Abstract: An apparatus includes a head transducer configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium and a heater configured to thermally actuate the head transducer. A thermal sensor at or near the head transducer is configured to produce a sensor signal. Circuitry is coupled to the heater and configured to cause an oscillation in heater power. The heater power oscillation causes an oscillation in the sensor signal. A detector is coupled to the thermal sensor and configured to detect head-medium contact using the oscillating sensor signal and heater power.

Abstract: One or more arrays of heating elements are configured with insulating regions to prevent the dissipation of heat to unintended regions of a thermochromic substrate. Methods include printing and arranging impressions on a two-sided substrate avoiding bleeding and other problems more-commonly associated with traditional two-sided thermal printing techniques. A simple and reliable thermal printing system is provided for use in ballot marking, including several mechanisms for receiving and detecting the orientation of a substrate within a thermal printing apparatus.

Abstract: A thermal printer having a thermal head with a heat element that heats a recording medium and forms a print dot by energizing the heat element generates a first energizing pulse that energizes continuously during a first period for forming a print dot when the recording medium conveyance speed is greater than a specific threshold value; and generates a second energizing pulse that alternates during the first period between energizing for a second period that is shorter than the first period and de-energizing for a third period when the recording medium conveyance speed is less than or equal to the threshold value.

Abstract: An exposure device of an aspect of the present invention includes an exposure unit that is provided between a body to be exposed and a component and that exposes the body to be exposed; and an electrical connection member that is electrically connected to a connecting portion disposed in the exposure unit and includes a first bent portion formed by bending the electrical connection member at an outer side of a clearance between the body to be exposed and the component and a second bent portion formed by bending the electrical connection member on an opposite side of the exposure unit with respect to the first bent portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing multi-participant video conferences. This architecture has a central distributor that receives video images from two or more participants. From the received images, the central distributor generates composite images that the central distributor transmits back to the participants. Each composite image includes a set of sub images, where each sub image belongs to one participant. In some embodiments, the central distributor saves network bandwidth by removing each particular participant's image from the composite image that the central distributor sends to the particular participant. In some embodiments, images received from each participant are arranged in the composite in a non-interleaved manner. For instance, in some embodiments, the composite image includes at most one sub-image for each participant, and no two sub-images are interleaved.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a video conferencing system that may employ a video camera capable of capturing a view approximating 360 degrees, a viewing screen positioned to allow natural eye contact between conference participants, and a processing module capable of receiving and processing multiple data streams from video and audio capturing devices as well as data streams from other sources. In some embodiments, the video camera may be mounted above or below the viewing screen to capture an approximately 360 degree view of all locally appearing participants as well as the surrounding conference environment. The video conferencing system allows multiple participants participating from a single location to communicate easily and maintain natural eye contact with one another while maintaining eye contact with persons appearing from remote locations.

Abstract: A user can design their own custom composed view for a videoconference depending on the users' individualized needs. The view can include segments (windows) in which participating conferees' video images are presented and accessory elements such as window borders, text, icons, and the like. The content of the accessory elements can be linked to events within the conference or the content of other objects within the view. A custom composed view for a video conference can be designed off-line by a user, loaded into a videoconferencing device, and executed to generate the custom composed view. The videoconferencing device can synchronize the content of accessory elements with the content of other objects presented in the view.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for improving the QoE of real-time video sessions between mobile users. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: configuring one or more servers on the perimeter of a service provider network; receiving a request from a first mobile device to establish a real-time communication session with a second mobile device; providing the first and second mobile devices with networking information for connecting to the servers; and establishing the real-time communication session through the server.

Abstract: A shooting apparatus has an image pickup section, a display section which displays an image picked up by the image pickup section, an operation section for performing operations including a shooting command, a communication section which performs communication with a further shooting apparatus, a determination section which determines a left-right placement relationship between the shooting apparatus and the further shooting apparatus from a predetermined position held by the user with a right hand or a left hand or from a predetermined operation, and a control section which, by transmitting a signal to the further shooting apparatus through the communication section, performs control for causing at least a portion of an image picked up by the further shooting apparatus to be transmitted from the further shooting apparatus.

Abstract: Three-Dimensional Defocusing Particle Image Velocimetry (3DDPIV) allows for measurement of three-dimensional velocities within a volume. In the disclosed embodiment, a mask with a plurality of apertures is disposed with a lens between the test section and a color camera. The field-of-view is backlit and the test section is seeded with black particles. This configuration allows for a lower power light source as compared to conventional 3DDPIV. Color-coded particle images are formed on a white background, wherein each of the color images is generated from light that travels through the filters not blocked by the imaged particle, thereby producing a color image that is of a color different from the color of any of the filters. A color space linear transformation is used to allow for accurate identification of each pinhole exposure when the color filters' spectrum does not match those of the 3-CCD color camera.

Abstract: In a display apparatus and a driving method thereof, a detector determines whether a timing controller is operated in a three-dimensional (3D) mode or a two-dimensional (2D) mode to output a first or second mode signal according to a result of the determination. A compensator compensates for a gamma value of a 3D image to be increased in response to a first mode signal when the 2D mode is converted to the 3D mode and decreases an increased gamma value to a gamma value for a 2D image in response to a second mode signal when the 3D mode is converted to the 2D mode.

Abstract: A method adjusts the sensitivity of an image sensor, and includes: adjusting an integration duration of the image sensor between a minimum duration and an image frame duration, receiving from the image sensor a frame signal, and amplifying the frame signal by applying an adjusted amplification gain between different minimum and maximum gain values. For each frame of the frame signal, if an integration duration, calculated as a function of an average value of the frame signal, is comprised between the minimum duration and a maximum duration equal to several times the frame duration, the method establishes the integration duration at the integration duration calculated and maintains the amplification gain at a fixed value, otherwise it maintains the integration duration at the minimum or maximum duration and adjusts the amplification gain between the minimum and maximum values as a function of the average value.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus has a transmission device of an endoscope and a reception device of a processor. The transmission device calculates a DC balance value of input data, compares the DC balance value and a cumulative value thereof, and compares the sign of the DC balance value and the sign of the cumulative value. When the signs are the same sign, the transmission device generates intermediate data by exchanging a first value and a second value with each other for all the bits of the input data, and generates predetermined information indicating that all the bits have been inverted. When the signs are different signs, the transmission device performs a process of setting the input data as the intermediate data and transmits the intermediate data by a serial signal.

Abstract: An acoustic video camera system uses acoustic data acquisition systems to produce digital video imagery capable of interfacing with host equipment that operates using standard video formats compatible with video images obtained using optical systems. The acoustic video camera comprises an Acoustic Imager, a Digital Image Compression Component, an I/O and Processing component, and, optionally, an Image Analytics Component. System analytics may provide automated target identification and tracking. All of these components may be incorporated in a submersible acoustic imaging unit having communications capability for interfacing with a host display and control system.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically changing the operation of a mobile device in response to a presence of information is described. In some examples, the system determines an information capture device is proximate to text, automatically changes operation of the capture device to a certain mode, captures the text, and performs an action associated with the captured text.

Abstract: A thermal imaging interface for control of a computer program may obtain one or more thermal infrared images of one or more objects with one or more thermographic cameras. The images may be analyzed to identify one or more characteristics of the objects. Such characteristics may be used as a control input in the computer program.

Abstract: A camera apparatus includes: a base; an outer case provided on the case for rotation around a first imaginary axis passing the base; an inner case provided on the outer case for rotation around a second imaginary axis extending on a plane intersecting with the first imaginary axis; a camera section incorporated in the inner case and having an image pickup optical system; a first driving section for rotating the outer case; a second driving section for rotating the inner case; and a conversion lens supported on the outer case; the inner case being rotated by the second driving section between a conversion lens use position at which an optical axis of the image pickup optical system is aligned with an optical axis of the conversion lens and a conversion lens non-use range within which an optical path of the image pickup optical system is displaced from the conversion lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a unique camera experience, wherein the camera is placed in an in-ground position permitting recording or broadcast of a camera perspective that is along the surface of or above the surface of the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the in-ground camera is secured within the surface of a racetrack.

Abstract: A television signal and image processing system that superimposes an indicator of the fall line of a golf green adjacent the hole on the green image to be televised to the viewer. This process is achieved by generating and storing typographical maps of the greens on a golf course and generating and storing the locations of the holes on those greens, the locations of the holes are then merged with topography of the individual greens, and then the high (above the hole) and low (below the hole) fall lines are calculated in xyz coordinates, and synthesized arrows having the same coordinates are then applied to the merged topography with one arrow on the high side of the hole point downwardly on the fall line in three dimensions and a second arrow on the low side of the hole also pointed downwardly.

Abstract: A method for distributing sports entertainment includes the step of providing a plurality of video cameras positioned on vehicles or athletes that are participating in sporting events, transmitters for transmitting information from the plurality of cameras to a processing station, retransmission equipment for directing the camera feed from each of the plurality of cameras to separate channels for distribution and remote viewing at viewers' locations, and channel selectors that permit viewers to select from among the various channels, thereby allowing the viewers to select from the plurality of camera feeds. The cameras are simultaneously operated during the sporting event so as to generate a plurality of camera feeds during the event, each feed reflecting the perspective of an individual participant. The plurality of feeds is received by the retransmission equipment and retransmitted to selectable channels, each channel being associated with a respective camera feed.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a digital imaging subsystem with a lens having an optical axis. A case encloses and supports the digital imaging subsystem in a first defined positional relationship to the case. A removable panel is coupled to the case and held in a second defined positional relationship to the case that covers the digital imaging subsystem without the removable panel being directly connected to the digital imaging subsystem. An optical component is supported by the removable panel such that the optical component is aligned with the optical axis and alters optical characteristics of the digital imaging subsystem. The device may include a power supply and an electronic control system coupled to the digital imaging subsystem and the power supply enclosed in and supported by the case. Electrical connectors may couple the power supply and the electronic control system to an electrical component on the removable panel.

Abstract: An apparatus which processes a substrate including a mark to be detected for positioning the substrate, comprises an illuminator configured to illuminate the mark, the illuminator including a shutter which opens and closes an optical path thereof, an image pickup device configured to pick up an image of the mark illuminated by the illuminator, and a storage configured to store correction data for correcting an output of the image pickup device with respect to each of a plurality of illumination periods that depend on operations of the shutter. The apparatus is configured to obtain the correction data from the storage in accordance with the illumination period, and to correct the output of the image pickup device using the obtained correction data.

Abstract: A method of manipulating assets on a touch-sensitive display. The method includes showing a camera and a field of view of the camera on the touch-sensitive display. The method further includes detecting contact with the camera or the field of view of the camera on the touch-sensitive display, and manipulating the camera based on a gesture conducted on the camera or the field of view of the camera shown on the touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: An image capture system includes: an automatic photography controlling section for executing an automatic photography operation to thereby obtain captured-image data from an image resulting from image capture performed by an image-capture section; a display section having a display screen section on which the image is displayed; a moving mechanism section having a mechanism for moving a movement unit so that a display direction of the display section is changed in conjunction with an image-capture direction; a captured-image display controlling section for controlling the display section so that the image of the obtained captured-image data is displayed on the display screen section; and a movement controlling section for controlling the moving mechanism section so as to move the movement unit so that the display direction is directed toward a subject person in a mode in which the image of the captured-image data is displayed.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an imaging element which obtains an image, and an imaging sensor processing unit which resets an exposure of the imaging element by a feedback control based on an image data obtained by the imaging element. The imaging sensor processing unit continuously executes, by pipeline processing, the following processing of setting an exposure time of the imaging element in a first frame just after start-up of the imaging device, making the imaging element accumulate light with an exposure time set at a former frame in a second frame, and outputting the image data by applying a gain set by the second frame in a third frame.

Abstract: This invention provides an image pickup apparatus that performs an image pickup operation that alternately repeats a long exposure LE and a short exposure SE. The image pickup apparatus drives an image pickup device in a first driving mode that makes a first time interval between an exposure end time of a pixel in an SE and an exposure start time of the pixel in an LE immediately thereafter and a second time interval between the exposure end time of the pixel in the LE and the exposure start time of the pixel in the SE immediately thereafter equal.

Abstract: An integrated field-portable device comprising an image capture device configured to capture an image of a survey target area and a position determination system for determining a position of the integrated field-portable device, and an annotation system configured to access the image and associate the image with the position of at least one target in the survey target area and to associate with the image an instance of additional data comprising an identifier of the survey target area. The integrated field-portable device further comprises a storage system configured to generate a digital representation when the image is captured comprising the image, the position of the at least one target and the instance of additional data.

Abstract: An image sensor comprises a plurality of pixel units connected to a column line, a signal process circuit configured to process a signal output from the column line according to a switching operation, and a kick-back noise blocking circuit configured to reduce kick-back noise caused by the switching operation. Each of the pixel units includes a photoelectric conversion element. The kick-back noise blocking circuit is connected between the column line and the signal process circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state image pickup device includes a pixel array including pixels, each having a photoelectric conversion element and a detecting unit detecting an acquired electric signal, arranged in a matrix, a signal line provided for each column of the pixel array and connected to the detecting unit through a switching element, a selection line provided for each row of the pixel array and supplied with a selection pulse causing the switching element to conduct, a resetting unit provided in each pixel constituting the pixel array and applying a predetermined potential to the detecting unit of the pixel, and an output control unit provided in each pixel constituting the pixel array and causing the switching element of the pixel to conduct according to the selection pulse supplied to another selection line connected to another switching element of another pixel belonging to another row.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus includes a pixel array including pixels. Each of the pixels includes a transducer for generating signal charge according to the intensity of an incident light beam. The image-capturing apparatus further includes an output circuit for outputting a pixel signal outside the pixel array at a frame rate depending on the pixel position in the pixel array, based on the signal charge; and an output-controlling unit for controlling the operation of the output circuit.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a solid-state image pickup device, including a pixel portion in which a plurality of light receiving areas corresponding to different wavelengths, respectively, are disposed, and transistors used commonly to the plurality of adjacent light receiving areas in the pixel portion, and disposed so as to be brought near to a side of the light receiving area, corresponding to the shorter wavelength, of the plurality of adjacent light receiving areas.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting one or more events are provided. The techniques include using multiple overlapping regions of interest on a video sequence to cover a location for one or more events, wherein each event is associated with at least one of the multiple overlapping regions of interest, applying multiple-instance learning to the video sequence to select one or more of the multiple overlapping regions of interest to construct one or more location-aware event models, and applying the models to the video sequence to detect the one or more events and to determine the one or more regions of interest that are associated with the one or more events.

Abstract: A backside illumination image sensor equipped with a plurality of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional pattern, includes: image-capturing pixels; and focus detection pixels.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device with a layout in which one sharing unit includes an array of photodiodes of 2 pixels by 4×n pixels (where, n is a positive integer), respectively, in horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: A correlated double sampling circuit includes a delta-sigma modulator, a selection circuit, and an accumulation circuit. The delta-sigma modulator is configured to receive an input signal, delta-sigma modulate the input signal, and output a modulation signal. The selection circuit is configured to invert the modulation signal and selectively output one of the modulation signal and an inverted modulation signal in response to a selection signal corresponding to an operation phase. The accumulation circuit is configured to generate a first accumulation result by performing an accumulation process on one of the modulation signal and the inverted modulation signal in a first operation phase, and generate a second accumulation result by performing the accumulation process on the first accumulation result and the other one of the modulation signal and the inverted modulation signal in a second operation phase.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises: a plurality of memory capacitors for holding signals output from pixels; and a plurality of first switches for respectively connecting the memory capacitors to a common signal line, wherein each of the plurality of memory capacitors includes a terminal connected to the corresponding first switch and supplied with the corresponding signal output from the corresponding pixel, and another terminal supplied with a reference potential, a reference potential supplying unit supplies a first reference potential during a period in which the plurality of memory capacitors hold the signals, and supplies a second reference potential having a potential difference from a potential of the common signal line before turning-on of the first switch, the potential difference being larger than that of the first reference potential, during a period in which the first switches are turned on.

Abstract: While an electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface is in a locked, passcode-protected state, the device displays a lock screen user interface on the display. The lock screen user interface includes a plurality of restricted application launch icons, each restricted application launch icon corresponding to an application. The device also detects user input to activate a respective restricted application launch icon; and, in response to detecting the user input to activate the respective restricted application launch icon, starts a restricted session for a respective application that corresponds to the respective restricted application launch icon, wherein the respective application is configured to generate one or more content items while in the restricted session, and maintains the device in the locked, passcode-protected state for applications in the device other than the respective application.

Abstract: An image pickup device includes a placing section on which an image pickup element that receives light from an object is placed, a tilted surface section, which is provided on the placing section and is tilted with respect to the axis of light that enters the image pickup element, a direction specifying section, which specifies a moving direction so that the placing section moves parallel to the optical axis direction, a panel section having a surface perpendicular to the optical axis, and a rotating member, which is disposed between the tilted surface section and the panel section, and rotates and moves in the tilt direction of the tilted surface by being in contact with the tilted surface section.

Abstract: A sighting system is disclosed, comprising a housing with small upper mirror mounted in its upper center, redirecting light from a single objective lens set, and a larger lower mirror mounted coaxially relative to the lens set and upper mirror, both mirrors set at 45° and redirecting light at 90° angles to the lens set. The smaller mirror is positioned closer than the lower mirror to the lens set. A night camera system is used for receiving an image through the lens set redirected by the lower mirror and amplified through an intensifier before transmission to a video display monitor(s). A day camera system receiving the image from the lens set redirected by the smaller mirror transmits the image to the monitor(s) for separate display of the image, enabling simultaneous capture of the optimum amount of light by each camera, maximizing the housing's diametrical space to receive incoming light.

Abstract: The lens apparatus is detachably attachable to a camera apparatus. The lens apparatus includes an image taking optical system, a memory configured to store aberration correction data being used for image correction processing corresponding to aberration of the image taking optical system, the image correction processing being performed on an image captured by the camera apparatus through the image taking optical system, and a data sending part configured to send the aberration correction data to the camera apparatus. The data sending part is configured to select partial data that is part of the aberration correction data depending on one of a position and a state of an optical adjustment member included in the image taking optical system and information on an image pickup element provided in the camera apparatus, and to send the partial data to the camera apparatus.

Abstract: A power supply circuit includes: a comparison unit that compares a reference voltage and an input voltage and outputs a voltage difference signal; an output voltage generating unit that generates an output voltage based on the voltage difference signal; an input voltage generating unit that generates the input voltage based on the output voltage; a current output unit that outputs a reference current; a resistor that generates the reference voltage in accordance with the reference current; and a capacitor that is connected to the resistor in parallel and is charged by the reference current, wherein the current output unit allows the reference current at the time of startup to be lower than the reference current during an operation.

Abstract: A camera body to which an image pickup unit including an optical system, an image pickup device, and an image-pickup-unit connector is detachably attached, includes a recess to which the image pickup unit is freely detachably attached and which includes a back wall, an upper wall, and a side wall to be opened on a lower side, a lateral side, and a front side of the camera body. The back wall faces a rear of the image pickup unit, the upper wall is located on an upper side of the camera body in a normal use state.

Abstract: An image sensor assembly includes: an image sensor; a support plate disposed on a back surface of the image sensor; a first frame which includes a first hole which is open allowing incident light onto the image sensor and is disposed on a front surface of the support plate to enclose at least a side edge of the image sensor; an optical filter disposed in the first hole to block a part of the incident light; a second frame which includes a second hole which is open to allow light to be incident onto the optical filter and is disposed in front of the first frame; a front plate which is disposed in front of the second hole to contact a front surface of at least a side edge of the second frame; and a vibrator which is combined with at least a side edge of the front plate.

Abstract: A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.

Abstract: An image conversion apparatus and method for converting a progressive image into an interlaced image in an image processing system are provided. A controller determines a number of frames to be used to convert a progressive image into an interlaced image. A converter generates an interpolated image for the progressive image according to the determined number of frames, and converts the progressive image into an interlaced image using the interpolated image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes an information display module, a change instruction receiver, and an information display controller. The information display module is configured to display output information at start-up time of the electronic apparatus. The change instruction receiver is configured to receive an instruction to change the displayed output information. The information display controller is configured to control the information display module to change display of the output information in accordance with the change instruction when the electronic apparatus in a standby state receives the change instruction.

Abstract: In one system embodiment, an overlapped block processing module configured to provide three-dimensional (3D) denoising of plural frames corresponding to a raw video sequence; and a frame alignment module configured to represent the raw video sequence with motion compensated frames corresponding to the raw video sequence, the motion compensated frames consisting of the plural frames and fewer in quantity than the quantity of frames of the raw video sequence, the plural frames based on prior temporally matched frames corresponding to the raw video sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to receive and display digital television signals are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus to receive digital television signals comprises an antenna assembly coupled to the signal processing circuitry and comprising a first antenna positioned to maximize reception in a first direction and a second antenna positioned to maximize reception in a second direction, different from the first direction, and a processor coupled to the antenna assembly and comprising a selection logic module to select an antenna to receive a digital television signal for a specific channel, and a tuning logic module to configure the antenna assembly to receive a signal via a selected antenna.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which implements more comfortable user operation where an electric apparatus which is remotely controlled by a remote controller (remote control apparatus) carries out processing operation in which an information recording medium is used. Remote controller data, remote controller controlling commands and reader/writer commands are placed into and transmitted by command data cmdDATA in packets of the same format. Further, reader/writer command data rwDATA and a reader/writer communication footer (parity for an error check and so forth) rwFT which have a longer data length are divided and placed divisionally into and transmitted together with the command data cmdDATA in communication packets. The transmitted data are received and merged.

Abstract: A cursor control method for controlling a cursor on an image display includes: providing at least two reference points for generating light of a predetermined spectrum and defining a predetermined area; providing an image sensor pointing inside the predetermined area; receiving the light of the predetermined spectrum by the image sensor to form a digital image; identifying positions and shapes of the images of the reference points on the digital image to form a first parameter; performing distance and angle compensations on the first parameter; moving the aiming point of the image sensor inside the predetermined area to form a second parameter; and calculating an displacement of the images of the reference points on the digital image according to the compensated first and second parameters so as to accordingly control the cursor. The present invention further provides a cursor control apparatus.