Patents Issued in September 18, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080225113
    Abstract: A three-dimensional image display device includes a display section having pixels arranged in a matrix and each includes three color component sub-pixels arranged in vertical stripes, and a light beam control element installed opposite the display section and having optical apertures arranged in a substantially horizontal direction and extending linearly in a direction inclined at an angle atan (1/n) (n=4 or 5) to a direction of pixel columns. The average value of the horizontal pitch of element images displayed in the display section is specified to be equal to or greater than natural number m times as large as a pixel horizontal pitch (m<n). The horizontal pitch of the light beam control elemental is specified to be equal to or smaller than natural number m times as large as the pixel horizontal pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Tatsuo Saishu, Rieko Fukushima, Kazuki Taira, Yuzo Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20080225114
    Abstract: A method of computing a display value to be provided to a stereoscopic display apparatus (150) is disclosed, The method comprises:—determining a first intermediate value (811) from a 3-D representation on basis of a first one of the angular directions and coordinates of a first one of the picture elements (102); —determining a second intermediate value (810) from the 3-D representation on basis of a further angular direction relative to the first plane and the coordinates of the first one of the picture elements; and—combining the first intermediate value (811) and the second intermediate value (810) to the display value, the display value related to the particular output of a first one of the picture elements of the stereoscopic display apparatus (102).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Siebe Tjerk De Zwart, Oscar Hendrikus Willemsen, Martin Gerard Hendrik Hiddink, Robert-Paul Mario Berretty
  • Publication number: 20080225115
    Abstract: Perspective distortion inspecting equipment (1) comprising an LED plate (3), a CCD camera (4), and a computer (6). The LED plate has a plurality of target marks (T) inclining at 45 degrees. Under a state where a panel (2) is arranged between the LED plate and the CCD camera, the computer lights the target marks one by one and the lighted target mark is photographed by the CCD camera. The computer calculates a perspective distortion (R) based on the distance between a virtual line (K) connecting the images on the LED at the opposite ends of each target mark and the image of the LED located in the middle of the target mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NIPPON SHEET GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Matsushita
  • Publication number: 20080225116
    Abstract: A multiple ROI (region of interest) setting method and apparatus in scalable video coding and an ROI reconstructing method and apparatus are provided. The multiple ROI setting apparatus includes: an ROI setting unit which sets at least one or more ROIs and allocates ROI identification numbers to the each of ROIs; a mapping unit which allocates at least one or more slice group identification numbers to the at least one or more ROI identification numbers; and a message generating unit which generates a message including ROI-associated information, slice-group-associated information, mapping information on mapping of the ROI identification number to the at least one or more slice group identification numbers, and scalability information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jung Won Kang, Jae Gon Kim, Jin Woo Hong, Yong Man Ro, Tae Meon Bae, Cong Thang Truong
  • Publication number: 20080225117
    Abstract: A method for controlling a masking block in a monitoring camera. The method adjusts the masking block to precisely hide an image of a subject with its position and size changed when a zoom magnification is changed under a state where the masking block is set. In addition, the method adjusts a masking block to precisely hide a changed image of a subject when the monitoring camera is rotated to change the position of the image of the subject. In addition, the method measures and corrects a distance between a center axis of a CCD and an optical axis of a lens if the two axes are not coincident with each other. In addition, the method corrects an offset occurring due to an incorrect coupling between the monitor camera and a pan/tilter. Furthermore, a method for setting a masking block when a remotely uncontrollable monitoring camera is used is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Sung Ha SEO
  • Publication number: 20080225118
    Abstract: An on-vehicle emergency call apparatus includes: a camera capturing an image of an interior of a vehicle; a capturing controller controlling the camera; and a transmitter transmitting an image capturing result obtained by the capturing camera to an emergency information center. The capturing controller controls the camera so as to capture images while switching alternately between an instant capturing shutter speed for capturing an instant image of a subject and a translocation capturing shutter speed for capturing a translocation image of the subject, in which instant capturing shutter speed and the translocation capturing shutter speed are different from each other. An image superimposer can superimpose the instant image and the translocation image to produce the image capturing result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080225119
    Abstract: A video display function that enables the user to view video. When a plurality of video signals are displayed on a screen, processes are performed to set at least one pattern of information about the arrangement of video signals on the screen, display a list of arrangement information, select at least one pattern of arrangement information from the displayed arrangement information list, and reproduce video signals on the screen according to the selected arrangement information. A video distribution system distributes video signals through a network to client terminals. The video distribution system manages user accounts, holds user information of each user account, acquires the previous access time of the user account associated with the client terminal currently keeping login to the system according to user information held by the system, and transmits to the client terminal information of whether any alarm-recorded video exists after the previous access time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Murata
  • Publication number: 20080225120
    Abstract: A security system (10) includes an alternating electric current powered motion sensor assembly (30), and a direct electric powered security module (31) incorporating a storage device (63). A digital camera includes a digital camera mechanism (50) associated with the security module (31), and a digital camera lens (51) associated with the motion sensor assembly (30). Wiring (20) coupled between the motion sensor assembly (30) and the security module (31) provides alternating current to the motion sensor assembly (30) and the security module (31). A transformer (61) converts the alternating current from the wiring (20) to direct current electric and supplies the direct current to the security module (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Barry Stuecker
  • Publication number: 20080225121
    Abstract: A camera terminal where tables where camera operations are described are not required, and that continues thoroughly imaging a monitoring subject region as a complete system even when a portion of cameras shuts down due to a failure is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Atsushi Yoshida, Katsuji Aoki, Shoichi Araki
  • Publication number: 20080225122
    Abstract: A method and system for rendering Ethernet linked components deterministic, the method including the step of storing a communication rule set in each of at least two Ethernet linked components where the set specifies rules by which the two components communicate and monitoring communications between the two components to identify any rule that is not followed and then activating an alarm function when a rule is not followed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Sarao, Dennis Bach
  • Publication number: 20080225123
    Abstract: An Electronic Mirror is described that can capture and display, using a digital/video camera or cameras, the image of a subject as they look when viewing themselves in a mirror. The captured image is displayed on a video monitor or TV set. A widescreen flat panel monitor is utilized, having the ability to physically rotate 90°. In portrait mode the monitor functions as an Electronic Mirror, and in landscape mode is capable of functioning as a conventional TV set or video monitor. Rotation is either manual or motorized. Captured images of a subject may be split such that a portion reflecting one type of outfit may be combined with a portion reflecting a different outfit, thus electronically creating a combination of clothing that may never have been actually worn. Video capture may also be supported enabling a subject to capture and display a 360 degree view as they turn around.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Osann, Mary M. Fasching
  • Publication number: 20080225124
    Abstract: Digital cameras, systems, and methods for implementing a demo mode are disclosed. An exemplary method of demonstrating a digital camera to a user may comprise activating a demo mode that displays demonstrative camera display images. The method may also comprise suspending the demo mode so that a user can try various camera settings. The method may also comprise, after a time-out, resetting the camera settings to a default state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Schinner, Amol Subhash Pandit, Lisa M. Geer, Karen E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080225125
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed herein may estimate the magnitude of relative motion between a scene and an image capture device used to capture the scene. Some embodiments may utilize discrete cosine transform and/or Sobel gradient techniques to identify one or more blocks of pixels in an originating calibration image frame. Matching blocks of pixels may be located in a successive calibration image frame. Motion vectors originating at one calibration frame and terminating at the other calibration frame may be calculated. The magnitude of relative motion derived thereby may be used to adjust image capture parameters associated with the image capture device, including exposure settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Amnon Silverstein, Sheng Lin, Dong Li
  • Publication number: 20080225126
    Abstract: A shake correction apparatus of a camera, includes a stationary support board; an electrical board movable relative to the stationary support board; an image pickup device supported by the electrical board and including leads made of a magnetic material which are arranged on a periphery of the image pickup device to electrically connect the image pickup device to the electrical board; at least one drive coil which moves with the electrical board; at least one magnet provided on a surface of the stationary support board which faces the electrical board, and positioned around the image pickup device and the leads as viewed from the front thereof, the magnet exerting a magnetic force on the drive coil; and at least one magnetic cover, made of a magnetic substance, for covering a portion of the magnet which faces the leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: PENTAX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Makoto MOGAMIYA
  • Publication number: 20080225127
    Abstract: Provided is a digital image stabilization method. The method includes: extracting characterizing points from a current frame; matching the characterizing points of the current frame with characterizing points of a previous frame; detecting an outlier from the matched characterizing points and removing the outlier; calculating homography using the characterizing points from which the outlier has been removed; and correcting the current frame using the homography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Zhao Ming
  • Publication number: 20080225128
    Abstract: In an image-capturing apparatus, recorded position information is stored upon receiving instruction of storing the recorded position information, and real-time position information is stored upon a photograph is taken, which is stored together with a captured-image. The image-capturing apparatus executes mode changeover from a recorded position information use mode to a real-time position information use mode when a timing of the mode changeover matches a mode change condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Hiroaki UCHIYAMA, Seiji Nagao
  • Publication number: 20080225129
    Abstract: The invention relates to electronic equipment. The equipment includes camera means for forming data from an object located in the imaging direction, in which case the said camera means include at least two camera units (CAM1, CAM2) and data-processing means, which are arranged to process the data formed using the camera means, in a manner corresponding to the currently selected imaging mode, to form image information. In the equipment, the mutual position of the camera units (CAM1, CAM2) relative to each other is arranged to be altered to correspond to the current imaging mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Jarkko Viinikanoja, Marko Eromaki
  • Publication number: 20080225130
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of extracting a plurality of sub-windows of a scanning area of an external object to be scanned by means of a digital video camera providing a digital video stream of said scanning area. In a first step a defining of a size and a position for each of one or more sub-windows from said plurality of sub-windows representing one or more regions of interest within said scanning area is provided. Next a extracting of said defined one or more sub-windows from said digital video stream of said scanning area is provided, wherein said extracting is substantially simultaneously done if more than one sub-window from said plurality of sub-windows is defined follows. Further, a digital camera adapted for extracting of sub-windows of a scanning area is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jouni Paaaho, Jussi Impio, Timo Koskinen
  • Publication number: 20080225131
    Abstract: An image analysis system includes a camera which captures an image of a monitor object, a mirror mounted at a predetermined angle within a visual field of the camera so as to form an image of the monitor object viewed from a direction different from a capturing direction of the camera, and a data processing apparatus which monitors a change in the monitor object by segmenting an image captured by the camera into an image on the mirror and an image except the image on the mirror and separately analyzing the image on the mirror and the image except the image on the mirror. An image analysis method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru Aoki
  • Publication number: 20080225132
    Abstract: Camera sections pick up divided images obtained by dividing a panorama image to generate image data at a high resolution. Image data processing sections perform compression encoding on the image data at the high resolution through encoder to obtain first compressed image data. The image data processing sections perform size change to obtain image data at a low resolution and perform compression encoding on the image data through another encoder to obtain second compressed image data. A data transfer section transmits the first and second compressed image data through a network to an image display apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ritsuo Inaguma
  • Publication number: 20080225133
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a pixel having a protection circuit connected to a charge multiplying photoconversion layer. The protection circuit prevents the pixel circuit from breaking down when the voltage in the pixel circuit reaches the operating voltage applied to the charge multiplying photoconversion layer in response to the image sensor being exposed to a strong light. The protection circuit causes additional voltage entering the pixel circuit from the charge multiplying photoconversion layer over a predetermined threshold voltage level to be dissipated from the storage node and any downstream components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Isao Takayanagi, Junichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080225134
    Abstract: A control unit is detachably coupled to a camera and receptive of the imaging data with a plurality of data processing instructions being stored on the camera and/or the control unit such that when the camera is coupled to the control unit, the plurality of data processing instructions transfer the imaging data from the camera to the control unit. The data processing instructions being field upgradeable with a portable upgrading module which may couple directly to either the camera and/or the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
  • Publication number: 20080225135
    Abstract: characteristic are improved. An imaging device having a hybrid RGBYC color filter using a primary color system RGB filter and a complementary color system YC filter is composed. Four G filters that directly relate to resolution and that is close to a luminance signal that human eyes sense are arrayed in a checker shape so that the number of the G filters is four times larger than the number of filters of each of the other colors. An array shown in FIG. 10A is composed of low resolution rows (G, R, G, and B) and high resolution rows (C, G, Y, and G) that are alternately arrayed in each line. When signals are read if exposure times are varied for individual lines, the signals that are read can easily have a wide dynamic range. An array shown in FIG. 10B has two Gs, a low sensitivity color, and a high sensitivity color in each line and each row. Thus, the luminance difference is small in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Thus, the reading method in the array shown in FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Takami Mizukura, Naoya Katoh, Kenji Tanaka, Masaya Kinoshita, Yutaka Yoneda, Akira Matsui
  • Publication number: 20080225136
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus having an automatic exposure function includes: an imaging section which images a photographic subject, and which obtains image data according to the photographic subject; and a controller configured to: judge whether or not imaging conditions at the time of imaging by the imaging section are backlight conditions; perform a first exposure control in which a compensation for the backlight conditions is performed, when the imaging conditions are judged to be the backlight conditions; detect a face of a person from image data generated based on the image data obtained by the imaging section and on a result of the first exposure control; perform a light meter test on a face area of the detected face of the person as a light metering area; and perform a second exposure control in which an exposure-amount based on a result of the light meter test of the face of the person is calculated, and in which an exposure control for recording is performed based on the calculated exposure-amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Manabu Yamada
  • Publication number: 20080225137
    Abstract: An image information processing apparatus which uses more than one wireless IC tag to detect the information concerning a present position of a target object to be shot and which senses an image of the object based on the position information is disclosed. This apparatus is operative in corporation with the wireless tag to display on a monitor screen the information as to the object position and output it in an audible form. Additionally, in the case of more than two target objects being present, the apparatus manages the priority orders thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Yuichi Kubo, Hiroshi Chiba
  • Publication number: 20080225138
    Abstract: A camera includes: an image obtaining unit that obtains an object image obtained by capturing an image of an object and a dust reference image obtained by capturing an image of dust that adheres on an image sensor or a protecting member protecting the image sensor; a recording unit that records the object image and data concerning the dust reference image in correlation to each other; a dust removing unit that physically removes the dust adhering on the image sensor or the protecting member. The recording unit is configured such that when the dust is removed by the dust removing unit, the recording unit stops correlating the object image captured after the removal to the data concerning the dust reference image already captured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Uwai, Keita Kimura
  • Publication number: 20080225139
    Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging optical system including at least one movable optical element; an image sensor, an imaging surface of which lies on an image-forming plane of the imaging optical system; a circuit board on which the image sensor is mounted; and an image processing circuit for processing an image signal output from the image sensor and a drive circuit for the movable optical element, both of the image processing circuit and the drive circuit are mounted on the circuit board. The image processing circuit and the drive circuit are disposed on the circuit board in that order from a side closer to the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: PENTAX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi NOMURA, Isao OKUDA, Eijiroh TADA, Atsumi KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20080225140
    Abstract: A pixel structure includes two different photosensitive portions. One portion is shielded from incident light and the signals from both are fed into an op amp so that the differential signal is output as the pixel output, thereby cancelling dark current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventors: Jeff RAYNOR, Mitchell Perley O' Neal
  • Publication number: 20080225141
    Abstract: A brightness level detector detects a brightness level of the digital imaging signal for each of the plurality of pixels. A shading detector sets a group of pixel regions distant from each other in a horizontal direction in the imaging element and then detects whether or not shadings are generated in the analog imaging signal based on a difference between the brightness levels of the group of pixel regions. A timing adjuster adjusts a phase of a peak sample pulse for detecting a peak level of the analog imaging signal, a phase of a reference sample pulse for detecting a signal level used as a reference in the correlated double sampling executed when the digital imaging signal is generated and a phase of a horizontal transfer pulse in the imaging element based on outputs of the brightness level detector and the shading detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Mayu OGAWA
  • Publication number: 20080225142
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device comprising a plurality of pixel parts each capable of obtaining one color signal, said plurality of pixel parts being arranged in the same plane, wherein each of the pixel parts comprises: a photoelectric conversion element comprising a lower electrode formed on or above a substrate, an upper electrode formed above the lower electrode and a photoelectric conversion film sandwiched between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; and a color filter formed on or above the upper electrode, wherein d<p where d is a distance from a lower face of the photoelectric conversion film to an upper face of the color filter and p is an arrangement pitch of the photoelectric conversion element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi GOTO
  • Publication number: 20080225143
    Abstract: Pixel interleaving configurations for use in high definition electronic sign displays where each and every scan line includes full red, green, and blue color representation to provide for high resolution electronic video sign displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brent A. Joffer, Brett D. Wendler, Glenn P. Luke, Nathan L. Nearman, Chad N. Gloege, Matt R. Mueller, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Joseph G. Schulte, Eric S. Bravek, Ryan M. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080225144
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for image sensors are disclosed that include a multi-mode circuit that can be configured for operating as an imaging pixel and a memory. The multi-mode circuit includes a photo-detector for collecting electrons generated by radiation impinging on the photo-detector. A transfer gate is configured for transferring the collected electrons from the photo-detector to a floating diffusion node when the transfer gate is enabled. A write circuit receives and stores a multi-value voltage on the floating diffusion node and a read circuit is configured for reading a state of the floating diffusion node. The state of the floating diffusion node corresponds to the amount of transferred electrons in an image mode or the multi-value voltage in a memory mode. The semiconductor image sensor may be included in as part of an imaging system that includes a memory for storing a digital representation of an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Richard A. Mauritzson
  • Publication number: 20080225145
    Abstract: A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes pixels arranged in a matrix, each pixel converting incident light into an analog electrical signal and outputting the analog electrical signal; AD converters in correspondence with individual columns, each AD converter converting the analog electrical signal from a corresponding pixel into a digital signal and outputting the digital signal from an output terminal; register circuits in correspondence with the individual columns, each register circuit receiving at an input terminal the digital signal output from the output terminal of a corresponding AD converter and storing the digital signal; and connection units, each of which connects the output terminal of a corresponding AD converter for one column to the input terminal of a corresponding register circuit for a different column or to connect the output terminal of a corresponding register circuit for one column to the input terminal of a corresponding register circuit for a different column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20080225146
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus, includes a photoelectrical conversion element with a rectangular light receiving surface, an image cut-out device that cuts out image data of a cut-out area of a square in which the number of pixels in the horizontal direction is the same as the number of pixels in the vertical direction from the image data of a rectangular image imported by the photoelectrical conversion element, and an image recording device which records the image data compressed by an image compression device or the image data cut out by the image cut-out device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Takashi Maki
  • Publication number: 20080225147
    Abstract: For an image signal of a solid-state image pickup element, average value calculation means calculates an average value of pixel values for the respective color components constituting an image of each frame. Gain calculation means calculates a maximum value from the average values of the pixel values of the respective color components of the image calculated by the average value calculation means for the number of frames for one cycle of flicker generation, calculates, according to these maximum values, a gain for adjusting the average value of the pixel value of the respective components constituting the other image to a maximum width, and outputs it as a gain of each color component to be given to signal amplification means. The signal amplification means amplifies all the pixels of the color components of the image according to the gain of the respective color components given.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Masumi Dakemoto, Narihiro Matoba, Takeo Fujita
  • Publication number: 20080225148
    Abstract: An image sensor that includes a plurality of pixels disposed on a substrate, each pixel includes at least one photosensitive region that collects charges in response to incident light; a charge-to-voltage conversion node for sensing the charge from the at least one photosensitive region and converting the charge to a voltage; an amplifier transistor having a source connected to an output node, having a gate connected to the charge-to-voltage conversion node and having a drain connected to at least a portion of a power supply node; and a reset transistor connecting the output node and the charge-to-voltage conversion node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Parks
  • Publication number: 20080225149
    Abstract: A sample and hold readout circuit, and method of operation which minimizes fixed pattern noise during a read out operation. The circuit improves the consistency of the pixel to pixel output of the pixel array and increases the dynamic range of the pixel output. This is accomplished by eliminating the crowbar between the storage elements in the sample and hold circuit. Switches are added to isolate the sample and hold circuit from the column line coupled to the pixel array and to short the front plates of the capacitors together. Activating these switches allows the signals stored in the sample and hold circuit to be transferred downstream without the use of a crowbar switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Giuseppe Rossi
  • Publication number: 20080225150
    Abstract: A new kind of pixel is formed of two floating diffusions of different sizes and different conductivity type. The two floating diffusions have different image characteristics, and hence form a knee-shaped slope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Vladimir Berezin, Eric R. Fossum
  • Publication number: 20080225151
    Abstract: A method of offset compensation for solid-state imaging devices is provided. In the method a first and second detection signal are obtained. The two signals are compared to obtain a difference value. A variable voltage is output according to the difference value to drive a magnetic element. The solid-state imaging device is moved by the magnetic element to compensate the offset of the solid-state imaging device. A system of offset compensation of the solid-state imaging device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventors: Kun-Chi Liao, Yu-Ting Lee
  • Publication number: 20080225152
    Abstract: The signal charge corresponding to the amount of light is obtained from a photodiode section and is then stored in a charge storage section under the control of a first control gate. An additional charge storage section may be provided between the photodiode section and the charge storage section. The signal charge thus stored in the charge storage section is supplied to a charge transfer section under the control of a second control gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shiro TSUNAI
  • Publication number: 20080225153
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method displaying, within a user interface, a view pane having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, displaying, within the view pane, a first frame represented by a bounded region, wherein the first frame represents a container that comprises one or more objects, upon detecting a positioning of a cursor at a position in the poster frame, displaying an object of the one or more objects in the frame, the displayed object varying based on the position of the cursor, upon detecting a selection of the first frame, displaying a second frame, represented by a second bounded region, adjacent to the second frame, and displaying the displayed object in the second frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: Joshua Fagans
  • Publication number: 20080225154
    Abstract: A digital camera includes a rotatable wheel, a screen, and a menu display system for displaying menu on the screen. The menu display system includes a primary menu having a number of menu options and may have one or more hierarchical submenu options. The submenu is disk-shaped with a number of sub-submenu options displayed around the disk, each of the sub-submenu options can be selected by rotating the rotatable wheel clockwise or anticlockwise. The digital camera is capable of being operated quickly and efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: PENG-YU PAN, KANG-SHUN HSU, SHUN-LING KAO, HSIANG-EN PENG, YU-TSUNG SU
  • Publication number: 20080225155
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing image, includes an input unit for inputting user operation information, a recording medium for recording moving image data, a data processor for retrieving data recorded on the recording medium and generating display data in response to an input to the input unit, and a display unit for displaying the display data. The data processor selects a frame containing an image of a person's face from a scene as a moving image recording unit recorded on the recording medium, generates a thumbnail image of a face region extracted from the selected frame and displays on the display unit a list of generated thumbnail images arranged in a time-series order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ebato, Kenji Tsushio, Tatsuhito Tabuchi, Kou Kobayashi, Yoshihito Okizaki, Shigeru Masuda
  • Publication number: 20080225156
    Abstract: Provided is a digital image processing apparatus including a body and a rotating display device rotatably installed on the body. The rotating display device comprises: a display panel that displays an image; and a direction sensor for sensing a direction of the display panel. Various embodiments of the direction sensor are also disclosed including, for example, a direction sensor that is capable of sensing at least four rotational states of the rotating display device. In addition, the image displayed on the display panel may be reversed if the direction sensor detects that the rotating display device has been rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-oog Kim
  • Publication number: 20080225157
    Abstract: A digital camera includes: a mirror box that defines a space in which a light flux from a photographic lens is guided to an imaging unit; a mirror unit that is arranged inside the mirror box and is configured to rotate between a viewing position in which the mirror unit is inserted in a photographic light path from the photographic lens to the imaging unit to reflect the light flux and a photographing position in which the mirror unit is retracted from the photographic light path; and an opening section that discharges from the mirror box air that is moved when the mirror unit is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nishimoto, Yoshiaki Tanabe, Tomoyuki Takada, Makoto Kohinata
  • Publication number: 20080225158
    Abstract: An imaging device having an imaging element which takes a subject image by light from a subject passing through a photographing lens and obtains an image data, includes a filter selection device configured to select a filter transmitting an optional frequency component of the subject image; an autofocus detection device configured to detect a focus from an image data obtained by moving a focus lens to a lens position; and an acquisition timing setting device configured to set a timing of capturing the image data, the imaging device being configured to use the acquisition timing setting device in accordance with a photographing condition, and change the filter of the filter selection device in accordance with the acquisition timing set by the acquisition timing setting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Kei Ito
  • Publication number: 20080225159
    Abstract: A taking lens 10 of an automatic focusing system of an optical path length difference type is configured so that AF object light is branched from a main optical path that guides object light to a video imaging device 26 of a camera main body 14, and object images are formed on AF imaging devices 22A and 22B. A ? type CCD is used as the video imaging device 26, and a ? type CCD, that is easily available and cheap, is used as the AF imaging devices 22A and 22B. In view of that sizes of the AF imaging devices 22A and 22B are smaller than that of the video imaging device 26, the object images formed on the AF imaging devices 22A and 22B are reduced by a reduction optical system 17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Atsushi KANAYAMA
  • Publication number: 20080225160
    Abstract: Mobile devices and methods of operating mobile devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a mobile device includes a rechargeable battery, a battery charger electrically coupled to the battery, and an image sensor operably coupled to the battery charger to selectively charge the battery. As such, the image sensor is configured to capture images and provide current to charge the battery. The image sensor can be a CMOS image sensor or a CCD image sensor. The mobile device may further include a housing, with the battery, battery charger, and image sensor contained within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Wu
  • Publication number: 20080225161
    Abstract: An electronic device comprises a body, a first image capturing element, a cover and a arm. The body comprises a first surface and a second surface, with the first surface opposite to the second surface. The first image capturing element is disposed on the first surface. The cover is connected to the body, movable between a first cover position and a second cover position, wherein the cover covers the first image capturing element when the cover is in the first cover position, and the first image capturing element is actuated when the cover is in the second cover position. The arm is connected to the cover, pivoting between a first position and a second position, wherein when the arm is in the second position, a recording medium is received on a first end of the arm, and the first image capturing element captures an image data therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventors: Chu Chia Tsai, Yi Wei Tao, Chia Hsien Li, An Chung Hsieh, Yi Lang Chi, Tien Fu Lee, Meng Hsiang Chen, I Ting Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080225162
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing an interlaced video signal is disclosed. First, the interfaced video signal is de-interlaced. A plurality of temporal interpolated frames between original frames of the interlaced video signal are created using motion compensated temporal interpolation. The plurality of temporal interpolated frames and original frames are temporal filtered to produce an output video signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONIC, N.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hendrikus Alfonsus Bruls