Contrast Patents (Class 345/617)
  • Publication number: 20130207992
    Abstract: The application discloses a method of controlling frame data to be fed to a display device, comprising: controlling one or more processors of an electronic device to produce frame data in which the contrast of a region of the image represented by the frame data is adjusted responsive to: animation of that region of the image; and an indication that the contrast of the region should be adjusted during animation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Emil Alexander WASBERGER, Svante Magnus Ulfstand HALLERSTRÖM SJÖSTEDT, Dan Zacharias GÄRDENFORS
  • Patent number: 8478078
    Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the magnification of a pattern searching template of a scanning electron microscope. The determining method comprises: acquiring a first image initially at a first magnification; then acquiring a second image which contains a pattern image displayed on the first image at a second magnification lower than the first magnification; making the size of the first image coincident with the size of a third image which cut out a portion of the second image; thereafter determining the correlation value between the first image and the third image; and setting the second magnification as the magnification of a pattern searching template, in the case where the correlation value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. As a result, a condition for acquiring a search area can be properly set, when pattern recognition is performed by means of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Sakai, Fumihiro Sasajima
  • Patent number: 8462169
    Abstract: A system and method for generating immersive sensation for a two-dimensional still image is provided. The method for generating immersive sensation including: converting a color space of an inputted image; loading a background mask to separate a foreground image and a background image from the inputted image; achieving attribute information for each of the foreground image and the background image, based on a perceptual attribute with respect to the color space, via an image content analysis; predicting scaling parameters based on the attribute information; and enhancing the inputted image based on the scaling parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao Kaida, Ji Young Hong, Ho Young Lee
  • Patent number: 8427501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of calibration of a display device by iteration in order to optimize an electrical control voltage of the display device, the calibration method comprising a measurement of an optical contrast of the display device and a calculation of an electrical control voltage value, the optical contrast measurement and the calculation of the electrical voltage value being carried out once during each calibration step, the optimization of the electrical control voltage being carried out starting from an initial value of the electrical control voltage and ending with a final value of the electrical control voltage, the calibration method being carried out by means of an initial calibration step and by means of a calibration refinement step, the initial calibration step being carried out once during the calibration method, the calibration refinement step being carried out once or several times during the calibration method, the approximation of the final value of the electrical con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Christophe Bardot
  • Publication number: 20130070209
    Abstract: A projection system for projecting an output image. The projection system comprises a plurality of laser diodes, each laser diode operable to generate a light beam having a selected intensity in response to a control voltage and a control current and combiner optics for combining light beams received from the plurality of laser diodes to generate an output light beam. A MEMS mirror module receives the output light beam from the combiner optics and generates a scanning light beam that forms the output image on a projection surface. A controller adjusts the control voltage associated with each of the plurality of laser diodes for a first line of pixel data in response to a determination of a level of contrast associated with the first line of pixel data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michel Cantelobre
  • Patent number: 8384732
    Abstract: A method for adjusting color saturation is adapted for color adjustment of a pixel in a color space. The method includes: determining a color cube in the color space; selecting one from a plurality of diagonals of the color cube as a primary diagonal, and setting the primary diagonal at a vertical axis of the color space; determining a hue azimuth angle and a height in the color cube desired by the pixel; determining a reference point at an outermost periphery of the color cube corresponding to the azimuth angle, and obtaining a reference height and a reference horizontal distance of the reference point distant from the primary diagonal; and obtaining a color saturation value of the pixel by multiplying the reference horizontal distance with a ratio between the reference height and the height of the pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chun-Hung Lien, Dong-Yang Lin, Ching-Hsung Wang
  • Patent number: 8379049
    Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: EveryScape, Inc.
    Inventors: Byong Mok Oh, Fredo Durand
  • Publication number: 20130038626
    Abstract: A method and system for color enabled local area contrast enhancement, are provided by generating a first copy of an image; processing the first copy to locally enhance visual contrast in the image; generating a second copy of the image; processing the second copy of the image to provide at least one visual cue to radiant flux within the image incident on the focal plane pixels; displaying a combined image formed from the combination of the locally enhanced first copy and flux mapped the second copy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Francis M. Feda
  • Patent number: 8355030
    Abstract: Display methods and interfaces for high dynamic range images. High dynamic range images and corresponding histograms are displayed on a display device. The histogram panel displays low dynamic range and high dynamic range data of the images simultaneously. The low dynamic range and high dynamic range data is brightness level of the image pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Corel Corporation
    Inventor: Tsung-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 8350858
    Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing the playing of animation objects are presented. An animation object map may assign an animation object to each region of multiple regions of a viewing area. A synchronization shading map may assign a shade to each of the regions, where at least two of the shades assigned to regions differ in intensity. Playing each animation object may involve determining a start time for each of the regions. The start time for each particular region depends upon an intensity of a shade assigned to the particular region by the synchronization shading map, and ones of the regions having different shades differ in their respective start times based on a difference in intensities of shades assigned to those regions by the synchronization shading map. Playing of the animation object within a region begins at the start time determined for the region according to the synchronization map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Sreedhar Ranganathan
  • Publication number: 20130002705
    Abstract: A graphics or image rendering system, such as a map image rendering system, receives image data from an image database in the form of vector data that defines various image objects, such as roads, geographical boundaries, etc., and textures defining text strings to be displayed on the image to provide, for example, labels for the image objects. The imaging rendering system renders the images such that the individual characters of the text strings are placed on the image following a multi-segmented or curved line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: Brian Cornell
  • Patent number: 8345061
    Abstract: A method, system, and media are provided for enhancing viewability of information presented on a mobile device. The media includes presenting a user interface on a mobile device that includes foreground information that overlaps a background image. The background image may be converted into a first set of color values and the foreground information into a second set of color values. A dominant color may be determined for the background image and foreground information. The dominant colors may be used to calculate a contrast ratio that may be compared to a threshold value. At least a portion of the color values may be modified when the contrast ratio is less than the threshold value. A set of modified color values may then be derived and a modified presentation may be presented to the user that includes the modified color values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Shane Jeremy Landry, Harry H. Lai, Michael Joseph DeVries, Christine Schumaker
  • Patent number: 8311361
    Abstract: Enhancement of an image includes adjusting its brightness and then adjusting the contrast of the brightness adjusted image. Adjusting the brightness uses an estimation of real world luminance. Contrast adjustment involves extracting background and contrast information, adjusting the contrast information by an adjustment factor based on the background information and combining the background corrected contrast information to obtain an output image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited
    Inventors: Min Chen, Huajun Peng, Guoping Qiu
  • Patent number: 8274526
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for visual gamma correction of a display system includes retrieving input gamma information from input content, determining at least one pattern representing luminance of the received content based upon at least the retrieved gamma information, displaying the at least one determined pattern representing the luminance of the received image content and at least one corresponding reference image on the display system, and adjusting the brightness and contrast of the least one reference image on the display system to approach the luminance of a corresponding determined pattern to determine a corrected gamma for the display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventor: Bongsun Lee
  • Patent number: 8264499
    Abstract: A method, system, and media are provided for enhancing viewability of information presented on a mobile device. The media includes presenting a user interface on a mobile device that includes foreground information that overlaps a background image. The background image may be converted into a first set of color values and the foreground information into a second set of color values. A dominant color may be determined for the background image and foreground information. The dominant colors may be used to calculate a contrast ratio that may be compared to a threshold value. At least a portion of the color values may be modified when the contrast ratio is less than the threshold value. A set of modified color values may then be derived and a modified presentation may be presented to the user that includes the modified color values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Shane Jeremy Landry, Harry H. Lai, Michael Joseph DeVries, Christine Schumaker
  • Patent number: 8259127
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the display system, the display system comprises an image pipeline that accepts input color image data of one color gamut to be rendered on a display having high brightness subpixel layouts. In one embodiment, the system comprises a boost function that maps the input color data onto another color gamut that boosts the luminance of colors that might appear dark if rendered against a white or very light background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: MoonHwan Im, Thomas Lloyd Credelle
  • Patent number: 8255816
    Abstract: An example method of modifying a model of a field includes presenting a representation of field data in a first window and receiving a selection of a portion of the representation of the field data. The method further includes presenting the portion of the representation in a second window, creating a magnified portion, where the representation and the magnified portion are presented concurrently. The method further includes receiving a request to modify the field data presented in the magnified portion, modifying the field data based on the request, and based on the modified field data, updating the magnified portion and the representation to obtain a modified magnified portion and a modified representation, respectively. The method further includes concurrently presenting the modified magnified portion in the second window and the modified representation in the first window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David Hammock, Phil Hodgson, Tedros Kifle, Glen Lillehammer, Randolph E. F. Pepper, Tram Thi Nhat Tran, Juliani Vachon
  • Publication number: 20120212499
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns an interactive head-mounted eyepiece with an integrated processor for handling content for display and an integrated image source for introducing the content to an optical assembly through which the user views a surrounding environment and the displayed content. An integrated movement detection facility may be adapted to detect movements of the head-mounted eyepiece when worn by the user. The integrated processor may determine a type of movement and reduce the appearance of the displayed content based on the type of movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: OSTERHOUT GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: John D. Haddick, John N. Border
  • Publication number: 20120194540
    Abstract: A method of matching medical images according to user-defined matches rules. In one embodiment, the matched medical images are displayed according user-defined display rules such that the matched medical images may be visually compared in manner that is suitable to the viewer's viewing preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: DR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Murray A. Reicher, Evan K. Fram, Steven M. Greim, John J. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8218894
    Abstract: A system and method of contrast enhancement is disclosed. A contrast enhancement unit processes an input pixel to generate a contrast-enhanced pixel, and a delta unit subtracts the input pixel from the contrast-enhanced pixel, thereby resulting in a difference value. Multiple delayed difference values generated by a delay unit are low-pass filtered to generate a refined difference value. An adding unit adds back the refined difference value to the input pixel, thereby resulting in an output pixel that is contrast-enhanced without noise boost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Himax Media Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Shing-Chia Chen
  • Patent number: 8203574
    Abstract: A method for improvement of contrast in an image shown on a display having a range of displayable video levels. The method comprises providing input video levels representing the image, said levels being within said displayable range; providing a transfer function (120, 121) having a slope greater than one everywhere in a gain region (130) of said displayable range, and a slope greater than zero and less than one everywhere in a softclip region (131) of said displayable range, said regions (130, 131) meeting at a threshold level (125), the transfer function (120, 121) being adapted to transfer any input video level within said displayable range to an output level within displayable said range; and transforming said input levels into output levels within said range, using the transfer function (120, 121). According to the invention, instead of “hardclipping” there is a “softclipping” of levels. Hence, compared to conventional methods, a higher gain may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Den Breejen, Hendrikus Willem Groot Hulze
  • Patent number: 8194092
    Abstract: An image processing method for reducing a power consumption. The image processing method may reduce the power consumption by classifying an input content into a conversion target region and a preservation target region and by converting a luminance of pixels included in the conversion target region. Also, the image processing method may effectively perform a luminance conversion for pixels by separating the input content into the conversion target region and the preservation target region based on a luminance of the pixels of the input content. The image processing method may convert the luminance of the pixels of the conversion target region to maintain a contrast between text pixels and background pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Ran Han, Seung Sin Lee, Du-Sik Park
  • Patent number: 8189013
    Abstract: Disclosed is a video signal processing device and a method of processing gradation capable of improving the contrast ratio and the user satisfaction of a plasma display device. The video signal processing device includes a position detecting unit for detecting positions of pixels to be displayed in a frame, a sub region detecting unit for detecting a central region including a reference point formed of at least one pixel in the frame and sub regions surrounding the central region, and a compensating unit for differently compensating brightness of pixels positioned in the sub regions and brightness of pixels positioned in the central unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mi-Young Joo, Jong-Ho Park
  • Patent number: 8189223
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an input unit configured to obtain image data and to perform an input process on the image data to produce input image data, an input filter configured to control the input process performed by the input unit, an output unit configured to perform an output process on processed image data, an output filter configured to control the output process performed by the output unit, a process filter connecting between the input filter and the output filter to control processing of the input image data, and another output filter configured to control an output process for storing given image data and conditions concerning outputting of the given image data in a storage unit. The other output filter is coupled to one of the input filter and the process filter in response to receiving an instruction to store the given image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhide Tanabe, Tadashi Nagata
  • Patent number: 8188966
    Abstract: Provided is an image display device capable of adjusting brightness. The image display device includes a brightness determining unit that determines the brightness of image data, applied from outside, so as to output a backlight selection signal and a contrast selection signal; a backlight control unit that is connected to the brightness determining unit and outputs a backlight driving voltage for supplying backlight with brightness corresponding to the backlight selection signal; a contrast control unit that is connected to the brightness determining unit and outputs an image output signal for outputting an image of which the contrast is adjusted to correspond to the contrast selection signal; and an image display unit that is connected to the backlight control unit and the contrast control unit and receives the backlight driving voltage and the image output signal so as to display an image in which the brightness of the backlight and the contrast of the image data are respectively adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 8174538
    Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: EveryScape, Inc.
    Inventors: Byong Mok Oh, Fredo Durand
  • Patent number: 8165808
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for representing points of interest relative to a user-defined geographic area in a map interface. Representation of the geographic area and a plurality of point-of-interest (POI) locations corresponding to the points of interest is facilitated in the map interface using a color scheme in which variations in color represent variations in density of the POI locations within the geographic area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventor: Bernd Scheibe
  • Patent number: 8165419
    Abstract: A histogram stretching apparatus and a histogram stretching method are disclosed to enhance image contrast by stretching a histogram of an input image within a range of a preset maximum expansion level and a preset minimum expansion level. The histogram stretching apparatus performs proper stretching suitable for a characteristic of the input image in due consideration of a saturation portion and a distribution range of a histogram of the input image. The histogram stretching apparatus can improve stretching effects by removing the saturated portion of the input image, and can prevent image distortion even for a monochromatic image. The histogram apparatus can improve histogram stretching effects by adjusting entire image levels of an image having a histogram frequency distribution skewed to a dark or bright side before a stretching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Joong Min, Hak Sun Kim, Won Tae Choi
  • Patent number: 8159503
    Abstract: A process that enables the user to select the type of display device to be adjusted. The user adjusts the brightness levels and color levels of the monitor to create a monitor profile for storage. The user then calibrates the selected monitor relative to a peripheral device such as a color printer device by comparing a printed test image to a displayed a gray scale image and a plurality of color images to establish a printer profile. The user then chooses to print an image by incorporating the printer profile or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong S. Park
  • Patent number: 8149245
    Abstract: A method may include the steps of segmenting an image into a plurality of tiles, calculating an upper clip limit and a lower clip limit for each tile of the plurality of tiles based upon a user input standard deviation, generating a lookup table for each tile of the plurality of tiles by linearly mapping the pixels of the image based upon the calculated upper clip limit and lower clip limit, processing each tile of the plurality of tiles based upon the generated lookup table, and generating a processed image by combining each of the processed tiles. The method may include the steps of scaling the image between zero and one and/or scaling the image based upon the display type. The method may be stored on a computer readable medium and may be used in an image processing system having memory, a processor, and a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David L. Buck, Brian T. Williams
  • Patent number: 8132125
    Abstract: A freeform selection tool for a computer system with a graphical user interface allows a user to draw a freeform selection path so as to select one or more graphical objects. The user is provided with the freedom to input selection ink, in any orientation, and using any desired selection path size provided by the select tool. The selecting tool may change the visual appearance of any graphical object once selected. The selecting tool provides the ability to select ink or graphical object with a particular property to be used for the selection. The selecting tool can recognize various selection gestures coordinated with a semantic relationship of the ink so that the number of selection ink strokes can be minimized. The selecting tool may change for different selection modes depending on the type of graphical object encountered and change of the context for a particular selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Marieke Iwema, Leroy B. Keely, F. David Jones, Robert J. Jarrett
  • Patent number: 8120560
    Abstract: A system provides an image displaying technique that provides stable high contrast even in an area having high brightness. Based on information about an average brightness level of a digital luminance signal, black-correction processing which decreases a brightness level by offsetting the brightness level to the minus side, and increase processing which increases a contrast gain within a dynamic range, are performed for an analog luminance signal or a digital luminance signal, enabling improvement in contrast even where brightness is intense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Ryo Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20120007880
    Abstract: A contrast control device is provided. The device of the invention includes a detecting unit, a judging unit, a backlight control unit, a gain generating unit and a contrast gain processing unit. The detecting unit calculates an average value and detects a maximum value of a current image. The judging unit generates a gain index and a brightness index according to the average value. The backlight control unit generates a backlight control signal according to the brightness index. The gain generating unit generates a first contrast gain value and a soft-clamping gain value according to the gain index, the average value and the maximum value and then selects one from the first contrast gain value and the soft-clamping gain value for output as a second contrast gain value according to an input pixel value of the current image. The contrast gain processing unit generates an output pixel value according to the second contrast gain value and the input pixel value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Pei-Chen HUANG, Yu-Chung Lee, Shih-Yu Hsu, Po-Yang Wu
  • Publication number: 20110310116
    Abstract: In a method, unit and display device the input image signal is split into a regional contrast signal (VRC) and a detail signal (VD), followed by stretching separately the dynamic ranges for both signals, wherein the dynamic range for the regional contrast signal is stretched with a higher stretch ratio than the dynamic range for the detail signal. Preferably the stretch ratio for the detail signal is near 1 or preferably 1. In preferred embodiment highlights are identified and for the highlights the dynamic range is stretched to an even higher degree than for the regional contrast signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Remco Theodorus Johannes Muijs
  • Patent number: 8059913
    Abstract: Provided is an image correction method and apparatus which can enhance the performance of image correction without deteriorating image quality. The image correction method includes creating a cumulative density function (CDF) based on a luminance histogram of an input image; calculating a plurality of correction parameters, which will be respectively applied to a plurality of different luminance adjustment functions, based on the CDF of the input image; and correcting luminance of the input image using the correction parameters and the luminance adjustment functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-hyun Kwon, Hyun-wook Ok, Seong-deok Lee
  • Patent number: 8044974
    Abstract: An image creating apparatus capable of creating cell images allowing reliable determination of cell structures in a cell is provided. This image creating apparatus comprises an image pickup portion picking up a plurality of images of a cell on different focal positions and an image synthesizing portion classifying the plurality of images picked up by the image pickup portion into a plurality of depth ranges as to the focal direction and synthesizing the plurality of images belonging to the respective ones of the plurality of depth ranges every plurality of depth ranges thereby creating focus-synthesized images in focus over corresponding depth ranges every plurality of depth ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Youichi Sumida, Takuma Watanabe, Ryuichiro Emi, Yohko Kawai, Takayuki Mitsuhashi, Kiyoaki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20110242129
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus, system and method are described for an edge-preserving smooth filter for low power architecture. A weighted pixel sum may be determined based on a weight of a central pixel and a weight of one or more neighboring pixels. The weight sum for the central pixel may be set to a power of two. An output of the central pixel may be displayed based on the weight sum and the weighted pixel sum. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Jianping Zhou, Oscar Nestares, Sheethal Bhat, Madhu Athreya
  • Patent number: 8026927
    Abstract: A display that includes at least one gray level being provided to a plurality of pixels that illuminates each of the pixels with the gray level. The display applies corrective data for the pixels so as to reduce the mura effects of said display for those characteristics generally visible by the human visual system and so as not to reduce the mura effects of the display for those characteristics generally not visible by the human visual system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Daly, Yasuo Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7986332
    Abstract: An environment-compliant image display system, projector, and program that enables the reproduction of appropriate colors even when affected by ambient light. The projector has a color control processing update section that corrects colors by adjusting a LUT in a 3D-LUT storage section and brightness by adjusting a grayscale characteristic in a ID-LUT storage section, in order to increase the output in at least a lower grayscale range if the environment is affected by ambient light, based on environmental information that has been measured by a color light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 7969450
    Abstract: A system for optimizing display colors of a digital light processing projector includes a color analyzer, and a central processing module. The color analyzer is configured for detecting a first image produced by the projector to obtain actual brightness proportions of red, green, and blue light components associated with the first image, and obtaining a color coordinate of the first image at the actual brightness proportions. The central processing module is configured for adjusting the actual brightness proportions to pre-set brightness proportions to form a second image. The color analyzer detects the second image to obtain a color coordinate thereof. The central processing module adjusts the color coordinate of the second image to a pre-set standard color coordinate, and changes the first gamma curve of the projector to a second gamma curve according to the adjusted color coordinate of the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Premier Image Technology (China) Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jian-Sheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 7965899
    Abstract: A method is presented for processing an image of a two-dimensional (2D) matrix symbol having a plurality of data modules and a discontinuous finder pattern, each distorted by “donut effects”. A resulting processed image contains an image of the 2D matrix symbol having a continuous finder pattern suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol locating techniques, and having a plurality of data modules, each data module having a center more truly representative of intended data, and suitable for conventional 2D matrix symbol sampling and decoding. The method includes sharpening the distorted image of the 2D matrix symbol to increase a difference between low frequency and high frequency image feature magnitudes, thereby providing a sharpened image, and smoothing the sharpened image using a moving window over the sharpened image so as to provide a smoothed image, the moving window and a module of the 2D matrix code being of substantially similar size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Gognex Technology and Investment Corporation
    Inventors: Sateesha Nadabar, Xiangyun Ye
  • Publication number: 20110122146
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for matching visual features in at least two related medical images. The differences in visual features between at least two related images are identified, such as separate mammography images of a left breast and a right breast of a patient. The visual features may include the image brightness, contrast, sharpness (or edge strength), alignment or dynamic range. The visual features of at least one of the images is then adjusted to match the visual features of the other image, or both images are adjusted to match a predefined value of visual features for a medical image. The adjusted images may then be displayed to a user, such as a radiologist or technician, who is able to more accurately identify physiological inconsistencies between the two images now that they have similar underlying visual features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yao Nie, Chao Shi, Nariman Majdi-Nasab, Akira Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20110090243
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inter-view crosstalk reduction apparatus and method. The inter-view crosstalk reduction apparatus applies a different margin value based on a spatial location of an image, the margin value being used to compensate for crosstalk, performs smoothing of a margin image, and applies a margin only to a portion where the margin is utilized, thereby decreasing crosstalk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ju Yong Park, Yun-Tae Kim, Gee Young Sung, Dong Kyung Nam
  • Patent number: 7916105
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal panel, a data driver configured to supply a pixel driving signal to pixels on the liquid crystal panel in one line unit, an input unit configured to input video data to be supplied to the data driver, a low gray scale compensator configured to compensate a low gray scale value video data in the video data received from the input unit to generate a high gray scale value video data, and a selection controller configured to detect a brightness of the video data received from the input unit, and to selectively supply the high gray scale value video data received from the low gray scale compensator or the video data received from the input unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woong Ki-Min, Jae Woo Lee, So Hyuk Jang
  • Publication number: 20110058739
    Abstract: A system and method of contrast enhancement is disclosed. A contrast enhancement unit processes an input pixel to generate a contrast-enhanced pixel, and a delta unit subtracts the input pixel from the contrast-enhanced pixel, thereby resulting in a difference value. Multiple delayed difference values generated by a delay unit are low-pass filtered to generate a refined difference value. An adding unit adds back the refined difference value to the input pixel, thereby resulting in an output pixel that is contrast-enhanced without noise boost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: HIMAX MEDIA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Shing-Chia Chen
  • Patent number: 7876301
    Abstract: A system provides an image displaying technique that provides stable high contrast even in an area having high brightness. Based on information about an average brightness level of a digital luminance signal, black-correction processing which decreases a brightness level by offsetting the brightness level to the minus side, and increase processing which increases a contrast gain within a dynamic range, are performed for an analog luminance signal or a digital luminance signal, enabling improvement in contrast even where brightness is intense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Aoki, Ryo Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7830548
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates a set of color-toning curves which can be used for color toning (or casting) a monochrome or color image. During operation, the system receives a first set of color-toning parameters for shadow regions, a second set of color-toning parameters for highlight regions, and an invariance property which needs to be maintained during color toning. The color-toning parameters specify the color that is to be applied to the shadows and highlights. Next, the system computes a set of color-toning-curve values and a set of color-toning-curve slopes using the first set of color-toning parameters, the second set of color-toning parameters, and the invariance property. The system then generates the set of color-toning curves using the set of color-toning-curve values and the set of color-toning-curve slopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark Hamburg
  • Publication number: 20100280829
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for photo management using expression-based voice commands. The method interfaces a photo-image discovery device, having no dedicated display, to a display monitor. Expression-based user voice prompt are received and used to access a photo-image in storage at a storage site. The accessed photo-image is then presented on the display monitor. The photo-image in storage at the storage site can be accessed to perform an operation such as: selecting a storage site, selecting a photo-image, transforming a selected photo-image, converting a file format of a selected photo-image, and selecting a delivery option. In one aspect, a menu of photo-image user prompt options are presented on the display monitor, originating from the photo discovery device, and the expression-based user voice prompts are received in response to the presented menu.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Paramesh Gopi, Vinay Ravuri, Dimitry Vaysburg, Prodyut Hazarika
  • Patent number: 7787000
    Abstract: An improved exposure adjustment technique for brightening and darkening an image using a modified Gamma-like (G+) function is provided. The G+ function possesses characteristics such that, when applied brightening an image, the darker pixels are not enhanced too quickly when brightening, and the lighter pixels are not decreased too quickly when darkening. Two pertinent characteristics include the fact that the slope of the G+ function is not infinite at the origin, where “origin” corresponds to black pixels, and the slope near the origin, where corresponding to pixels are relatively dark, is lower than the slope of a conventional Gamma-like function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Russell M. Reid
  • Patent number: 7783121
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for applying a filter to an image whose pixel values can span a large range of values. During operation the system receives an image to which the filter is to be applied. The system then selects a first region within the image which is associated with a first pixel. Next, the system generates a first histogram using pixels within the first region whose values are within a first range of pixel values. Next, the system determines a new value for the first pixel using the first histogram. The system then selects a second region within the image which is associated with a second pixel. Next, the system determines if the second pixel value is within a second range of pixel values. If the second pixel value is within the second range of pixel values, the system determines a non-overlapping region between the first region and the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Adobe Systems Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher B. Cox