two value ranges a value of an image signal of an image cell is located at a predetermined instant of time. The result determined by the discriminator is feed to a correction device. The correction device selects correction coefficients from a plurality of sets of correction coefficients as a function of the result determined by the discriminator, and a transformation unit calculates the corrected value for the image signal by using the selected correction coefficients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique removing a dark voltage noise signal occurring at the time of light shielding of a photoelectric conversion device, simplifying the system configuration such that the cost and occupying area is reduced, and suppressing variation among a plurality of buffer amplifiers.

Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling a digital camera to enlarge part of an object included in a captured image and display the enlarged part of the captured image on a screen so that the user determines sharpness of the image, which includes determining whether a human face is included in the captured image, selecting the human face in the captured image as a region to be enlarged, dividing the captured image into at least two regions and selecting one of the regions having the largest amount of edge information as a region to be enlarged, enlarging the region selected in the selection step or the dividing and selection steps, and displaying the image enlarged in the enlargement step on a screen.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices related to detecting and transmitting images. Imaging systems and devices, as well as methods of using such that are provided herein include flicker detection and/or correction; and/or built-in self test associated with various analog circuitry in the imaging devices; and/or power reduction ability; and/or pixels with charge evacuation functionality; and/or a parallel to serial conversion unit and associated serial output interface; and/or other advanced functionality.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device comprises a plurality of pixels arrayed in an XY matrix fashion, each pixel including a photoelectric-converting portion 1 for photoelectrically converting incident light into signal electric charges and accumulating therein the thus photoelectrically-converted signal electric charges, an accumulation region 3 for converting the thus accumulated signal electric charges into a voltage and a transfer gate 2 for transferring the signal electric charges accumulated in this photoelectric-converting portion 1 to the accumulation region 3, wherein an amount of saturation electric charges is increased by forming a difference in potential level under the transfer gate 2.

Abstract: An image-processing device and a processing method thereof are provided. The device includes a solid-state image-pick up device, a signal-processing unit that processes an output from the solid-state image-pick up device into an image signal, and an output circuit installed in the solid-state image-pick up device for outputting a valid signal to the signal-processing unit showing whether the output from the solid-state image-pick up device is valid or not in response to its operation. When valid image data is sent from the solid-state image-pick up device, the validity of the image data is provided to the signal-processing unit by activating the valid signal. When an exposure state (an accumulation state) corresponding to an opened shutter occurs, the invalidity of the image data is provided to the signal-processing unit by deactivating the valid signal.

Abstract: A solid state imager arrangement includes an image area, an output register which receives signal charge from the image area, a separate multiplication register into which signal charge from the output register is transferred, means for obtaining signal charge multiplication by transferring the charge through a sufficiently high field in elements of the multiplication register, and an additional register into which excess signal charge is transferred.

Abstract: A timing generator, includes: a first memory circuit that stores timing generation information; a first register for holding the timing generation information in the first memory circuit; a first external input part for accessing to the first register so as to rewrite data therein; a selector that selects one of the first memory circuit and the first external input part in order to conduct writing of data in the first register; and a pulse generation part that generates a pulse timing in accordance with the timing generation information held in the first register so as to output a single or a plurality of pulses. A pulse timing required for driving a solid-state imaging device and the like can be generated easily and the timing generation can be rewritten externally.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging element contains a plurality of photoelectric converting regions, vertical transfer portions, a horizontal transfer portion, and an output portion. These photoelectric converting regions are arranged on a surface of a semiconductor substrate along a row direction, and a column direction perpendicular to the row direction. The photoelectric converting regions are subdivided into main regions “m” having relatively wide light-receiving areas, and sub-regions “s” having relatively narrow light-receiving areas. These main areas “m” and sub-areas “s” produce signal electron charges corresponding to light having predetermined spectral sensitivities, and then store the produced signal electron charges. A partial photoelectric converting region within the photoelectric converting regions corresponds to different color light with respect to the main region “m” and the subregion “s.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a display device with an image sensing device, which can match lines of sight by a simple arrangement and realize a high pixel density, low cost and low profile. To this end, the display device with an image sensing device has a display unit that includes a plurality of display pixels, a light-shielding member arranged between neighboring display pixels, and an image sensing unit arranged on a back portion of the display unit; the light-shielding member has an opening for guiding light toward the image sensing unit and the image sensing unit has an imaging lens at a position corresponding to the opening.

Abstract: An image pickup lens includes in order from an object side of the image pickup lens: a first lens having positive refractive power whose convex surface faces the object side of the image pickup lens; an aperture stop; a meniscus shaped second lens having positive refractive power whose convex surface faces an image side of the image pickup lens; and a third lens having negative refractive power whose concave surface faces the image side of the image pickup lens, wherein the image pickup lens satisfies the following conditional expressions: 0.8<f1/f<2.0??(1) 20<((?1+?2)/2)??3<70??(2) where f1 is a focal length of the first lens, f is a focal length of a total system of the image pickup lens, and ?1, ?2 and ?3 are the Abbe constants of the first to third lenses respectively.

Abstract: A solid state-imaging element including photoelectric conversion element and an optical element such as a photonic crystal is disclosed. The optical element is formed on the photoelectric conversion element, and has a refractive index periodic structure made up of stacked layers of materials with different refractive indices. The refractive index periodic structure is defined by multiple layers along a stacking direction and by a group of concentric similar shapes along an in-plane direction. The optical element may be fabricated via lithography and etching, or an autocloning technique. A solid state-imaging device including an arrangement of several solid-state imaging elements is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention makes a suitable selection from zoom modes and lens elements so thin that the thickness of each lens group can reduced, thereby slimming down a zoom lens with great thoroughness and, hence, an electronic image pickup system. The electronic image pickup system a zoom lens and an electronic image pickup device located on the image plane side of the zoom lens. The zoom lens comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens group G1 comprising two lens components and having generally negative power and a second lens group G2 comprising two lens components and having generally positive power. The focal length of the zoom lens can be varied by varying the air separation between the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2. The zoom lens should satisfy at least one of conditions (a) to (n).

Abstract: A digital camera includes a CCD imager. If brightness of an object is not enough, a frame rate of the CCD imager at a time of a focus adjustment is changed from 30 fps to 15 fps. This also lowers a reading speed of a camera signal, and reduces noise included in the camera signal. An AF evaluation value is acquired by integrating a high frequency component of a Y signal generated on the basis of the camera signal, and therefore, high noise causes an error in the AF evaluation value and fails to correctly adjust focus. This is the reason why the driving speed of the CCD imager is lowered when the brightness of the object is not enough.

Abstract: A flash apparatus to perform preliminary flashing, detect an average brightness of surroundings in synchronization with a periodic signal subsequent to the preliminary flashing, and set main flashing time according to the detected average brightness, is controlled by controlling the flash apparatus to start preliminary flashing at a point earlier than a first point at which either a rising edge or a falling edge of a first pulse of the periodic signal is generated, detecting a first average brightness of surroundings at the first point, controlling the flash apparatus to terminate the preliminary flashing at a point later than the first point, detecting a second average brightness of surroundings at a second point at which either a rising edge or a falling edge of a second pulse subsequent to the first pulse of the periodic signal is generated, setting the main flashing time according to the detected first and second average brightness, and controlling the flash apparatus to perform main flashing according to

Abstract: The invention pertains to an imaging device and to a process for controlling the device. The device comprises a power supply (1), matrix means allowing an image to be emitted or sensed, the matrix of the matrix imaging means being scanned at a scanning frequency, the power supply (1) converting a DC input voltage (Dce) into at least one DC output voltage (DCs) allowing the powering of the matrix imaging means (2). The power supply (1) is of chopped type and chops the DC input voltage (Dce) at a chopping frequency dependent on the scanning frequency. In the process for controlling the imaging device described above, a useful image is preceded by an offset image and a correction dependent on the offset image is applied to the useful image.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (10) includes a main body (20), and a pluggable module (30) rotatably attached to the main body. The main body includes a display screen (271) embedded in a front (27) thereof, and two symmetrical grooves (281) defined in opposite sides thereof. Two sockets (283) are defined in side walls of the main body that bound the grooves. Each socket includes an electrical connector electrically connecting with an inner circuit of the main body. The pluggable module includes a frame (31), a camera module (33), a headset module (32), and two tenons (3151, 3171) formed on an inside of the frame. The tenons engage in the sockets of the main body, thereby rotatably attaching the pluggable module to the main body, and electrically connecting the camera and headset modules with the inner circuit of the main body.

Abstract: A method for encoding video, comprising the steps of (A) detecting repeated fields in a video sequence and (B) generating a first repeated frame from a top field and any adjacent bottom field based upon detection of the repeated fields, wherein the top field and the bottom field are from one film frame.

Abstract: An image display apparatus that detects a picture defect and shifts an image region to eliminate the picture defect. The image display apparatus includes a memory unit that temporarily stores an input image signal, a memory control unit that controls a readout start address for the memory unit, a display unit to which the image signal read out of the memory unit is supplied, a detection unit that detects an aspect ratio of the input image signal, and an address control signal generation unit which receives an output from detection unit and generates a readout start address control signal for the memory unit.

Abstract: A multi-function display controller that includes a source detector unit for determining if the source of an input stream is either film originated source originated or video source originated. A source converter unit for converting the input image stream to a common signal processing format is coupled to the source detector unit. Once converted to the common signal processing format, a determination is made if the input image stream is interlaced or non-interlaced (progressive scan). If the input image stream is interlaced, a de-interlace unit converts the interlaced signal to progressive scan using either motion adaptive or motion compensated de-interlacing techniques. It should be noted that in the described embodiment, motion vectors generated for use by the motion compensated de-interlace can be optionally stored in a memory unit for use in subsequent operations, such as motion compensated frame rate conversion or noise reduction (if any).

Abstract: A method for controlling partial image enlargement in a DMB receiver is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving DMB image data in real time and displaying a broadcast image on a screen; determining whether or not a partial image enlargement mode is selected by a user; displaying a window on a part of the screen if the partial image enlargement mode is determined to be selected; and converting an image in the displayed window into a full screen image and displaying the full screen image on the screen, thereby making it possible to view the enlarged partial image that is enlarged into a full screen image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting high definition display signals in secondary windows of a display are disclosed. In one embodiment, the aspect ratio of a high definition content secondary window is adjustable. The high definition content secondary window may be a PIP, POP, PBP or other window. Furthermore, the image within the high definition content secondary window may be scaled in a wide variety of manners such that the image shape within the window may also be adjustable. Thus, in one embodiment both the window shape and the image shape within the window may be adjustable. Furthermore, the input format of the content presented to the display may be one of a wide variety of formats. In a further embodiment, the secondary window shape and image shape may be adjustable for a plurality of different input formats.