Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and computer program product for enabling user interaction with objects in a virtual environment independently of apparent virtual viewpoint altitude, by non-linearly scaling the virtual actuator. In doing so, the system receives a virtual-viewpoint position and a virtual actuator position from a virtual environment processing subsystem, and a real-viewpoint position and a real-actuator position from a real-world environment tracking subsystem. An xy-scale factor is then calculated based on the virtual-viewpoint position. A non-linear mapping is thereafter calculated between a real dataset and a virtual dataset based on the xy-scale-factor. The real dataset comprises the real-actuator position and the real-viewpoint position in the real-world environment, and the virtual dataset comprises the virtual-actuator position and the virtual-viewpoint position in the virtual environment.

Abstract: Caricatured images of subjects are generated wherein the caricatured image of each subject is adapted when subjects join and leave a closed group of which they are members. By adapting the caricatured images in this manner, it can be ensured that each caricatured image remains maximally distinguishable from the other images in the group, thus ensuring that recognition of the images may be maintained at a high level.

Abstract: In an environment in which a plurality of landscape images are held at distributed locations, virtual walkthrough is implemented by making display transition to another landscape image obtained by sensing a landscape that neighbors a displayed landscape upon displaying an image of a given landscape.

Abstract: What exemplifies the invention is an electro-optical device that includes a matrix of pixel elements, a matrix of pixel drivers, each of which corresponds to each of the pixel elements, and a matrix of element processors, each of which corresponds to each of the pixel drivers. The element processors collaborate in executing grayscale calculation for transforming the grayscale resolution of the pixel data into another grayscale resolution, which is intrinsic in the couple of the pixel element and the driver, with reference to error distributed from the adjacent element processors in order to supply the result of calculation to the corresponding pixel driver, and also in distributing the error of grayscale calculation to the adjacent pixel elements.

Abstract: A three-color pixel element for a display comprises a blue emitter disposed at the origin of a rectangular coordinate system having four quadrants, a pair of red emitters and a pair of green emitters spaced apart from the blue emitter and symmetrically disposed about the origin of the rectangular coordinate system in a first and a second pair of opposing quadrants.

Abstract: An imaging module is provided and includes: an imaging section that capturing an image of an object and outputs an image signal; a bus connected to the imaging means; a receiving section that receives the image signal through the bus; an image data generating section that generates an image data based on the image signal; and a transmitting section that transmits the image data through the bus. The receiving section received the image signal at a timing of one of rising and falling of a synchronizing clock, and the transmitting section transmits the image signal at a timing of the other of the rising and falling.

Abstract: A method for forming a panoramic image using a camera. The method comprises taking a first photograph using the camera. On a display of the camera a blending area is formed. The blending area includes a part of a first image of the first photograph displayed on the display. The camera is moved before being prepared to take a second photograph. In the blending area only, a pixel matching process is performed for determining an alignment of the portion of the first image in the blending area and part of a second image of the second photograph in the blending area. A camera is also disclosed.

Abstract: A passback direction for a video monitored area may be defined. Video collected from the video monitored area may be accessed. Video collected from a video monitored area may be analyzed based on a passback direction of the video monitored area to detect any passback events in the video monitored area. An action based on the detected passback events may be initiated.

Abstract: Shooting is performed upon full depression of a shutter button, and a taken image is recorded in a memory card as an image file. An LCD displays the taken image and a print number thereof. The print number is adjusted by pressing addition and subtraction buttons. Upon pressing a decision button, number data of the print number is inputted. The number data is recorded in the memory card so as to relate to the image file. Incidentally, in case the shutter button is pressed by half without inputting the number data, the print number is set to one, and next shooting is allowed. The above operation is repeated until entire shooting is completed.

Abstract: A camera system deblurrs an image by detecting a velocity of a camera as an image is captured by an image sensor. A processor interconnected to the image sensor and the velocity detector processes the sensed image so as to deblurr the image and output the deblurred image to a printer means.

Abstract: A foveated wide-angle imaging system and method for capturing a wide-angle image and for viewing the captured wide-angle image in real time. In general, the foveated wide-angle imaging system includes a foveated wide-angle camera system having multiple cameras for capturing a scene and outputting raw output images, a foveated wide-angle stitching system for generating a stitch table, and a real-time wide-angle image correction system that creates a composed warp table from the stitch table and processes the raw output images using the composed warp table to correct distortion and perception problems. The foveated wide-angle imaging method includes using a foveated wide-angle camera system to capture a plurality of raw output images, generating a composed warp table, and processing the plurality of raw output images using the composed warp table to generate a corrected wide-angle image for viewing.

Abstract: The present invention is an image processing apparatus for processing an image data using an image file which includes the image data and image processing control information to be used for processing the image data. The apparatus comprises an automatic picture quality adjuster configured to automatically regulate lightness of the image data according to lightness of a whole image expressed by the image data and an adjustment degree determiner configured to determine a degree of the auto adjustment based on the image processing control information.

Abstract: The invention provides an image taking apparatus for shortening image taking time and obtaining a high quality image by preventing deterioration of the S/N ratio. A digital camera that performs image taking for generating image signals by capturing, with a CCD, object light sent via an image taking optical system includes: a shading correction section performing shading correction by adjusting gain depending on respective positions on the CCD; a scene determination section determining that a scene just shot is to be corrected if the scene just shot includes a uniform region with a predetermined or more area and a predetermined or higher bright ness; and a shading correction control section causing, if the scene just shot is determined by the scene determination section to be a scene to be corrected, the shading correction section to perform shading correction on an image signal obtained by image taking just performed.

Abstract: Automatic exposure adjusting device considers the image on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Each pixel is characterized according to its most significant bits. After the pixels are characterized, the number of pixels in any particular group is counted. That counting is compared with thresholds which set whether the image is over exposed, under exposed, and can optionally also determine if the image is seriously over exposed or seriously under exposed. Adjustment of the exposure is carried out to bring the image to a more desired state.

Abstract: It is so arranged that the user of a device such as a digital still camera can ascertain the transfer history of an image file that has been transferred to the camera. An image file is obtained by “Mr. A” shooting a subject using a digital still camera, whereupon information concerning the owner of the camera is read and “Mr. A” is written to a photographer/transferor history table as the photographer of the image file. The table is placed in the header recording area of the image file. If the image file is transferred to a “Miss B”, the table is read out of the image file and “Miss B” is written to the table as the transferor of the image file. The table thus updated is placed in the header recording area of the image file. One can determine the photographer and transferor of the image file by referring to the table.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an image data acquisition part that acquires image data obtained by photographing a subject, a subject ID acquisition part that acquires, on the basis of a signal obtained from the subject, a subject ID to identify the subject, and a memory that stores the image data acquired by the image data acquisition part and the subject ID acquired by the subject ID acquisition part, the image data and the subject ID being related. A subject ID adding method includes acquiring image data obtained by photographing a subject, acquiring, on the basis of a signal obtained from the subject, a subject ID to identify the subject, and connecting the image data and the subject ID to store them.

Abstract: Provided are a solid state image sensing device and method for sub-sampling using inter-column analog domain signal summation, where, in the solid state image sensing device, a CDS unit receives reset signals from neighboring columns of the same color in an APS array, receives video signals from pixels generating the reset signals, and generates modulation signals respectively corresponding to the differences between the reset signals and the video signals, the modulation signals are activated according to activation of the previous modulation signals, and a digital signal output circuit generates a corresponding digital signal based on the final modulation signal corresponding to the sum of inter-column analog video signals among the modulation signals.

Abstract: To reliably obtain a captured image expected by a user, such as an image precisely showing the shades of a blue sky or a flower, or an image captured under flat illumination and having high contrast, an apparatus comprises an aperture, shutter, CCD, and an AGC, and applies gamma correction to an image signal using gamma correction values. Maximum reflectance, being an index of the amount of incident light according to the maximum output from the CCD, is increased or decreased in multiple levels depending on the subject being photographed, and the exposure amount is accordingly adjusted, thereby changing a dynamic range. A microcomputer revises the gamma correction values in response to changes in maximum reflectance so as to substantially maintain a relationship between an incident light reference amount being a reference for appropriate exposure and the corresponding gamma corrected output value.

Abstract: A dc level control method for holding a dc level of a clamp portion in an electric signal to be a prescribed value is disclosed, wherein the method comprises the steps of: comparing a dc level of a sampling interval in said electric signal with a predetermined reference value to obtain a difference between said dc level and said reference value using an A/D converting section for dc level comparison which has a lower bit resolution than an A/D converting section for digital signal processing of said electric signal; and feeding back a clamp signal to said electric signal so that said obtained difference between said dc level and said reference value substantially becomes zero. This method is suitable for applying to a signal processing system for a solid state imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a plurality of photoelectric converting units arrayed in the horizontal and vertical directions, and an adder for adding signals including the same color component from the a plurality of photoelectric converting units such that the centers of gravity of the signals after addition are at the same pitch for respective signals.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus having function for synthesizing image signals corresponding to a plurality of frames of different exposure amounts to generate wide dynamic range, synthesized image is provided with: at least two control means among a taking control means based on a normal taking mode, a taking control means based on a forced wide dynamic range taking mode, and a taking control means based on an automatic wide dynamic range taking mode for selectively generating wide dynamic range, synthesized image automatically on the basis of object information or information set for the image taking; and means for selectively setting one image taking mode out of the taking modes respectively corresponding to the two control means. It is thereby possible to take image by selecting one image taking mode from at least two taking modes among the normal taking mode, the forced wide dynamic range taking mode, and the automatic wide dynamic range taking mode.

Abstract: Whether the image of a subject contains a redeye-image area is detected. If the image contains a redeye-image area, this area is corrected. In order that a user can ascertain that a redeye-corrected image area has been corrected, a frame is displayed around this corrected image area. The fact that the image area within the frame has undergone the redeye-image correction can be ascertained owing to display of the frame. The user can ascertain which area in the image of the subject has been subjected to redeye-image correction processing.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus enters an enlargement display mode (in which enlargement display processing of enlarging and displaying part of reduced image data for normal display is performed) from any other image display mode. The image pickup apparatus also performs enlargement display processing of enlarging and displaying part of reduced image data for normal display at a high speed. Furthermore, the image pickup apparatus starts enlargement display processing of enlarging and displaying part of reduced image data for normal display from the portion stored in the previous enlargement display processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable terminal in which the orientation of the displayed subject is the same as the actual orientation of the subject. The reference attitude when taking a picture is shown in FIG. 5, with the lid 12 being rotated substantially about 90 degrees about the X-axis with respect to the main body, and a perpendicular of the display 32 is in the same orientation as the optical axis of the CCD 41. In this attitude, the image captured by the CCD 41 is displayed as it is in the display 32. On the other hand, when the angle detector 51 detects that the lid 12 is rotated by a further 90 degrees with respect to the main body 11 from the attitude of FIG. 5 and the lid 12 and the main body 11 are opened by about 180 degrees, the image captured by the CCD 41 is rotated by 90 degrees, and the rotated image is displayed in the display 32. The present invention can be applied to portable type terminals such as mobile phones having a two axially rotatable structure, PDA, personal computers.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus includes: a zoom lens arranged in a housing and which includes fixed lens groups, movable lens groups and at least three prisms; and an imager device arranged in the housing. The zoom lens includes: a fixed first lens group including a negative lens group having a first optical axis, a first prism approximately perpendicularly folding an optical axis, and a positive lens group having a second optical axis folded by the first prism; movable lens groups and at least one fixed lens group arranged along the second optical axis to perform a zooming action, an image plane position correcting action and a focusing action; and a second prism arranged on an image side relative to a movable lens group that is a closest to the image side among the plurality of movable lens groups for approximately perpendicularly folding the optical axis.

Abstract: A multiband camera system includes: a first sensor for generating a first object image and a first alignment image in a first frequency band; a second sensor for generating a second object image and a second alignment image in a second frequency band; and an internal alignment assembly. A splitter directs radiation in the first frequency band from the object to the first sensor to form the first object image, directs radiation in the second frequency band from the object to the second sensor to form the second object image, directs radiation in the first frequency band from the internal alignment assembly to the first sensor to form the first alignment image, and directs radiation in the second frequency band from the internal alignment assembly to the second sensor to form the second alignment image. The first alignment image and the second alignment image establish a reference for aligning the first and second object images.

Abstract: A digital camera comprises two photographing systems which are independent of and substantially identical to each other, and each of which includes a photographing optical system and an image pickup device. The photographing optical system is configured to include a photographing lens, a focusing lens and an aperture stop. The focusing lens of one of the photographing systems is driven stepwise from a first predetermined position at which it is to be located when a focusing position lies at an infinite distance, toward a second predetermined position at which it is to be located when the focusing position lies at the closest distance, while the focusing lens of the other photographing system is driven stepwise from the second predetermined position toward the first predetermined position every step width.

Abstract: A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 133 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 133 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein the microcomputer 110 controls so that, when the live view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and setting information on the digital camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, in accordance with the manipulation of the manipulation portion 140. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for actively illuminating and capturing images of an object, such as a driver of a vehicle to reduce glare. The system includes a video imaging camera orientated to generate images of the subject object (e.g., eye(s)) in successive video frames. The system also includes first and second light sources operable to illuminate the object one at a time. The system further includes a processor for processing the image by performing pixel-wise min operation to combine multiple frames into a single frame to reduce glare in the image. The system may remove glare caused by the illuminators and caused by external energy sources.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus illuminates and captures an image of an object using reflected light therefrom, with simplified distance measurement. A plurality of light-emitting devices are mounted around an image sensor, and a light guide member guides the light of the light-emitting devices to an image capturing region for illumination. The image capturing apparatus having the closely disposed image capturing system and illumination system, further has a distance-measuring light-emitting device and an aperture on the distance-measuring light-emitting device and for generating an optical path having narrowed downside and broadened upside. Thus, diffused reflected light rays of distance-measuring light-emitting device can be selected, converged and output to one direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera support device worn on the body comprising a multifunctional assembly of electrical components. The inventive device is characterized in that an operational mode switch device is used to switch the operational mode of connection devices and signal lines between a first and a second mode. In the first mode, the signal lines are used for transmitting a video signal of a first type. In the second mode, only a part of the signal lines is used for transmitting a video signal of a second type while the remaining signal lines are used for other purposes.

Abstract: A capture station for creating identification documents comprises a housing including a camera and lighting device, a base, and at least one leg extending from the base. The housing is mounted to the leg to enable height adjustment of the camera. One configuration of the capture station has two substantially rigid and parallel legs with the housing mounted between the legs. Configurations of the capture station can include a processor, such a CPU or embedded controller, enabling ID document data capture functions to be executed within the capture station, and to be controlled via a remote computer via a network connection. In one embodiment, the processor is housed in the base and communicates with the camera via wiring routed through the leg. Peripherals used in capture functions, such as a fingerprint reader, signature pad, display, etc., may be mounted to the leg via clamps, or a plug in receptacle with power and communication wiring provided in the leg.

Abstract: Electronic equipment according to the present invention includes a display element. The electronic equipment includes a holding frame 23 holding a display unit 22 and including an elastic piece that can be elastically deformed in a substantially planar direction of the display surface of the display unit 22, a rear unit 21 holding a holding frame 23 and including an opening that allows the display unit 22 to be visible from outside, and a front unit 24 fixed to the rear unit 21 and covering the rear surface side of the display unit 22. The holding frame 23 is held with the rear unit 21 by elastically deforming the elastic piece. With this configuration, it is possible to attach and detach a display element such as a liquid crystal panel to and from the case easily, thus simplifying the assembling process.

Abstract: A mounting board of a camera module of a mobile phone is screwed to an outer cover through cushions formed of rubber, sponge or the like. A solid state imaging device and an optical unit of the camera module are contained in an opening formed in the outer cover and do not contact the outer cover. The mounting board is connected to a main substrate through a flexible board. Accordingly, even if the mobile phone is dropped down, the camera module is prevented from breakage by the vibration or the shock applied to the mobile phone, because the vibration and the shock are not transmitted to the camera module directly.

Abstract: In a package including a base fixed with a solid image pickup element, a side wall rising up along the periphery of the base, and internal terminals arranged on a step of the side wall, a plurality of recesses are formed at certain intervals in a lower part of the step to prevent bleeding of an adhesive fixing the solid image pickup element from creeping up over the internal terminals. When the adhesive and bleeding thereof spread around the solid image pickup element during die bonding, they flow into the recesses, making even fast-flowing bleeding hardly creep up an inner surface of the side wall including the step, and enabling prevention of the adhesive from adhering to the internal terminal. Strength, questioned by the presence of the recesses upon wire bonding, can be secured by residual parts between the recesses, and defective wire bonding is less likely to occur.

Abstract: A digital camera module packaging method includes: first, providing a carrier (20) including a base (21) defining a chamber (214) and a lead frame (23). The lead frame has a plurality of conduction pieces (233) embedded in the base. One end of each conduction piece is exposed at one surface of the base, and another end of the conduction piece is exposed at another surface of the base. An image sensor chip (30) with a photosensitive area (301) and a plurality of chip pads (302) is then mounted in the chamber. A plurality of wires (40) is then provided. Each wire electrically connects a corresponding chip pad of the image sensor chip and one exposed end of a corresponding conduction piece of the carrier. A holder (50) is then provided. The carrier is mounted to the holder. Finally, a lens module (70) is mounted on the holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods are herein given to effect a multiple mode display system that may accept multiple input image data formats and output several possible image data format. In a first embodiment, an image processing system comprises: an input that receives a plurality of source image data, said plurality of source image data further comprising a plurality of source image data formats; circuitry that resamples source image data from said source image data format to a plurality of target image data formats; and a display that renders target image data wherein the resolution of the display comprises approximately one half resolution of the largest of said plurality of target image data formats.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and/or method included in or embodied as a television signal receiver synchronizes auxiliary data with an auxiliary video output signal for appropriately inserting closed captioning into the auxiliary video signal. In one form, the television signal receiver correlates a main video signal with the auxiliary video signal in order to ascertain when and/or where to insert the auxiliary data in to the auxiliary video signal. In an exemplary manner, the field information between a video portion of a main television signal and a video portion of an auxiliary output television signal is tracked for determining field inversion between the two.

Abstract: A multimedia signal matching system for performing a picture-in-picture function includes: at least one set-top box including a decoder for decoding multimedia signals in a predetermined reference format and generating a control signal for performing the picture-in-picture function; and a multimedia matching device for receiving multimedia signals in various formats from a broadcast communication network and the control signal from the set-top box, processing the received multimedia signals into signals with the predetermined reference format responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method of processing image data for presentation of an image on a display. In particular, image data may be transformed and/or mapped for presentation on a display based, at least in part, on a user preference.

Abstract: An interactive video compositing device includes a chroma-key mixer, video switcher and control circuitry. The chroma-key mixer generates a composite image by combining a real-time image, such as one captured by a video recorder, with a prerecorded video image, such as a movie. The composite image includes the modified real-time image superimposed, or overlaid, onto the prerecorded image. The video switcher automatically selects either the composite image or the prerecorded image to be output to a display. The control circuitry controls the video switcher and other outputted signals based on data file information that corresponds to content of the prerecorded image or media. For example, the data files may contain information relating to the presence (or absence) of a particular character in a movie scene, thus allowing for the output and display, at appropriate times, of the real-time composite image instead of the prerecorded image.

Abstract: The invention relates to the reproduction of a television signal on a distant reproduction device. The received television signal is encoded and transmitted in a digital data format over a communication link to the reproduction device. The reproduction device decodes the received video information for display on a display screen. The invention is particularly intended for use in mobile vehicles, coaches and trains, where the signal strength of a received television signal during travel is continuously varying and signal distortions occur frequently. In order to reduce the effect of signal distortions on the perceived image and audio quality, the invention inserts a compressed pre-stored video or audio data into the data stream transmitted from the television receiver to the reproduction device upon detection of a television signal distortion. Thus, the decoding procedure at the display device can be maintained in spite of a received television signal of insufficient signal strength.

Abstract: We describe and claim a fuzzy logic based adaptive Y/C separation system and method. The fuzzy logic based adaptive Y/C separation system includes an adaptive Y/C separator to use fuzzy logic to separate chrominance data in a video signal, and a panel to display the chrominance data. The adaptive Y/C separator includes a plurality of filters, each to separate chrominance data in a video signal, and a blending circuit to use fuzzy logic to blend the chrominance data.

Abstract: A look-ahead system and method for pan and zoom detection in video sequences is disclosed. The system and method use motion vectors in a reference coordinate system to identify pans and zooms in video sequences. The identification of pans and zooms enables parameter switching for improved encoding in various video standards (e.g., H.264) and improved video retrieval of documentary movies and other video sequences in video databases or other storage devices.

Abstract: A micro lens panel unit for 3D display device includes: a first panel; a resin lens formed on the first panel and having a convex shape; a second panel facing the first panel; and a liquid crystal interposed between the first and second panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid crystal display and a fabricating method thereof that provides a uniform parasitic capacity of a thin film transistor. In a liquid crystal display and a fabricating method thereof according to the present invention, a source electrode of the thin film transistor is connected to the data line and a drain electrode of the thin film transistor is inserted into a hollowed part of the source electrode in the data line direction.

Abstract: Five photomasks are used in fabricating the pixel structure of an LCD. In this pixel structure, a metal light-shielding layer is formed under the thin film transistor to reduce photocurrent. Furthermore, a metal conductive wire is used to increase the storage capacity of the storage capacitor.

Abstract: An electro-optical display device comprising a first substrate having an insulating surface, at least one thin film transistor formed over the first substrate, the thin film transistor comprising a channel region, source and drain regions with the channel region extending in between, a gate insulating film adjacent to the channel region, and a gate electrode adjacent to the gate insulating film, a pixel electrode formed over a leveling film or over an interlayer insulating film and electrically connected to one of the source and drain regions of the thin film transistor, and color filters or black stripes comprising a resin formed over a second substrate. A leveling film may be formed over the at least one thin film transistor, the color filters or the black stripes. The device may comprise a second leveling film or a common electrode.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device having a switching element in a pixel portion and a CMOS element in a driving portion includes: a substrate; a gate electrode on the substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode; a polycrystalline silicon layer on the gate insulating layer, the polycrystalline silicon layer having an active region in a central portion corresponding to the gate electrode and an ohmic contact region at side portions of the active region; an interlayer insulating layer having a set of contact holes for contacting the polycrystalline silicon layer at the side portions; and source and drain electrodes spaced apart from each other on the interlayer insulating layer, the source and drain electrodes contacting the polycrystalline silicon layer through the set of contact holes.

Abstract: An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a first source electrode and a first drain electrode on a substrate, wherein the first source electrode and the first drain electrode are separated from each other and formed of a metallic material, a second source electrode and a second drain electrode on the first source electrode and the first drain electrode, respectively, and are formed of a transparent conductive material, wherein the second source electrode covers an upper surface of the first source electrode, and the second drain electrode covers an upper surface of the first drain electrode, a pixel electrode on the substrate and contacting the second drain electrode on the substrate, an organic semiconductor layer on the substrate, a gate insulating layer on the organic semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer.