Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide an optical display device that modulates light from a light source in two stages through an optical modulator and a luminance adjusting element to expand the luminance dynamic range and the number of the gradation levels of a display image, that allows the picture quality to be enhanced, and that is suitably applied to display an image according to the resolution of the luminance adjusting element having a higher resolution than the optical modulator. Exemplary embodiments provide a projection type display device that converts RGB pixel values in HDR display data into YCbCr pixel values, selects the maximum Ymax from corresponding YCbCr values on a pixel-basis in a color modulation light valve, and calculates average values Cbave and Crave.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a discharge display panel using dual subfield coding, which can prevent a gradient low discharge effect due to an address discharge failure by performing a subfield gradient weight design, by which a subfield gradient has a plurality of redundancies in all gradients except gradients having the lowest gradient weight and the highest gradient weight, and a dynamic dual subfield coding. The apparatus divides an image signal into frame units, obtains an input gradient of a frame from the image signal, performs a time division gradient display on the discharge display panel according to the input gradient by dividing the frame into a plurality of subfields having respective gradient weights, and has at least two subfields having a least gradient weight.

Abstract: An improved driving device for a display panel. In the display panel, pixel cells serving as pixels are positioned in a plurality of display lines. The driving device drives the display panel according to pixel data derived from an input image signal. The display lines are divided into a plurality of display line groups, and each group includes a plurality of neighboring display lines. The driving device has a light emission driving circuit. This circuit causes the pixel cells in each of the neighboring display lines in the respective display line groups to emit light at different brightness levels based on weighting values assigned to the display lines. The weighting values are assigned to the display lines such that bias in brightness differences between the pixel cells positioned in neighboring display lines falls within a prescribed range for all neighboring display lines in the display panel.

Abstract: A light modulator includes a control unit configured to receive an image input signal, and an array having a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows. The control unit is configured to provide a first address associated with the image input signal to the array in response to detecting a first mode of operation, and the control unit is configured to provide a second address associated with the image input signal to the array in response to detecting a second mode of operation. The array is configured to drive a first one of the plurality of rows in response to receiving the first address, and the array is configured to drive the first one of the plurality of rows and a second one of the plurality of rows in response to receiving the second address.

Abstract: The system for displaying huge images in accordance with the present invention comprises: a storage device (1) for storing image data winch is divided in either one of the row direction and the column direction and contains at least two subdivided blocks; a first temporary storage device (9) for sequentially reading out data stored in the storage device (1), temporarily storing data as read and, when the data reaches a predetermined unit of data size, outputting all the data as input. And the present invention serves to improve the processing speed of huge images by bypassing the main storage device (3) during the processing operation of image data.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus for forming a color image by superposing component color images, a control device obtains position data representing a forming position of each of plural registration mark images for the component color images with respect to a positional reference value arbitrarily determined, divides the position data into each of a unit reference range representing a range in which one mark image is formed, converts the position data divided for each unit reference range into those based on respective reference values representing the front edge of the unit reference ranges, extracts the position data representing ranges common to the mutually overlapping ranges each of which is represented by a couple of position data corresponding to the rising and falling edges of a passage timing pulse as read position data of the mark image of the component color, and calculates the amounts of positional deviations of the component color images from one another on the basis of the position data extracted.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus allowing reduction of the thickness of a heat radiation member and allowing strong mounting of a holding member also when a print head is arranged on the forward end of a screw member is obtained. This image generating apparatus comprises a print head, a heat radiation member, arranged on the upper surface of the print head, including a mounting portion protruding toward the head of a screw member and having a threaded hole meshing with the screw member and a holding member, mounted on the upper surface of the heat radiation member with the screw member, having a mounting portion receiving hole capable of receiving the mounting portion of the heat radiation member and holding a prescribed member.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus capable of improving positional accuracy of a bearing of a side plate with respect to a chassis is obtained. In this thermal transfer printer (image generating apparatus), a round hole receiving a platen roller bearing of a side plate is provided on a side surface of a chassis. The side plate is mounted on the chassis by bringing the side plate into contact with the side surface of the chassis in a state inclined by a prescribed angle ? and thereafter rotating the side plate about the platen roller bearing serving as the rotation center.

Abstract: In a laser beam printer, even when an inexpensive CPU having low throughput capacity is used, stable power can be obtained by following a sudden change in temperature of a laser chip. A control unit sets a scanning cycle for performing the automatic power control based on ambient temperature of a photoconductive drum and the number of continuously-printed sheets. Then, the control unit output a horizontal synchronizing signal to a laser driving circuit and causes a laser scan unit to output a scanning laser beam. Substantially, when scanning corresponds the scanning cycle, the automatic power control is performed based on an output signal of a photodiode. When scanning does not correspond to the scanning cycle, a horizontal synchronizing signal of the next line is output. Whereby, the scanning cycle for performing the automatic power control according to a change in temperature of the laser chip, thereby reducing loads applied to the control unit.

Abstract: A light-emitting-element array unit includes a plurality of light-emitting-element arrays in which a plurality of light-emitting elements that is controlled based on binary image data is arranged in a row. An image-data-transfer control unit divides image data corresponding to one line in a main scanning direction for each of the light-emitting-element arrays, and when transferring the image data divided to each of the light-emitting-element arrays, controls a transfer of the image data by repeating a process of alternately transferring even pixel data and odd pixel data in one cycle of the one line in the main scanning direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting information at a data rate, such as for recording an image on a photosensitive surface, including a pulsed light source that produces pulsed light having a pulsed repetition rate and a modulator that asynchronously modulates the pulsed light at the date rate, wherein the data rate is higher than pulse repetition rate.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus for correcting the curvature of a scanning line effectively by a small number or parts, having a rotary polygon mirror for scanning a ray of light, and a reflecting mirror formed over an entire area in the scanning direction of the ray of light, and scanning the ray of light on an image bearing member, the reflecting mirror is nipped and held between a support member for supporting the reflecting mirror and a pressure member for pressing the reflecting mirror toward the support member side, and the pressure member is movable in a main scanning direction.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, prerecorded motion video is shared between the two computers by creating a streaming video server on one user's computer for streaming the prerecorded motion video simultaneously to both users as clients of the streaming server. Either user can pause, rewind, or fast forward the streamed video as it is viewed by both users.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with (a) reduction calculation sections for reducing the number of a plurality of input image data, corresponding to a plurality of images that satisfy azimuth difference relations each other, in a lateral direction, (b) a three-dimensional processing section for combining the image data that have been reduced the number by the reduction calculation sections so as to prepare a three-dimensional image data; and (c) a display switching control section for switching and selecting which one of three-dimensional image data prepared by the three-dimensional processing section and two-dimensional image data prepared by using one of the plurality of input image data should be outputted from the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: The subject matter hereof relates to systems and methods of providing for correction of image signals characteristic of non-uniform images. Various example embodiments of systems and methods so providing correction include embodiments directed to endoscopic imaging systems, endoscopes, and endoscopic imaging methods. Various example embodiments of systems and methods so providing correction include embodiments: that establish one or more correction factors and correct selected image data using at least one of such correction factors; and/or that establish one or more correction factors in performing a trigger operation, e.g., a white balance operation.

Abstract: The shooting equipment communicating system includes portable shooting equipment and mobile communications equipment which are moved together and communicate with each other. The mobile communications equipment includes a database section for storing map data, location information about regions and sites included in a map and region-/site-related information identified by the location information, and a retrieving section for retrieving the relevant region-/site-related information depending on the input location information, and transmits the retrieved region-/site-related information to the portable shooting equipment. The portable shooting equipment includes a shooting section for performing photography shooting of a subject and a storage section for receiving and storing the retrieved region-/site-related information.

Abstract: A camera system comprising: at least one area image sensor for imaging a scene; a camera processor means for processing said image scene in accordance with a predetermined scene transformation requirement; and a printer for printing out said processed image scene on print media, utilizing printing ink stored in a single detachable module inside said camera system; said camera system comprising a portable hand held unit for the imaging of scenes by said area image sensor and printing said scenes directly out of said camera system via said printer.

Abstract: A video stabilization scheme which uses a dynamic programming algorithm in order to determine a best path through a notional stabilization band defined in terms of a trajectory of an image capture element. The best path is used in order to produce an optimally stabilized video sequence within the bounds defined by the image capture area of the image capture element.

Abstract: An anti-shake apparatus of a photographing apparatus comprises a movable unit, a fixed unit, and a signal-processing unit. The movable unit has an imaging device and is movable in first and second directions. The fixed unit slidably supports the movable unit in both the first and second directions. The movable unit has a horizontal magnetic-field change-detecting element for detecting a first location, and a vertical magnetic-field change-detecting element for detecting a second location. The signal-processing unit outputs a first detected-position signal, which specifies the first location on the basis of output signals of the horizontal magnetic-field change-detecting element, and outputs a second detected-position signal, which specifies the second location on the basis of output signals of the vertical magnetic-field change-detecting element.

Abstract: An electronic camera of the present invention includes an image pickup part performing “still image pickup generating a still image signal” and “control image pickup successively generating control image signals having higher frame rate” in time division; a still image processing part applying predetermined still image signal processing to the still image signal; a control image processing part applying predetermined control signal processing to the control image signals to extract control data; and a control part performing at least one control operation out of exposure control, focus control, and white balance control, based on the control data output from the control image processing part. Particularly, in the present invention, the control image processing part and the still image processing part are configured to operate independently.

Abstract: An image composition method comprises: composing a high-sensitivity image signal H and a low-sensitivity image signal L, so as to generate a composite image signal Gc according to a composing expression: Gc=k·H+(1?k)·L where k is a composite parameter satisfying 0?k?1, wherein the high-sensitivity image signal H is generated based on high-sensitivity image outputs from corresponding ones of a plurality of pixel positions in a solid-state imaging element that has imaged a subject; the low-sensitivity image signal L is generated based on low-sensitivity image outputs from corresponding ones of the plurality of pixel positions in the solid-state imaging element; and the composing is performed at every common pixel position by determining k at every common pixel position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for improving object trackability via parametric camera tuning. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the camera settings loaded cause saturation of a video image and hue differences between objects and between the objects and a background of the video image. If the saturation and hue differences do not exceed the threshold, a search of camera settings is performed to increase saturation and hue differences between objects and between the objects and a background of the video image.

Abstract: An electronic image capture device for capturing a color image, comprising an image sensor comprised of discrete light sensitive picture elements overlaid with a color filter array (CFA) pattern to produce sensor color image data corresponding to the CFA pattern; an A/D converter for producing uninterpolated digital CFA image data from the sensor color image data; a processor for processing the uninterpolated digital CFA image data to produce interpolated image data and for forming a TIFF image file containing both the uninterpolated CFA image data and the interpolated image data; and a memory for storing the TIFF image file.

Abstract: In an electronic camera according to the present invention, an electric charge is stored in a CCD as a light receiving signal having at least color information with respect to received light beams. Standard color information is acquired by an imaging circuit and a main CPU from the light receiving signal obtained by driving the CCD in such a manner that a stored electric charge quantity to be stored in the CCD becomes a predetermined quantity. On the other hand, reference color information is acquired from light receiving information obtained by driving the CCD. An application range of an amplification ratio of the light receiving signal determined based on the reference color information with respect to the standard color information is stored in a detachable memory.

Abstract: This invention is to provide an image sensing apparatus capable of improving white balance adjustment when an electronic flash device is used. In order to achieve this object, the image sensing apparatus has a control device for acquiring a first control value, acquiring a second control value by applying the first control value to a predetermined function, and adjusting the white balance of an image signal to be output from an image sensing device on the basis of the first and second control values.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a slot to insert an external memory. An information file in which a fixed form phrase is inputted in the external memory is defined. The imaging apparatus comprises functions to select the fixed form phrase from the information file designated by an operation from the imaging apparatus and register the information data selected at the time of photographing into an Exif file. The information file can be attached to the Exif file only by selecting the information data corresponding to a content provided in the external memory. A screen display of the imaging apparatus can be switched automatically in accordance with defined attribute by a switching operation or a content of work from the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A method used for the compensation of vignetting in digital cameras has been achieved. The compensation for vignetting is performed by multiplying pixel output of the sensor array with a correction factor. In a preferred embodiment of the invention all pixels are multiplied with an adequate correction factor. Alternatively pixels, being close to the center of the sensor array, can be left unchanged. Said correction factor can be calculated in a very fast and efficient way by using two constant factors describing the specific geometry of the lens/sensor array system and by multiplying a first of said factors with the square of the distance between a pixel and the center of the sensor array and by multiplying a second of said factors with the distance between a pixel and the center of the sensor array to the power of four. The result of the second multiplication is subtracted from the result of the first multiplication and this result is added to one to get the final correction factor.

Abstract: A method for interpolating image data captured by an electronic imaging device having a Bayer arrangement, by pixel interpolation involving interpolating interpolation pixel X33 (a green pixel), determining the average value of the neighboring pixels situated peripherally to the interpolation pixel X33 by equation (1), and determining the median values of the green pixels in the horizontal direction, the oblique direction and the reverse oblique direction including the interpolation pixel X33 by equations (2), (3) and (4), respectively: ave=(G22+G24+G42+G44)/4; ??(1) horiz=median(G31, (G22+G42)/2, (G24+G44)/2, G35); ??(2) Slash=median(G15, G24, G42, G51); and ??(3) Bslash=median(G11, G22, G44, G55). ??(4) The value of these median values having the smallest differential with respect to the average value is taken to be the pixel data for the green pixel situated at the position of X33.

Abstract: At least two high-frequency signals are generated using luminance signals of at least two color components contained in a video signal, and a high-frequency signal for edge emphasizing processing is generated from the at least two generated high-frequency signals based upon the size relationship between the at least two high-frequency signals. Edge emphasizing processing is applied to the luminance signals, which are obtained from the video signal, using the high-frequency signal for edge emphasizing processing thus generated.

Abstract: A digital camera has an image capturing unit, a display unit, a face portion detecting unit, face portion selecting device and a control unit. The image capturing unit photoelectrically captures an image of a subject including a face portion of the subject and obtains image data of the subject. The display unit displays an image of the subject based on the image data obtained by the image capturing unit. The face portion detecting unit detects face portion of the subject from the image data captured by the image capturing unit. The face portion selecting device selects a face portion detected by the face portion detecting unit as a main subject to which attention is to be paid. The control unit controls the display unit to display a face image of the face portion selected by the face portion selecting device, in enlargement.

Abstract: An electronic imaging apparatus of the present invention comprises a photographing optical system, in order from an object side, a first lens group having negative refracting power, which has a reflecting component having a reflecting surface for bending an optical path of an incident light from the object side and at least two positive lens groups arranged at an image side of the first lens group, wherein the photographing optical system is a zoom optical system and the following condition is satisfied: ?1.75<f1/fw<?0.8 where f1 is a focal length of the first lens group, and fw is a focal length at the wide angle end at the photographing optical system.

Abstract: In a camera system of this invention, a light beam coming from a photographing lens is reflected by a quick return mirror in the widthwise direction of a body unit, and is reflected by a second mirror via a half mirror and screen in the upward direction of the body unit except for some light beam components. The light beam reflected by the second mirror is reflected by a third mirror in a direction opposite to that of the light beam reflected by the quick return mirror, and is also reflected by a fourth mirror toward an eyepiece side in the back side of the body unit. Some light beam components reflected by the half mirror are fetched by an AF sensor unit to detect the focal point position of the photographing lens.

Abstract: A digital camera has a lens, a camera housing, and a semiconductor sensor. The camera housing is primarily formed of a transparent plastic block that encloses a semiconductor sensor only on its underside and has an adapted lens on its top side. Between the two there is provided an opaque layer with an aperture that improves the image quality. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a digital camera.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising at least one image capturing subsystem of a first type, comprising a lens arrangement, configured to produce images. The device further comprises at least one image capturing subsystem of a second type comprising a lens arrangement, having optical or light gathering properties different from the subsystem of first type, configured to produce an image, and a controller configured to select the subsystem with which an image is to be taken.

Abstract: An area image sensor outputs the difference between charges received by light-receiving cells arranged in an array pattern. A system controller generates a timing signal for generating a pulse or modulation signal. A control signal generator generates a control signal for separately controlling the light-receiving timings of the light-receiving cells of the area image sensor on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A light emitting controller controls a light source to generate light, the intensity of which changes on the basis of the timing signal from the system controller. A reflected light image processor extracts a reflected image of an object from the difference outputted from the area image sensor.

Abstract: An auto-focus apparatus, a focus adjusting method, an image capturing apparatus and an image capturing method make it possible to perform accurate focus adjustment on a subject for which the focus should be adjusted. The auto-focus apparatus emits an irradiation wave from emitting means for irradiation to a subject while changing an incident angle of the irradiation wave, detects an incident angle of a reflected wave of the irradiation wave reflected by the subject, incident on light receiving means positioned corresponding to the emitting means, determines based on the emitting angle and the incident angle whether or not the subject is a subject for which the focus is adjusted, and adjusts the focus on the subject when determining that the subject is the subject for which the focus should be adjusted, thereby making it possible to accurately adjust the focus on the subject for which the focus should be adjusted.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an image-capturing optical system having a movable lens and a drive mechanism with a screw member extending along the optical axis direction and being rotated by a motor, a female threaded member moving along the screw member as it revolves. The screw member includes a male screw, and a shaft having an outside diameter equal or less than an inside diameter of a female threaded member, the shaft extending from an end of the male screw, the end being at an opposite direction to a direction in which the engagement section is in abutment with the end of the female threaded member. The female threaded member is disposed such that the female threaded member can move along the male screw and can move from the male screw to a spot on the shaft in abutment with the male screw.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and systems in which a digital photography device includes a rolling shutter, a sensor, and a flash are described. The sensor implements a rolling shutter timing mechanism. The shutter includes a material that has an alterable translucent state. The shutter is in the optical path of light going to the sensor. The flash generates a pulsed illumination. The alterable translucent state of the shutter controls the sensor's exposure to the photographic effects of ambient light during a picture using the pulsed illumination.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a data processing device includes an imaging unit for outputting a taken picture as image data, a memory for temporarily storing the image data output from the imaging unit every at least one frame, a power source for applying power to the imaging unit and the memory, and a plurality of operation switches. Only when a predetermined operation switch of the operation switches is operated, the device controls so as to apply power to the imaging unit and the memory.

Abstract: A compact flexible camera lens barrel designed for use with mobile telephones. The lens barrel may be used separately or in conjunction with a camera housing. The lens barrel is designed for use with a variety of different components including cover glass, cover plastics, flanges, gaskets and the like. The components do not affect the original z-height of the lens barrel.

Abstract: An image sensor module A1 includes a case 300, a photoelectric converter 400 positioned within the case 300, and first and second optical units 100, 200 for forming an image of a subject on the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric converter 400. Imaging of the subject using the first optical unit 100, or imaging of the subject using the second optical unit 200, can be selected. It is possible to conduct a plurality of types of imaging each having a different view angle, while restricting increases in size and cost.

Abstract: Correlation of videos between fields is determined between a difference between an input interlaced signal and a signal that is delayed by one field with respect to the input interlaced signal. Correlation among N-1 sequential fields is compared with a predetermined pattern to determine whether the input interlaced signal is unquestionably a telecine-converted signal, whether it is unquestionably not a telecine-converted signal, or whether it cannot be said to be unquestionably a telecine-converted signal. If a determination of being unquestionably a telecine-converted signal is continued for a predetermined number or more of fields, an instruction signal, which instructs to perform inter-field interpolation on the input interlaced signal, is outputted.

Abstract: This imaging device includes an imaging element, a field rate conversion processing section, and a frame rate conversion processing section. The imaging element converts an image of a photoelectric subject photographically, and outputs a picture image signal which consists of frames at a first frame rate. The field rate conversion processing section converts the picture image signal at the first frame rate into a television signal at a second frame rate which is smaller than the first frame rate. The frame rate conversion processing section converts the picture image signal at the first frame rate into a cinema film signal at a third frame rate which is smaller than the first frame rate, and which is different from the second frame rate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing a plurality of video input signals in a display device by sensing a new video signal, aside from a presently displayed video signal, input through a video interface, and automatically displaying a menu of display options for the newly input video signal to convert input/output paths of video signals from the presently displayed video signal to the newly input video signal. Input of a new video signal, aside from a presently displayed video signal, is periodically checked, and if the new video signal is input, a new video signal input message and a predetermined menu for selecting whether to display the new video signal are automatically displayed. According to an input menu selection signal, the new video signal is displayed or the displaying of the presently displayed video signal is continued.

Abstract: When the fact that the display mode of motion picture data is a full screen mode is detected, the display control mode for sending a video signal generated by a graphics controller to an LCD is switched from a normal mode for sending the video signal to the LCD without interposition of a high quality video engine to a high quality mode for sending the video signal to the LCD with interposition of the high quality video engine. The high quality video engine enlarges the screen size of the video signal in either linear scaling mode or nonlinear scaling mode designated by a user. Scaling is validated only in the case were motion picture data are displayed in the full screen mode.

Abstract: When one video image (e.g., second video image) is blended or synthesized to video image (e.g., main video image), time base correction is made between both video data. A video data processing apparatus comprising a first video generator generating a first video data having an arbitrary frame rate, a second video generator generating a second video data having an arbitrary frame rate different from the first video data, and a synchronization controller using video reproduction time managed by the first video generator as a reference time, and correcting video reproduction time of the second video generator shifted from the reference time by repeatedly using the second video data to obtain frame synchronization.

Abstract: A noise reduction apparatus includes a subtracter receives a motion video signal and finds a difference signal indicative of a difference from a motion video signal preceding by 1 frame and from which noise is removed, a first multiplier executes multiplication so as to increase/decrease the difference signal corresponding to the motion video signal, a second multiplier detects an mount of motion of the motion video signal and executes multiplication so as to increase/decrease the difference signal from the subtracter in accordance with the amount of motion, an arithmetic unit subjects the increased/decreased difference signal from the second multiplier to addition/subtraction with the motion video signal, and a memory unit stores the noise-free motion video signal in a memory area and supplies to the subtracter as a 1-frame-preceding noise-free motion video signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a device for image contrast enhancement by taking the contribution of image chroma into account so as to define the luminance signal with the chroma weighted value. The new defined luminance signal can be applied towards expressing the image's parameters of original luminance signal and compensated chroma signal, through means of a statistic histogram extraction and the ratio relationship between before and after luminance curve process. Therefore, pictures can be provided with better saturation for satisfying the viewer's requirements, as observed from the process of the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting motion within a composite video signal. A first chroma difference element compares an in-phase chroma component of the composite video signal to a delayed representation of the in-phase chroma component to produce a first chroma difference value for a given pixel. A second chroma difference element compares a quadrature chroma component of the composite video signal to a delayed representation of the quadrature chroma component to produce a second chroma difference value for the pixel. A parameter mapping component maps the first and second difference values to respective first and second motion parameters that indicates the degree of change in the chroma properties of the pixel. A parameter selector determines a composite motion parameter for the pixel from the first and second motion parameters.

Abstract: An analog video receiver implemented in an integrated circuit device. The analog video receiver includes an amplifier to amplify an analog video signal having a desired carrier frequency, and a mixing circuit to mix the amplified analog video signal with a complex sinusoid having a frequency substantially equal to the carrier frequency.