Abstract: A bubble removing apparatus for removing air bubbles in ink to be supplied to a printer head of an inkjet printer and a method of removing the air bubbles are provided to provide a smooth flow of ink to the inkjet printer head. When an air bubble removing operation is performed, ink in an ink tank is moved towards the printer head through a filter unit by operating the pump in a forward direction, and the ink that has moved towards the printer head is returned to the ink tank through the filter unit by operating the pump in a reverse direction. Air bubbles trapped in the filter unit are moved to the ink tank due to the operation of the pump in the reverse direction and are removed in the ink tank by the gravitational force, and thereby a smooth flowing ink supply can be provided to the printer head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluidic arrangement for a printer. The arrangement includes an ink tank for storing ink, and an ink distribution assembly in fluid communication with the ink tank for supplying printhead integrated circuits (ICs) positioned thereon with ink from the ink tank. The arrangement also includes a valve arranged in an ink line between the ink distribution assembly and the ink tank, said valve configured to isolate ink in the ink tank from the printhead ICs whenever the printer is powered down. Further included is a pump located downstream from the ink distribution assembly, and a sump arranged in fluid communication with the pump for receiving excess ink from the ink distribution assembly.

Abstract: In an apparatus of forming a thin film, the apparatus has a printing chamber that forms a thin film on a substrate. The apparatus has at least two drying chambers that receive the substrate on which the thin film is formed and dry the thin film on the substrate. The two drying chambers may be independently controlled. Accordingly, the apparatus may reduce process time for forming the thin film without contamination of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for applying an ink composition to an ophthalmic lens is described providing at least one ophthalmic lens having a meniscus-shaped surface, and providing an ink composition formulated for either removable or non-removable as well as non-bleeding ink jet application onto the surface of the lens. The ink composition is jetted directly onto a stamp via an ink jet print head to form a printed image on the stamp, and the printed image is permitted to set for at least an ink drying period. The printed image is oriented with respect to the lens to align the printed image with a desired location and the printed image is applied onto the lens surface with the stamp to form a mark. Preferably, the duration of the ink drying period is sufficient to at least prevent bleeding of the ink into the lens upon application onto the lens surface.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer for film capable of thermal transfer printing on a plastic film. The thermal transfer printer for film is provided with a conveyance for conveying the plastic film along a predetermined path, an ink ribbon moving mechanism which includes a holder for holding a plurality of ink ribbons 11 and moves an ink ribbon selected arbitrarily from the plurality of ink ribbons to a print position arranged on the predetermined path, and a print head which prints on the plastic film by heating the ink ribbon moved to the print position.

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

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided with a modulator producing a modulated signal of a pulse width decided on given image data and a driver driving an optical generator such as laser to generate a light beam. The image forming apparatus is further provided with a scanner periodically scanning the light beam generated by the optical generator and a power detector detecting information indicative of a power of the light beam scanned by the scanner. A pulse width adjustor uses the information detected by the power detector, in order to adjust the pulse width of the light beam.

Abstract: Enabling a user of a video chat application to a virtual video message answering machine to contextually provide a video message to at least one other user of the video chat application for play back if the user is unavailable. The video message can be arranged to be played when another user attempts to initiate a video communication session with the unavailable user or during an existing video chat session after the user becomes unavailable. Also, the user can choose one or more contexts for playing back a video message to one or more other users that are likely to be participants in a future video communication session. The other user is provided with a user interface that enables the other user to record a video message reply for subsequent playback by the unavailable user.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, and media associated with videoconferencing are described. One example system includes video display devices and audio output devices to output video and related audio received from a remote videoconferencing location(s). The example system includes a distribution logic to selectively route audio data to an audio output device(s) and to selectively route video data to a video display device(s). The routing may be based, at least in part, on a relationship between an audio source and a video source. The result of the routing is to cause audio outputs to be acoustically associated with related video outputs so that different audio and video outputs will be spatially distinguishable and so that audio is attributable to related video.

Abstract: A videophone. The videophone can include an imaging mechanism for taking a video picture of a scene. The videophone can include a mechanism for producing a first video stream of the scene and a second video stream of the scene from the video picture and sending the first video stream and the second video stream onto a network at the same time, the producing mechanism in communication with the imaging mechanism. The videophone can include a mechanism for receiving a plurality of video streams of different scenes from a network. The videophone can include a mechanism for displaying the different scenes of the plurality of video streams alongside each other. A method for a video call.

Abstract: A method using DTV signals for positioning is provided. The method comprises the step of calculating a transmission time of a data segment of a television signal from a transmitter to a mobile receiver.

Abstract: A method for enabling viewing of stereoscopic images is provided. The method includes providing a two dimensional image representation to a service bureau configured to convert the two dimensional image representation into a stereoscopic image and transmitting the enhanced image from the service bureau to an entity for purposes of displaying the images in a user desired configuration, such as in a digital photo frame. Alternately, the present design includes receiving a two dimensional electronic image representation in electronic form together with conversion criteria, converting the two dimensional electronic image representation into a stereoscopic image based on the conversion criteria, and providing the stereoscopic image to a user for display.

Abstract: The present invention realizes picture recording in simple configuration such that a user can easily and intuitively identify a minified picture of a multi-view picture from among minified pictures of pictures being taken. A 3-dimensional thumbnail picture is created by performing 3-dimensional CG processing on a multi-view picture thumbnail picture, and a thumbnail picture is created from a normal picture and recorded in association with a primary picture. The 3-dimensional CG thumbnail picture X is given a stereoscopic effect as a result of the 3-dimensional CG graphic processing so that the difference from a normal 2-dimensional thumbnail Y is clear at a glance. Consequently, a viewer can readily recognize the picture X as a minified picture of a multi-view picture without using a special apparatus to realize a graphical approach.

Abstract: To facilitate seeing of the image on a peripheral region which may become difficult to see as the screen size increases. A stereoscopic two-dimensional image display device includes a display unit 1 including an image display plane 1a on which an image is displayed; an image transfer panel 3 arranged apart from the image display plane, for imaging light emitted from the image display plane on an imaging plane 2 in a space, thereby displaying a stereoscopic two-dimensional image; and an optical path changing member (not shown) arranged between the image display plane and the imaging plane, for changing the optical path of the light emitted from the peripheral edge having a predetermined region constituting the image display plane. The optical path of light emitted from the peripheral edge is changed by the optical path changing means so that the light can be reached the eyes of a viewer 100 who sees at a near position.

Abstract: A goggle based light-weight VOG/EOG system includes at least one digital camera connected to and powered by a laptop computer through a firewire connection. The EOG system is incorporated directly into a goggle base. The digital camera may digitally center the pupil in both the X and Y directions. A calibration mechanism may be incorporated onto the goggle base. The VOG system may track and record 3-D movement of the eye, track pupil dilation, head position and goggle slippage. An animated eye display provides data in a more meaningful fashion. The VOG system is a modular design whereby the same goggle frame or base is used to build a variety of digital camera VOG systems.

Abstract: A machine for distinguishing blisters from checks on the finish of a glass container. The captured objects are located in a band to define a cluster.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting glass containers rotating at an inspection station. A camera images an area of interest on the glass container (the finish for example) and the area is imaged at angular increments. An anomalous object is analyzed in each image and the deviation of its center relative to a datum is measured. A deviation less than a maximum enables the control to identify the object as a blister.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method where an event involving at least one object is detected. The bearing of an electronic device is determined. The electronic device is positioned to obtain its position. The identity of a user of the electronic device is determined. A number of sensor devices are located based on the bearing and the position to obtain a set of target sensors. A first sensor recording is obtained from a first sensor device among the set of target sensors. The first sensor recording is associated with the identity of the user.

Abstract: A surveillance system and method includes a plurality of sensors configured to monitor an environment. A plurality of analytic engines is associated with each of the plurality of sensors. The plurality of analytic engines employs different technologies and is configured to analyze input from the sensors to determine whether an event has occurred in a respective technology. A unifying data model is configured to cross correlate detected events from the different technologies to gain integrated situation awareness across the different technologies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for dynamically testing video equipment. One or more test patterns utilize different regions of video signal characteristics. Adjustment is made to the video characteristics of a region until a perceived parameter of the region matches a second region. A performance parameter of said video equipment is determined from said adjustment.

Abstract: This invention makes it difficult to analyze key data necessary to generate authentication data of image data. In this invention, when a user turns on the power supply of an image sensing apparatus 10, key data necessary to generate authentication data is generated (step S201). When the user turns off the power supply of the image sensing apparatus 10, the key data is erased (step S204). Since a period during which the image sensing apparatus 10 holds the key data can be limited to “a period during which the power supply of the image sensing apparatus 10 is ON”, analysis of the key data can be made difficult.

Abstract: A line buffering technique in which a plurality of line buffers are arranged based on a determined average number of branches and stages that are necessary to implement the buffers based on design constraints. In an exemplary embodiment, the line buffers may be arranged in any buffer topology arrangement meeting the average number of branches and the number of stages design constraints.

Abstract: A micro-optical image stabilizer is disclosed. The optical image stabilizer includes a substrate, a carrier movably disposed on the substrate for carrying an image sensor, an anchor fixed on the substrate, a conducting pad fixed on the anchor for coupling an image processing circuit, a flexible suspension disposed between the conducting pad and the carrier, a conducting line disposed on the flexible suspension coupled to the conducting pad and protruding over the carrier for coupling the image sensor, and a micro actuator disposed between the substrate and the carrier for adjusting the position of the carrier according to control signals from an actuator control circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing device comprises a first readout circuit configured to read out a signal from a pixel array including a plurality of pixels, a signal holding unit configured to hold the signal read out from the first readout circuit, a second readout circuit configured to read out the signal held in the signal holding unit, and a current control unit configured to control an electric current flowing through at least part of the first readout circuit while the first readout circuit reads out the signal. The current control unit controls an electric current flowing through the at least part of the first readout circuit in a moving image capturing mode to be smaller than an electric current flowing through the at least part of the first readout circuit in a still image capturing mode.

Abstract: In response to an input instruction to start a still image capturing operation when a moving image capturing operation is being performed, an imaging apparatus controls the still image capturing operation to record a still image file on a recording medium, interrupts the moving image capturing operation, generates a moving image in which an interframe-compressed image whose difference information is zero is inserted as at least one of images to be substituted for a moving image corresponding to a time period for which the moving image capturing operation is interrupted, and records the generated moving image on the recording medium.

Abstract: By connecting to or mounting a first storage medium that stores image data as a retrieval object (e.g. first memory card 121) and a second storage medium that stores a retrieve condition (e.g. non-volatile memory 111 or second memory card 122), an imaging apparatus 100 can store image data as a retrieval object and a retrieve condition on different storage medium. By replacing the first storage medium with a third storage medium, image retrieval can be executed for a plurality of storage medium using the same retrieve condition.

Abstract: Charging of a camera 100 and backup of data are concurrently executed to enable picking up an image regardless of a remaining available memory. As the camera 100 is attached to a cradle 200, image data for the image picked up by a camera module 110 of the camera 100 is directly transferred to and recorded in a HDD 220 of the cradle 200. Image data, already recorded in the flash memory 133 of the camera 100, is backed up by the HDD 220 of the cradle 200. Further, the cradle 200 allows a charging circuit 204 to charge a rechargeable battery of the camera 100 using electric power supplied via an AC cord 280. Also, the cradle 200 has a tripod bore 270 through which the camera is fixed to a tripod for picking up the image.

Abstract: When a shutter button is half-pressed, image signal of a field image is read from a CCD, and is converted into image data of digital. For example three faces are detected based on the image data, and a face central coordinate of each face is extracted and a face centroid coordinate of the faces is calculated based on the face central coordinates. When all of the face central coordinates are inside the shooting screen and the face centroid coordinates is inside the determination area, the digital camera induces the user to perform image capturing, with use of an LED and audio guidance. When the shutter button is full-pressed, image signal of a frame image is read from a CCD, and is converted into image data of digital. After various image processing, the image data is stored in a memory card.

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: An image capturing apparatus includes an image pickup unit including an image pickup element that captures a plurality of colors in ranges of visible and invisible light incoming through an image capturing lens, a pixel value calculating unit that calculates a pixel value of each pixel regarding at least one of the captured colors, a contrast value calculating unit that calculates a contrast value for each color based on the calculated pixel values, a correction value calculating unit that calculates a focus correction value for a distance from a current position of the image capturing lens to a focus position based on a temporal change in the calculated contrast values of the at least one color, and an image capturing lens driving unit that drives the image capturing lens based on the calculated focus correction value.

Abstract: A noise-reduction apparatus includes an image-noise-reduction means having an operation means and a judgment means. The operation means shifts the level of the signal-value of a target-pixel so that an average of the signal-values of the target-pixel and pixels in a predetermined area in the vicinity of the target-pixel becomes a value at the origin of a color-space of each of a plurality of color-components, performs an operation for noise-reduction processing on the target-pixel and restores the level of the signal-value thereof based on the shifted level. The judgment means estimates a noise-amount of the target-pixel, calculates a statistic representing the noise of the target-pixel based on the signal-values of the target-pixel and the pixels in the predetermined area, compares the estimated noise-amount and the statistic, and determines, based on the result of comparison, which of the estimated noise-amount and the statistic to use for the operation of noise-reduction processing.

Abstract: An image capturing system includes a signal correction unit which corrects a signal output from a defective pixel in an optical black region based on a signal output from a normal pixel. The optical black region has a plurality of pixel blocks. Each of the plurality of pixel blocks has a plurality of pixels each including one or more elements which have the same functions as in the remaining pixels and which have relative positions different from the remaining pixels. The signal correction unit corrects the signal output from the defective pixel in the optical black region based on a signal output from a normal pixel which is included in another pixel block different from the pixel block of the defective pixel in the optical black region and includes one or more elements having the same functions and same relative positions as in the defective pixel.

Abstract: The defeat determination unit determines whether a target pixel among the pixels of the image sensor is defective on the basis of a first defect map and at least one second defect map. The first defeat map shows a first relationship between a pixel value of the target pixel and pixel values of first neighboring same-color pixels with the target pixel that neighbor and surround the target pixel. The second defect map shows a second relationship between a pixel value of a heterochromatic adjacent pixel with the target pixel and pixel values of second neighboring same-color pixels with the heterochromatic adjacent pixel that neighbor and surround the heterochromatic adjacent pixel.

Abstract: A technique for modifying data of an image, such as can be implemented in a still camera or video recorder in order to correct for defects in its optical and/or electronic systems, includes generating data to modify the image as a function of radial position across it. A variation of the intensity across an image (lens shading) that appears in data from a two-dimensional detector is an example of an application of the technique. In order to make modifications to the data, positions of a two-dimensional raster scan pattern of an image sensor are converted to radial positions and this is then used to generate the modification data. The modification data is generated on the fly, at the same rate as the image data is being acquired, so that the modification takes place without slowing down data transfer from the image sensor.

Abstract: A method for reading out an image signal, the method comprising: providing at least two photosensitive regions; providing at least two transfer gates respectively associated with each photosensitive region; providing a common charge-to-voltage conversion region electrically connected to the transfer gates; providing a reset mechanism that resets the common charge-to-voltage conversion region; after transferring charge from at least one of the photo-sensitive regions, disabling all transfer gates at a first time; enabling at least one transfer gate at a subsequent second time; and transferring charge from at least one of the photosensitive regions at a subsequent third time while the at least one transfer gate from the second time remains enabled.

Abstract: A solid-state image sensing device includes: a plurality of unit pixels 21 arranged in rows and columns each of which outputs a pixel signal according to incident light; and a plurality of floating diffusion portions 22 each of which receives the pixel signals. Each of the floating diffusion portions 22 is shared by two unit pixels 21 which are respectively arranged in adjacent rows and which are respectively adjacent columns.

Abstract: A class AB amplifier includes an input stage having a pair of differential input terminals, first and second differential output terminals, and a local common mode feedback circuit. The input stage includes a local common mode feedback circuit having cascode transistor to achieve relatively high gain. The amplifier also includes an output stage having first and second pairs complementary transistors coupled between first and second power supply nodes. One of the complementary transistors in each pair has a gate coupled to the first and second differential output terminals, respectively. The output stage includes a pair of cascode transistor connected to one of the pairs of complementary output transistors. The amplifier can be used to supply a bias voltage to a highly capacitive load, such as voltage sampling capacitors in a CMOS imager.

Abstract: A data transfer circuit includes at least one transfer line transferring digital data, at least one data detecting circuit connecting to the transfer line, multiple holding circuits holding a digital value corresponding to the input level and transferring the digital value to the transfer line, and a scanning circuit selecting the multiple holding circuits, wherein the multiple holding circuits are laid out in parallel, and the transfer line is placed in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the parallel layout of the holding circuit and connects to the data detecting circuit placed in the orthogonal direction.

Abstract: Microphone mechanisms are disposed on both sides of a flash mechanism provided in a video camera's front cabinet, and the microphone mechanisms are incorporated in the front cabinet. The video camera 1 includes: a camera body 2; a front cabinet 3 provided at the front of the camera body 2; a viewfinder 4 provided on an upper face 2a of the camera body 2; a grip belt 5 provided on a first side face 2b of the camera body 2; and a flash mechanism 8 provided in the camera body 2. In the front cabinet 3, microphone mechanisms 9 are provided on both the right and left sides sandwiching the flash mechanism 8.

Abstract: A portable device having geographical location technology includes: a camera, for capturing an image; a wireless access circuit for accessing a geographical database to generate information according to the geographical location technology of the portable device; a display screen, for displaying at least the image and the generated information, the display screen comprising: a location bar, comprising at least one location point, each location point corresponding to at least one point of interest in a displayed image; and a processing circuit, coupled to the camera, the wireless access circuit, and the display screen, for controlling operations of the camera, the wireless access circuit, and the display screen.

Abstract: An image which has not yet undergone image data processing and an image which has undergone image data processing are displayed so that a difference between the images can be readily recognized. An image obtained by means of a lens and an imaging element is subjected to specific processing, such as correction of red eyes, correction of soft focusing, and the like, in an image processing block. The image processing block displays the image data which have not yet undergone image processing and the image data which have undergone image processing, on an LCD side by side or alternately in time sequence. When a user has operated a joystick, the unprocessed image and the processed image, which are displayed side by side, are concurrently scrolled while maintaining a relationship of a parallel display.

Abstract: Digital miniature cameras and methods to manufacture thereof have been achieved. Said miniature cameras having an adjustable focusing device are intended to be used as a built-in modules in hand-held consumer electronic devices, such as e.g. mobile phones and PDAs. The cameras invented have a very small size and produce high-quality pictures. Glue is used to hold different parts together and to seal the joints. The lens is glued in the final stage of the manufacturing line, thus providing the focus setting and the sealing of the cavity that covers the image sensor. A glob top is used to cover and seal the image processor. Said glob top serves two different purposes, first, to distribute the heat away from the sensor and, second, to lock the frame, together with the lens house, into a printed circuit board. In one embodiment a cavity PCB is used to “bury” the sensor of the camera, thus reducing the overall height required.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having a main body, the device comprising: including a camera arrangement for capturing images in a plurality of directions relative to the main body of the device; a lighting element; and a reflector, at least a portion of which is movable about the lighting element to change the direction of light reflected from the lighting element.

Abstract: Apparatus for display processing includes a host interface, which is arranged to accept graphical information from a first computer. A first display head is arranged to produce a first digital video signal including first frames representing the graphical information at a first frame rate, for displaying the graphical information on a local display of the first computer. A second display head is arranged to produce a second digital video signal including second frames representing the graphical information at a second frame rate that is lower than the first frame rate. A video redirection module is arranged to regulate a transmission rate of the second digital video signal from the second display head, to capture the second frames that are generated by the second display head and to forward the captured frames to a second computer.

Abstract: A display reader device that reads a channel displayed on a television set top box channel display consistent with certain embodiments has an array of light sensitive electronic elements receiving light signals from a television set top box's channel display and producing an output signal representative of the light pattern received by the array of light sensitive electronic elements. An image processor converts the output signal representative of the light pattern received by the array of light sensitive elements and converts the output signal to a signal representing the channel number displayed on the display. An output from the image processor carries the signal representing the channel number. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A format for accessing content such as a full-length move from an optical disc uses an XML description file stored on the disc to generate one or more screens that a user employs to access the content. The decoding requirements of a hardware or software player are reduced by discarding specific elements of an encoding standard such as MPEG4 that is used to encode the content on the disc. The maximum average and peak bitrates at which the data is transferred are limited to further reduce the demands on the player.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of receiving a multimedia signal in a communication apparatus, said multimedia signal comprising at least a sequence of video frames (VF) and a sequence of audio frames (AF) associated therewith. Said method comprises the steps of: processing (21) and displaying (25) the sequence of audio frames and the sequence of video frames,—buffering (24) audio frames in order to delay them, detecting (22) if the face of a talking person is included in a video frame to be displayed, selecting (23) a first display mode (m1) in which audio frames are delayed by the buffering step in such a way that the sequence of audio frames and the sequence of video frames are synchronized, and a second display mode (m2) in which the sequence of audio frames and the sequence of video frames are displayed without delaying the audio frames, the first display mode being selected if a face has been detected and the second display mode being selected otherwise.

Abstract: A digital camera device, a method and/or a computer program product for controlling the digital camera device. The digital camera device comprises an imaging device for sensing the image of a subject using an image sensor and outputting image data representing the image of the subject, and an imaging lens for forming the image of the subject on a photoreceptive surface of the image sensor. Furthermore, the digital camera includes a lens protector configured to cover the imaging lens, wherein the lens protector comprises a light-diffusing material for illuminating the image sensor when the lens protector covers the imaging lens. The digital camera device also includes a blemish position detector operative when the lens protector covers the imaging lens. When the image sensor is illuminated the blemish position detector is further configured to detect the position of blemish on an image, which is represented by image data output from the imaging device, on the basis of image data output from the imaging device.

Abstract: A broadcast signal receiving apparatus including a broadcast receiving unit that receives a broadcast signal; a communicating unit that performs communication with a mobile apparatus; a signal converting unit that converts the received broadcast signal; and a controller that controls the signal converting unit to convert the broadcast signal into a format corresponding to the mobile apparatus, and controls the communicating unit to transmit the converted broadcast signal to the mobile apparatus

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for generating and storing in a lookup table a first array of next field values for use in generation of weighted pixel values and generating and storing a second array in the lookup table of previous field values for use in generation of the weighted pixel values, determining if motion is present in a pixel of a field under analysis, if the motion is present, performing spatial de-noising using a weighted pixel average of a window of a predetermined size, otherwise performing temporal de-noising using a weighted pixel value between the pixel and a previous pixel using information in the lookup table. Other embodiments are described and claimed.